Completed New York Works Well Plugging Projects

Orphan and abandoned wells may present a threat to public safety and the environment. These wells have an increased potential to leak gas and inadequately contain wellbore fluids such as oil and brine. Utilizing funding from the New York Works Well Plugging Initiative (NYWWPI), the following projects have mitigated these threats by properly plugging orphan and abandoned wells.

Newton 1 Well Plugging Project

Counties: Erie; Municipalities: Hamburg

Well Name: Newton 1

Plug Date: 1/17/2022 - 2/14/2022

In February 2022, DEC completed plugging operations on the Newton 1 (API 31-029-60012-00-00), located at the southwest corner of McKinley Parkway and Newton Rd in the Town of Hamburg. The previously unknown orphaned gas well was brought to DEC's attention on December 10, 2020, through a complaint from a nearby resident who indicated they smelled gas. DEC responded to the complaint, inspected the well and determined it was leaking hydrogen sulfide (H2S) outside the production casing. The highest H2S reading obtained was 32.8 parts per million. DEC scored the well, issued its name and API number, and proceeded to plug the well.

Pulaski/Sandy Creek Well Plugging Project 3

Counties: Oswego and Jefferson; Municipalities: Richland, Sandy Creek, Schroeppel, Volney and Hounsfield

Wells Plugged: 9 Gas Wells

Plug Date: 1/27/2021 - 1/6/2022

In January 2021, DEC continued well plugging operations in Oswego County and expanded into Jefferson County. A total of nine orphaned gas wells were plugged through this project including one well that was leaking gas approximately 15 feet from a private residence. Operations were complicated by the advanced age of the wells, deteriorated well casings, and downhole obstructions encountered. After a year of plugging the identified high-priority orphaned wells, the plugging contractor demobilized from the area in January 2022.

Moore Producing Well Plugging Project

County: Allegany; Municipalities: Bolivar and Genesee

Wells Plugged: 87 Oil or Injection Wells

Plug Date: 9/5/2019 - 12/18/2020

The Moore Producing Well Plugging Project consisted of 87 abandoned oil and injection wells located in Allegany County. The well depths ranged from approximately 1,100 feet to 1,200 feet. Well plugging operations began in September 2019 and continued until December 2020 when all wells were plugged.
 

Old Auburn 1 Well Plugging Project

County: Cayuga; Municipality: Throop

Well Name: Old Auburn 1

Plug Date: 6/23/2020 - 10/9/2020

The Old Auburn 1 Well Plugging Project consisted of one abandoned gas well, Old Auburn 1 (API 31-011-01301-00-00), located in the Town of Throop. This well was originally drilled in 1897 to target the Trenton Limestone to a total depth of 3,600 feet and produced gas from the Medina Sandstone. The well was abandoned prior to the establishment of DEC, and after decades of degradation, Old Auburn 1 presented as a leaking open hole in the ground lacking a wellhead or visible casing. The well was flowing artesian and leaking natural gas containing hydrogen sulfide. DEC initiated plugging operations in June 2020 which were complicated due to the poor condition of the well casing and artesian flow. DEC completed plugging operations in October 2020. Final site reclamation occurred in July 2021.

Mundt 828 Well Plugging Project

County: Erie; Municipality: Aurora

Well Name: Mundt 828

Plug Date: 5/20/2020 - 6/1/2020

The Mundt 828 Well Plugging Project consisted of one abandoned gas well, Mundt 828 (API 31-029-15791-00-00), located in the Town of Aurora. DEC received several complaints from the public regarding the well leaking gas near a residential building. Due to safety concerns, plugging operations began in May 2020 and after reaching a depth of 1,600 feet, plugging operations were completed during the same month. Site reclamation is in progress.

Lancaster Well Plugging Project

County: Erie; Municipality: Lancaster

Well Name: Fee 2

Plug Date: 3/13/2020 - 5/26/2020

The project included the plugging of one abandoned gas well, Fee 2 (API 31-0029-60001-00-00), which was leaking gas less than ten feet from a building. In December 2018, the abandoned well was reported to DEC after it was discovered during the excavation of a parking lot. DEC contracted the plugging of Fee 2 in 2019. Plugging operations began in March 2020 and were completed in May 2020. Final reclamation is in progress.

Route 417 Well Plugging Project

County: Allegany; Municipality: Bolivar

Wells Plugged: 10 Oil or Injection Wells

Plug Date: 5/6/2019 - 10/17/2019

The project included the plugging of ten abandoned oil or injection wells located along Rte. 417 in the Town of Bolivar, Allegany County. Prior to well plugging, several wells were continuously leaking fluid potentially polluting the surrounding areas. Plugging operations began in May 2019 and were completed in October 2019.

