Completed New York Works Well Plugging Projects

Importance of New York Works Well Plugging Initiative

Orphaned and abandoned wells may present a threat to public safety and the environment. These wells have an increased potential to leak gas and inadequately contain wellbore fluids such as oil and brine. Utilizing funding from the New York Works Well Plugging Initiative, the following projects have mitigated these threats by properly plugging orphaned and abandoned wells.

Completed New York Works Well Plugging Projects

Bischof 1 Plugging Project

County: Erie; Municipality: Clarence

Wells Plugged: 1 Gas Well

Plug Date: 8/3/2023 – 8/10/2023

This project included the Bischof 1 (API 31-029-66616-00-00) abandoned gas well located on Transit Road in the Town of Clarence, Erie County. East Amherst Fire Department Dispatch contacted DEC on July 19, 2023 about this well as it was leaking gas, hydrogen sulfide, and black liquid within 60 feet of two nearby businesses and multiple residences. 

Due to the sensitive location and threat to the environment, public health, and public safety, DEC took temporary possession of the well and expedited well plugging. Plugging operations began and were completed during August 2023. Final site reclamation occurred in September 2023.

Canfield U1 Plugging Project

County: Erie; Municipality: Elma

Wells Plugged: 1 Gas Well

Plug Date: 1/30/2023 – 2/27/2023

This project included the previously unknown abandoned gas well Canfield U1 (API 31-029-60016-00-00) in the Town of Elma, Erie County. National Fuel contacted DEC on July 28, 2022 after investigating a landowner complaint about a sulfur smell. They determined it was not a potential gas line leak and may be related to a well. DEC reviewed old maps and located the abandoned well 100 feet from the landowner’s residence. It was bubbling and DEC inspectors measured hydrogen sulfide at concentrations as high as 22 parts per million. A temporary vent pipe was placed on the well until plugging began. Plugging operations commenced in January 2023 and were completed February 2023. Final site reclamation occurred in June 2023.

Steuben County Well Plugging Project 2

County: Steuben; Municipalities: Greenwood and Howard

Wells Plugged: 3 Oil Wells and 2 Gas Wells

Plug Date: 2/15/2022 – 1/30/2023

This project consisted of three oil wells and two gas wells located in Steuben County. The abandoned wells were leaking oil and/or brine near residences and wetlands. Plugging operations began in February 2022 and were completed in January 2023. Final site reclamation occurred in September 2023.

West Branch Well Plugging Project

County: Cattaraugus; Municipality: Allegany

Wells Plugged: 11 Oil Wells

Plug Date: 5/4/2022 – 9/29/2022

This project consisted of 11 abandoned oil wells located near West Branch and Boulder Ridge Roads in Cattaraugus County. Since the wells were drilled prior to the existence of a regulatory framework in New York, the original operators are unknown. The abandoned oil wells were located near residences and may have been negatively affecting local water quality. DEC initiated plugging operations in May 2022 and completed plugging operations in September 2022. Final site reclamation occurred in October 2022.

Newton 1 Well Plugging Project

County: Erie; Municipality: Hamburg

Wells Plugged: 1 Gas Well

Plug Date: 1/17/2022 – 2/14/2022

This project included the previously unknown abandoned gas well Newton 1 (API 31-029-60012-00-00) located at the southwest corner of McKinley Parkway and Newton Rd in the Town of Hamburg, Erie County. Newton 1 was brought to DEC's attention on December 10, 2020 through a complaint from a nearby resident who smelled gas. DEC inspected the well and determined it was leaking hydrogen sulfide outside the production casing. The highest hydrogen sulfide reading obtained was 32.8 parts per million. DEC scored the well and  issued its name and API number. Plugging operations commenced in January 2022 and were completed in February 2022. Final site reclamation occurred in May 2022.

Pulaski/Sandy Creek Well Plugging Project 3

Counties: Oswego and Jefferson; Municipalities: Richland, Sandy Creek, Schroeppel, Volney and Hounsfield

Wells Plugged: 9 Gas Wells

Plug Date: 1/27/2021 – 1/6/2022

This project included nine abandoned gas wells located in Oswego and Jefferson Counties. One of these wells was leaking gas approximately 15 feet from a private residence. Plugging operations commenced in January 2021. Operations were complicated by the advanced age of the wells, deteriorated well casings, and downhole obstructions encountered. After a year, plugging operations were completed in January 2022. Final site reclamation was completed in May 2023.

