EPA Plugs Abandoned Oil Wells to Protect Waterways in New York

Over the past six years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has plugged close to 300 abandoned—and in some cases leaking—oil wells in New York in an effort to prevent any remaining oil that may be in the wells from reaching nearby lakes, rivers and streams.

The abandoned wells, many of which no longer have owners, have not been maintained for decades and are gradually deteriorating to the point at which crude oil could leak from broken well casings, pipes and storage tanks. To prevent future leaks, EPA has had the wells filled with concrete and a fine clay substance called bentonite to immobilize any remaining oil. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation referred the abandoned oil wells to EPA for cleanup.

Since 2005, EPA has overseen the plugging of 294 wells at six locations. Later this summer, EPA will oversee the plugging of abandoned wells on the Burrows Oil Lease Site in Olean, N.Y. The site comprises 13 crude oil production wells, some of which are leaking or show evidence of past leakage. The site borders Mix Creek, a tributary of the Allegheny River.

Source: EPA