Steuben County Well Plugging Project

Counties: Steuben; Municipalities: Avoca, Canisteo, Greenwood, Rathbone, and West Union

Wells Plugged: 8 Gas Wells

Plug Date: 12/5/2018 - 9/30/2019

The project includes the plugging of eight abandoned gas wells located throughout Steuben County. Between 1931 and 1954, the wells were drilled to depths from 845 to 3,747 feet. In December 2018, plugging operations began on the first well. Complications were encountered due to limited well records, poor downhole conditions, and shallow gas formations. As of September 2020, eight wells were plugged and the wellsites were reclaimed.

Thornton-Bradley/Warfield Well Plugging Project

County: Allegany; Municipalities: Alma and Willing

Wells Plugged: 40 Oil or Injection Wells

Plug Date: 3/28/2019 - 8/9/2019

The project consisted of the plugging of 40 abandoned oil/injection wells located in Allegany County. Between 1946 and 1953, the wells were drilled to depths from 964 to 1,209 feet. Many of these orphaned wells lacked adequate wellheads to control flow within close proximity to surface waters and wetlands. The contract was finalized in January 2019, and well plugging operations began in March 2019. All plugging and reclamation operations were completed by August 2019.

Pulaski/Sandy Creek Well Plugging Projects 1 and 2

County: Oswego; Municipalities: Richland and Sandy Creek

Wells Plugged: 13 Gas Wells

Plug Date: 11/29/2018 - 11/19/2019

These projects included the plugging of 13 abandoned gas wells located throughout Oswego County. The wells were drilled between 1890 and 1920 to known depths ranging from 890 feet to 1,265 feet. Due to the advanced age of these wells and lack of maintenance, the casing and tubing were in poor condition therefore providing potential pathways for fluids to pollute groundwater and leading to unavoidable plugging complications. Well plugging operations began in November 2018 and were completed in November 2019.

Ontario County 1 Well Plugging Project

County: Ontario; Municipalities: Bristol, South Bristol, Canandaigua, East Bloomfield, and Richmond

Wells Plugged: 6 Gas Wells

Plug Date: 8/9/2018 - 9/10/2019

The project included the plugging of six abandoned gas wells located throughout Ontario County. Between 1917 and 1976, the wells were drilled to target the Medina, Oriskany, and Queenston formations at depths from 884 to 3,850 feet. Four wells included in the project are leaking natural gas which is a potential environmental and public safety hazard. Well plugging operations began in August 2018 and were completed in September 2019.

Wadsworth Hill 1 Well Plugging Project

County: Allegany; Municipality: Ward

Well Name: Wadsworth Hill 1

Plug Date: 12/5/2018 - 12/9/2018

In 2018, the Department received notification of a crude oil spill impacting soils and a drainage ditch in the Town of Ward, Allegany County. The source of the pollution was determined to be an orphan oil well, named the "Wadsworth Hill 1" well. As the existence of the well was previously unknown, the well was likely drilled prior to the establishment of the Department. To mitigate the source of the pollution, the well was quickly prioritized for plugging. Well plugging operations commenced on December 5, 2018 and concluded on December 9, 2018. The wellsite has been reseeded and mulched with hay to help facilitate the growth of vegetative cover.

C&G Oil Co. Well Plugging Project

County: Allegany; Municipality: Wirt

Wells Plugged: 16 Oil Wells

Plug Date: 8/8/2018 - 11/15/2018

The project consisted of the plugging of 16 orphan oil wells located in the Town of Wirt, Allegany County. The wells were formerly operated by C & G Oil Co., and little information is known regarding the wells. Due to decades of neglect, the wells had fallen into states of disrepair. Most notably, the Hicks Farm 6 well was leaking fluids, including oil, from a hole in the surface casing into a nearby pond. In an effort to mitigate these environmental and potential public safety threats, the C&G Oil Co. Well Plugging Project was created. Well plugging operations began in August 2018 and concluded in November 2018. Final reclamation was complete in 2019.

Seneca County Well Plugging Project

County: Seneca; Municipalities: Waterloo, Junius, and Ovid

Wells Plugged: 5 Gas Wells

Plug Date: 6/21/2018 - 10/22/2018

The project included the plugging of five gas wells located in various towns throughout Seneca County. These wells were drilled in the 1930s and 1960s and ranged in depth from 986 to 1,554 feet. Two wells, the Button A and Dadson 1, were located within close proximity to New York State freshwater wetlands (Burnett Pond and Junius Ponds). Additionally, the wetlands surrounding the Dadson 1 are a known habitat for the endangered bog turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii). Due to the environmentally sensitive locations of these wells, a heightened potential threat existed. Well plugging operations commenced in late June 2018 and concluded in October 2018.

