Solutions for Plug and Abandonment of Oil & Gas Wells

When an oil or gas well is no longer economically productive, the owner is required by state regulations to properly plug and abandon the well, or the well is orphaned and becomes the regulatory authority’s responsibility for closure. Proper closure, including surface restoration, helps prevent environmental releases that can impact sensitive receptors and ultimately enhance property value. Decades of oil and gas production in the U.S. have resulted in both properly plugged, improperly plugged, or orphaned wells. Many of these wells are releasing hydrocarbon constituents, methane, and other harmful compounds into the atmosphere, groundwater, soil, and surface waters. An effective well closure program prioritizes the allocation of spending, closure of wells, and site restoration based on risk as well as regulatory drivers and sensitive receptor protection.

Our Approach

Antea Group believes there is never a one size fits all solution. To deliver results from strategy through implementation, you can trust Antea Group’s consulting expertise to customize a holistic, fit-for-purpose plan aligned specifically with the oil and gas culture, economic cycles, values, and risk.

Our Services for Plug and Abandonment of Oil and Gas Wells

Program-level support and development
Portfolio and site-specific risk screening, evaluation, and prioritization
Research and historic records review (drill logs, well registrations, local geology, etc.)
Initial Site visits to determine remedial actions either in person or through drone technology
Methane detection and subsequent quantification per the Department of Interior’s guidance documents using chamber-based and hi-flow sampling methods
Health and safety reconnaissance to investigate methane, hydrogen sulfide, and other noxious gases or other high-risk scenarios and protection of sensitive receptors
Support for understanding Federal, state and local regulations and access to funding programs
Landowner engagement and access agreement development
Preparation of plug and abandonment well design packages and final plug and abandonment reporting
Contractor management including contracting, safety management, financial field verification (tracking burn rates), and field oversight and documentation for well plugging/abandonment or other activities
Development of delineation programs for petroleum exploration constituent of concern (COC)
Remedial technology selection and short and long-term remedial activity implementation
Resourcing models including the procurement of experienced contract employees