Moore Producing Well Plugging Project

County: Allegany; Municipalities: Bolivar and Genesee

Wells Plugged: 87 Oil or Injection Wells

Plug Date: 9/5/2019 – 12/18/2020

The Moore Producing Well Plugging Project consisted of 87 abandoned oil and injection wells located in Allegany County. Many of these wells were abandoned decades ago by the operator Moore Producing Co. The well depths ranged from approximately 1,100 feet to 1,200 feet. Well plugging operations began in September 2019 and continued until December 2020 when all wells were plugged. Final site reclamation occurred in January 2021.

Old Auburn 1 Well Plugging Project

County: Cayuga; Municipality: Throop

Wells Plugged: 1 Gas Well

Plug Date: 6/23/2020 – 10/9/2020

The Old Auburn 1 Well Plugging Project consisted of the Old Auburn 1 (API 31-011-01301-00-00) abandoned gas well located in the Town of Throop, Cayuga County. This well was drilled in 1897 to a total measured depth of 3,600 feet and produced gas from the Medina Sandstone. Old Auburn 1 was abandoned prior to the establishment of DEC. After decades of degradation, the well became a leaking open hole in the ground lacking a wellhead or visible casing. The well was flowing artesian and leaking natural gas containing hydrogen sulfide. Plugging operations commenced in June 2020. After months of complications due to the poor condition of the well casing and artesian flow, DEC completed plugging operations in October 2020. Final site reclamation occurred in July 2021.

Mundt 828 Well Plugging Project

County: Erie; Municipality: Aurora

Wells Plugged: 1 Gas Well

Plug Date: 5/20/2020 – 6/1/2020

This project consisted of one abandoned gas well, Mundt 828 (API 31-029-15791-00-00), located in the Town of Aurora, Erie County. The well was drilled in 1980 to a total measured depth of 1,760 feet. DEC received several complaints from the public regarding the well leaking gas near a residential building. Due to safety concerns, plugging operations began in May 2020.Plugging operations and final site reclamation was completed in June 2020.

Lancaster Well Plugging Project

County: Erie; Municipality: Lancaster

Wells Plugged: 1 Gas Well

Plug Date: 3/13/2020 – 5/19/2020

This project included one previously unknown abandoned gas well, Fee 2 (API 31-0029-60001-00-00) in the Town of Lancaster, Erie County. Fee 2 was reported to DEC after it was discovered during the excavation of a parking lot in December 2018. Once uncovered, it was leaking gas less than ten feet from a building. DEC contracted the plugging of Fee 2 in 2019. Plugging operations began in March 2020 and were completed in May 2020. Final site reclamation occurred in August 2020.

Route 417 Well Plugging Project

County: Allegany; Municipality: Bolivar

Wells Plugged: 10 Oil and Injection Wells

Plug Date: 5/6/2019 – 10/17/2019

This project included ten abandoned oil and injection wells located along Rte. 417 in the Town of Bolivar, Allegany County. Several wells were continuously leaking fluid, which may have polluted the surrounding areas. Plugging operations began in May 2019 and were completed in October 2019. Final site reclamation occurred in October 2019.

Steuben County Well Plugging Project 1

County: Steuben; Municipalities: Avoca, Canisteo, Greenwood, Rathbone, and West Union

Wells Plugged: 9 Gas Wells

Plug Date: 12/5/2018 – 9/30/2019

This project includes the plugging of nine abandoned gas wells located throughout Steuben County. The wells were drilled between 1931 and 1954 to total measured depths from 845 to 3,747 feet. Plugging operations began on the first well in December 2018. Complications were encountered due to limited well records, poor downhole conditions, and shallow gas formations. Plugging operations were completed in September 2020. Final site reclamation occurred in October 2020.

Thornton-Bradley/Warfield Well Plugging Project

County: Allegany; Municipalities: Alma and Willing

Wells Plugged: 40 Oil or Injection Wells

Plug Date: 3/28/2019 – 8/9/2019

This project consisted of the plugging of 40 abandoned oil and injection wells located throughout Allegany County. The wells were drilled between 1946 and 1953 to total measured depths from 964 to 1,209 feet. Many of these abandoned wells lacked adequate wellheads to control flow and were located near surface waters and wetlands. Plugging operations began in March 2019. Plugging operations and final site reclamation were completed by August 2019.

