Responsibly Completing the Lifecycle of Orphan Oil and Gas Wells

The Orphan Well Cooperative brings all of the necessary parties to the table, working together to bring awareness, data-driven understanding, and finally solutions and action to the forefront.

Honest • Empowering • Expert • Dedicated •

Orphan Well

What are orphan wells?

Orphan oil and gas wells no longer have an operator to maintain or remediate them and have become the responsibility of state, federal, or tribal governments.

Why are they a problem?

As these wells age, they can pose risks to human health and well-being and threaten our natural resources.

Climate Impact: Methane Emissions

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Orphan wells can leak methane into the atmosphere, exacerbating the climate crisis.

Contaminate Air, Soil, and Water

Orphan wells can contaminate groundwater with oil, gas, and other chemicals. This can make drinking water unsafe and lead to a variety of health problems.

Pose safety risks to humans and wildlife

Orphan wells can attract wildlife, such as deer and elk. These animals can become trapped in wells or poisoned by contaminated water.

Decrease the value and productivity of the land

Orphan wells can pose a safety hazard to people and property. Exposed wellheads can cause falls, and leaking gas can create an explosion hazard.

What is being done about orphan wells?

There is a growing movement to plug orphan oil and gas wells and restore the associated lands. A number of states, tribes, and the federal government have establish programs to fund this work using taxpayer dollars. We help bring ALL of the stakeholders together to ensure the strategic and equitable use of every available resource.

Together we find solutions

What we have done

Compile

Produced the first ever compilation of orphan wells from each of the United States to establish and corroborate a nation-wide orphan well count.

Prioritize

Established the only publicly available prioritization matrix with a team of task force experts on social and environmental justice.

Check Webmap

Gather

Brought regulators, policymakers, service providers, landowners, oil & gas companies, carbon project developers, scientific researchers, NGO’s and other NPO’s together for collaborative Field Event and learning experience.

Grant

Granted resources to establish the first and only member driven trade association (OWMA) to unify and amplify the various entities addressing orphan wells.

Visit OWMA

Create

Co-authored the METHODOLOGY FOR THE QUANTIFICATION, MONITORING, REPORTING AND VERIFICATION OF GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS AND REMOVALS FROM PLUGGING ORPHAN OIL AND GAS WELLS IN THE U.S. AND CANADA

Methodology

We are a community committed to solving for orphan wells.

Kate Handerson

February 2023

I will do whatever I can to protect my home and my neighbors.

Amy Townsend-Small

February 2023

Because awareness and education makes us more powerful.

Brooke Swain

February 2023

My family has been involved in the oil & gas industry for many generations, this work is how I honor my heritage.

Make the difference

Resources for orphan wells

Donate

Volunteer

Spread the word

Report an Orphan

Let’s change this scenario

Failed Oil Well Plugs Are Silent Polluters That No One Watches

The Rising Cost of the Oil Industry’s Slow Death

How abandoned oil wells plague the Osage Nation

Landowners sue oil company for allegedly abandoning well on property: ‘We need the oil and gas companies to be accountable’

Our latest Form 990, a non profit tax return, includes our structure and also shows our income and expenses.

Backlog of abandoned ‘orphan wells’ grows in Texas despite infusion of federal money

Landowners sue oil company for allegedly abandoning well on property: ‘We need the oil and gas companies to be accountable’

How abandoned oil wells plague the Osage Nation

Latest news

Recent press releases and commentary

Failed Oil Well Plugs Are Silent Polluters That No One Watches
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Research & Reports

Expert analysis and investigations

Our latest Form 990, a non profit tax return, includes our structure and also shows our income and expenses.
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The Orphan Well Cooperative is a nonprofit organization working to plug orphan wells.

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Any questions?

Send us an email:

info@orphanwell.org

Want to talk?

Give us a call:

(918) 524-9717

6110 E 51st Pl #35806, Tulsa, OK 74153

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The Orphan Well Cooperative is a nonprofit organization with tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.