D22AP00237

To operate an orphan well and orphan site plugging and reclamation program, Wyoming currently operates an orphan well program and has done so for at least several decades. There are currently approximately 1,300 documented orphan wells on the WOGCC orphan well list. Additionally, there are additional locations that may have been previously plugged but require reclamation and soil and groundwater remediation to be completed. There are also several affiliated locations with production or gas plant infrastructure that must be removed and reclaimed.

The purpose of the program that the WOGCC will complete utilizing the initial grant includes several parts. The first purpose of the program will be to plug, remediate, and reclaim as many of the currently documented orphan wells as possible. The second purpose of the program will be to conduct reclamation, and if necessary, remediation of any soil and groundwater impacts on previously plugged orphan well sites where reclamation or remediation was not completed. Finally, the last purpose of the program to be undertaken will be to document and characterize undocumented orphan wells.

The WOGCC expects to plug as many of the current list of documented wells as possible, but inflation, supply chain issues, and availability of contractors could increase costs to the point that not all the wells are able to be plugged with these funds. The majority of the funds associated with these projects will be used to pay contractors completing the work. Some funds will be used by the WOGCC to cover the costs of staff who will be working directly on the projects, completing tasks such as providing inspection oversight, completing contracts, and paying invoices.

The budget details pages provide more information on planned budget, and the attached narrative provides more detail on planned program activities.

State Of Wyoming-Oil & Gas

DECREASE THE AMOUNT OF METHANE EMISSIONS FROM ORPHANED WELLS. ENHANCE THE PROTECTION OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY AND PROPERTY FROM ADVERSE EFFECTS OF OIL DRILLING PRACTICES FROM ORPHANED WELLS ON STATES AND PRIVATE LANDS. PLUG AND REMEDIATE OR RECLAIM ORPHANED WELLS ON STATE AND PRIVATE LANDS.

15.018 - Energy Community Revitalization Program (ECRP)

Interior Business Center (IBC) [DOI]

Wyoming United States

State-Wide

D-AQD-FA-22-003

Infrastructure $25,000,000 (100%) percent this Project Grant was funded by the 2021 Infrastructure Act.
Amendment Since initial award the End Date has been extended from 09/30/23 to 03/31/26.