Leichner 1 Well Plugging Project

County: Chautauqua; Municipality: Carroll

Well Name: Leichner 1

Plug Date: 9/18/2018 - 10/1/2018

The project consisted of the plugging of one abandoned gas well, the Leichner 1 (API # 31-013-20286-00-00), that was audibly leaking natural gas in a wooded area near a residence and wetland. The well was drilled in 1986 to a total depth of 4,465 feet, targeting the Medina formation. The well was abandoned by the responsible operator and presented an environmental and potential public safety hazard. Plugging operations commenced in September 2018 and were completed shortly after in October 2018.

Moose Oil Wells - Package 2 Well Plugging Project

County: Allegany; Municipality: Bolivar

Wells Plugged: 61 Oil Wells

Plug Date: 6/7/2017 - 2/23/2018

The project consisted of the plugging of 61 abandoned oil and injection wells located on the Tullar Lease, a subset of the leases formerly operated by Moose Oil Company. The wells were drilled in the early to mid-1900s to target the Perrysburg Unit at known depths from 1,312 to 1,720 feet. The wells had fallen into states of disrepair as a result of being abandoned for several decades. Plugging operations commenced in June 2017 and were completed in February 2018.

Lewandowski U1 Well Plugging Project

County: Erie; Municipality: Lancaster

Well Name: Lewandowski U1

Plug Date: 8/29/2017 - 10/20/2017

The project included the plugging of the Lewandowski U1 (API #31-029-61745-00-00) gas well. The Department received a landowner complaint that this previously unknown orphan well was leaking methane. Department staff performed an inspection and reported an audible gas leak from the well, which was located approximately 250 feet from the complainant's residence. As the well was leaking gas in proximity to a residential dwelling, it qualified for inclusion in the NYWWPI program. Department staff conducted a pre-bid meeting at the well site in late June 2017, and the contract was awarded in August 2017. Well plugging began immediately, and reclamation was completed in October 2017.

Baldwinsville Well Plugging Project

County: Onondaga; Municipalities: Baldwinsville, Lysander, and Van Buren

Wells Plugged: 6 Gas Wells

Plug Date: 3/27/2017 - 7/25/2017

The project included the plugging of six abandoned gas wells located in Onondaga County. There were limited records for the wells associated with the plugging project. Three of the wells were drilled in the late 1890s, while the remaining three wells were drilled in the 1960s. The wells were drilled to total depths between 1,200 and 3,000 feet to target the Trenton, Medina, or Queenston Formations. After being abandoned by their original operators, these wells were left unmaintained for decades. Well leaks and potential structural integrity issues posed a threat to public safety and the environment. The Morse 1 well was leaking natural gas less than five feet from a building. Similarly, the Dowe 2 was also leaking natural gas less than 15 feet from a building. Plugging operations became increasingly difficult due to methane encountered in the Lockport formation at shallow depths. For example, after the surface plug was set in the Unknown Well, natural gas was observed flowing through the cement to the surface. Additional efforts involving the re-setting of cement plugs were required to ensure the successful plugging of the well.

Moose Oil Wells - Package 1 Well Plugging Project

County: Allegany; Municipality: Bolivar

Wells Plugged: 73 Oil or Injection Wells

Plug Date: 6/30/2016 - 5/18/2017

The project comprised the plugging of 73 oil development and injection wells. Specifically, the contract targeted wells located on the Bradensbrook, Hoover, McCarthy, and Myrtle leases formerly operated by the Moose Oil Company. The wells and associated leases were abandoned decades before the commencement of Department plugging operations. Project development began with the Department's well inspections, which documented a substantial number of wells in an advanced state of disrepair. Some of the wells were actively leaking oil and/or, brine, while other wells exhibited dried ("caked") oil on the wellheads, evidencing past leaks. Abandoned wells have an increased potential for leaking and inadequately containing wellbore fluids, thus presenting a public safety and environmental threat. As the project included a large number of wells and disturbed more than an acre of land, staff developed a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan to mitigate erosion and sedimentation during wellsite preparation, plugging, and reclamation operations.

F. E. Petroleum / Merrill Resources Inc. Lawrence Lease Well Plugging Project

County: Cattaraugus; Municipality: Farmersville

Wells Plugged: 9 Oil Wells

Plug Date: 12/5/2016- 1/5/2017

The project entailed the plugging of nine abandoned oil development wells located on the Lawrence Lease, formerly operated by two long-defunct companies, F.E. Petroleum Corp. and Merrill Resources Inc. The wells were drilled between 1974 and 1981 to an average depth of approximately 500 feet. The Lawrence Lease had been abandoned by the former operators for decades prior to the commencement of Department plugging operations. As a result, the wells were not properly maintained, and overgrown vegetation precluded easy access for inspections. Abandoned wells can present a significant risk to public safety and the environment, as they may leak oil, brine, and/or other fluids, to surface and subsurface resources.

