leaking
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Concerns rise over old wells affecting new carbon storage efforts in Louisiana
As Louisiana plans extensive carbon injection projects to combat climate change, thousands of abandoned oil wells pose potential leakage risks.
In short:
- Louisiana leads the nation in planned carbon storage wells, with over 60 currently in the permit process.
- The state has around 186,000 abandoned wells, many improperly sealed, raising concerns about CO2 and contaminated water leaks.
- Some experts advocate for more rigorous well assessments and slower project implementation to ensure safety.
Key quote:
“Basic information is lacking for a large number of abandoned wells, especially those plugged before the modern cementing standards instituted in 1953, and the locations of a number of abandoned wells are likely unknown.”
— Robert Rossi and Dominic DiGiulio, environmental scientists
Why this matters:
Improperly managed carbon storage could lead to environmental harm and negate the benefits of reducing atmospheric CO2. These old wells, many of which have not been properly sealed, could potentially leak, undermining the effectiveness of carbon sequestration efforts and posing a substantial environmental risk. If these wells were to leak, not only could they release stored carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, but they might also allow other harmful substances to seep into groundwater supplies.
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West Texas faces a surge in abandoned well blow-outs
An abandoned well explosion in West Texas exposes the broader issue of orphan wells and environmental oversight.
In short:
- An old well's eruption on Bill Wight's ranch has brought to light the numerous undocumented and orphaned wells in Texas.
- The Railroad Commission of Texas, responsible for oil and gas industry regulation, is under scrutiny for its response to environmental cleanup.
- Texas received significant federal funds to address orphan well problems, but the process is hindered by issues of responsibility and documentation.
Key quote:
"Nobody really knows what you’re supposed to do about something like this."
— Bill Wight, rancher
Why this matters:
These relics of the oil and gas industry, numbering in the tens of thousands, can seep toxic chemicals, methane, and other hazardous pollutants into the environment, particularly affecting groundwater quality. The issue is compounded by the sheer volume of orphan wells and the financial and logistical challenges associated with plugging them.
Related: What happens if the largest owner of oil and gas wells in the US goes bankrupt?
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Two ways natural gas may be escaping at your meter
Natural gas is leaking – sometimes deliberately – from residential gas meters up and down the state of California.
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