City of Elmira Well Plugging Project

Counties: Chemung and Steuben; Municipalities: Elmira, Southport, and Hornby

Wells Plugged: 5 Gas Wells

Plug Date: 5/18/2016 - 9/15/2016

The project comprised the plugging of five abandoned gas wells that were located in or near the City of Elmira. Completed between 1940 and 1941, the wells targeted the Oriskany formation, and were drilled to depths ranging from 2,740 to 3,230 feet. The wells had been abandoned by their original operators for decades prior to Department plugging operations. Local fire officials had received complaints from residents because vandals periodically set the Mangin well on fire. In response to these complaints and safety concerns, the City of Elmira Well Plugging Project was developed. Due to the advanced age, lack of maintenance, and proximity to residential dwellings, these abandoned wells posed a significant threat to public health and the environment.

Davis Well Plugging Project

County: Steuben; Municipality: Cameron

Well Name: Hall 1

Plug Date: 7/15/2015 - 7/17/2015

The project comprised plugging a 3,900-foot Oriskany gas well that had been leaking natural gas and flowing brine to the North Branch of Tuscarora Creek for decades. To compound the situation, an adjoining landowner had connected a large propane tank and fittings to the leaking well to provide natural gas service to his residence and initially resisted Department efforts to plug the well. Division of Mineral Resources staff coordinated with the Division of Law Enforcement in an effort to defuse any potential confrontations with the landowner during the plugging process. After setting the production zone plug and effectively "killing" the well, a small gas leak was detected outside the surface casing that had been installed to stabilize the well for plugging. Department staff performed additional monitoring, and the plugging contractor then returned to the site to remediate the situation. Site reclamation included grading, replacement of topsoil, seeding, and mulching in order to provide a vegetative cover similar to surrounding unaffected areas. Department staff monitored the site periodically until the vegetative cover was fully re-established.

Sacilowski 1 Well Plugging Project

County: Erie; Municipality: Cheektowaga

Well Name: Sacilowski 1

Plug Date: 4/20/2015 - 6/23/2015

The Sacilowski 1 was a long-abandoned gas well located along a sidewalk in a suburban residential setting. The well was drilled prior to the existence of a regulatory framework in New York, and the original operator is unknown. In the late 1960s, pressure in the well increased sufficiently to eject fluids and part of the well casing into the air. In addition, the well was also documented to have leaked hydrogen sulfide gas. The well represented a significant threat to public health and the environment.

Rome Sand Plains Well Plugging Project

County: Oneida; Municipality: Rome

Wells Plugged: 8 Gas Wells

Plug Date: 3/25/2014 - 6/11/2014

The project comprised the plugging of eight abandoned gas wells located in the City of Rome. These wells were drilled and completed between the 1890s and 1930s in the Trenton Formation at total depths ranging from 705 to 900 feet. As the city grew over time, the wells were disregarded by the local population and became parts of residential, commercial, or recreational properties. Two of the eight wells, Ringdahl Ivan 1 and Ringdahl Ivan 2, were located in Wright-Hazelton Park. Ringdahl Ivan 1 was located approximately 150 feet from a playground area in the park. There were reports of significant natural gas releases from the well due to historic vandalism. Another well, Finley 1, was leaking natural gas approximately 15 feet from a residence. The limited space between residential buildings posed significant challenges for well plugging operations. Mitigating the significant threats associated with these wells, plugging and reclamation was completed in June 2014.

Brandy Brook Well Plugging Project

County: Oneida; Municipality: Rome

Well Name: Stoklos & Cisek 1 ("Brandy Brook Well")

Plug Date: 5/7/2014 - 5/13/2014

The project entailed the plugging of the abandoned Stoklos & Cisek 1 gas well (termed the "Brandy Brook Well"). This well was one of the highest-scoring abandoned gas wells in the state. Drilled vertically to a total depth of 932 feet, the well was completed in the Trenton Formation. As the well was drilled prior to the existence of a regulatory framework and Department oversight, many additional details regarding the well are unknown (e.g., drilling date, original operator, construction details).

Department inspections noted the well in an advanced state of disrepair. The well was leaking natural gas, and records indicated that brine had been flowing freely from the top of the well casing onto the land surface for decades, discharging to Brandy Brook, a tributary of West Canada Creek, and resulting in the denudation of over an acre of land. The well had been set aflame by vandals many times over the years, and Department staff had responded to complaints associated with it on numerous occasions. The well was successfully plugged, and reclamation of the surrounding area was completed on May 13, 2014. After the plugging and restoration efforts, the wellsite and surrounding land was monitored by Department staff to ensure the effectiveness of the reclamation. The plugging of this well and the restoration of the surrounding land surface are a great success story for the NYWWPI.