Pulaski/Sandy Creek Well Plugging Projects 1 and 2

County: Oswego; Municipalities: Richland and Sandy Creek

Wells Plugged: 14 Gas Wells

Plug Date: 10/31/2018 – 11/19/2019 (ß idk which date this is – Plug End dates is 6/17/2020)

These projects included 14 abandoned gas wells located throughout Oswego County. The wells were drilled between 1890 and 1920 to total measured depths from 890 feet to 1,265 feet. Due to the advanced age of these wells and lack of maintenance, the casing and tubing were in poor condition. This provided potential pathways for fluids to pollute groundwater and led to unavoidable plugging complications. Plugging operations began in November 2018 and were completed in June 2020. Final site reclamation occurred in September 2023.

Ontario County 1 Well Plugging Project

County: Ontario; Municipalities: Bristol, South Bristol, Canandaigua, East Bloomfield, and Richmond

Wells Plugged: 6 Gas Wells

Plug Date: 8/9/2018 – 8/4/2019

This project included the plugging of six abandoned gas wells located throughout Ontario County. The wells were drilled between 1917 and 1976 to target the Medina, Oriskany, and Queenston formations at total measured depths from 884 to 3,850 feet. Four wells were leaking natural gas, which was a potential environmental and public safety hazard. Plugging operations began in August 2018 and were completed in August 2019. Final site reclamation occurred in September 2019.

Wadsworth Hill 1 Well Plugging Project

County: Allegany; Municipality: Ward

Wells Plugged: 1 Oil Well

Plug Date: 12/5/2018 – 12/9/2018

This project included one abandoned oil well, Wadsworth Hill 1 (API 31-003-60038-00-00), located in the Town of Ward, Allegany County. During 2018, DEC was notified about a crude oil spill impacting soils and a drainage ditch. While inspecting the source of the pollution, DEC discovered the previously unknown Wadsworth Hill 1 oil well. To mitigate the source of the pollution, the well was quickly prioritized for plugging. During December 2018, plugging operations concluded and site reclamation was completed.

C&G Oil Co. Well Plugging Project

County: Allegany; Municipality: Wirt

Wells Plugged: 16 Oil Wells

Plug Date: 7/25//2018 – 11/15/2018

This project consisted of 16 abandoned oil wells located in the Town of Wirt, Allegany County. Little information was known about these wells that were formerly operated by C & G Oil Co.Due to decades of neglect, the wells had fallen into states of disrepair. Most notably, the Hicks Farm 6 well was leaking fluids, including oil, from a hole in the surface casing into a nearby pond. Plugging operations began in July 2018 and concluded in November 2018. Final site reclamation was completed in 2019.

Seneca County Well Plugging Project

County: Seneca; Municipalities: Waterloo, Junius, and Ovid

Wells Plugged: 5 Gas Wells

Plug Date: 5/7/2018 – 10/26/2018

This project included five gas wells located throughout Seneca County. The wells were drilled in the 1930s and 1960s to total measured depths from 986 to 1,554 feet. Two wells were located near New York State freshwater wetlands, Burnett Pond and Junius Ponds. Additionally, the wetlands surrounding one well is a habitat for the endangered bog turtle, Glyptemys muhlenbergii. Due to the environmentally sensitive locations of these wells, a heightened potential threat existed. Plugging operations commenced in May 2018 and concluded in October 2018. Final site reclamation occurred in November 2019.

Leichner 1 Well Plugging Project

County: Chautauqua; Municipality: Carroll

Wells Plugged: 1 Gas Well

Plug Date: 9/18/2018 – 10/1/2018

This project consisted of one abandoned gas well, the Leichner 1 (API31-013-20286-00-00) located in the Town of Carroll, Chautauqua County. The well was drilled in 1986 to a total measured depth of 4,465 feet, targeting the Medina formation. Leichner 1 was abandoned by the responsible operator and was audibly leaking natural gas in a wooded area near a residence and wetland. Plugging operations commenced in September 2018 and were completed with the final site reclamation in October 2018.

Moose Oil Wells - Package 2 Well Plugging Project

County: Allegany; Municipality: Bolivar

Wells Plugged: 61 Oil Wells

Plug Date: 5/31/2017 – 2/23/2018

This project consisted of 61 abandoned oil and injection wells located on the Tullar Lease, a subset of the leases formerly operated by Moose Oil Co. in the Town of Bolivar, Allegany County. The wells were drilled in the early to mid-1900s to total measured depths from 1,312 to 1,720 feet targeting the Perrysburg Unit. The wells had fallen into states of disrepair after being abandoned for several decades. Plugging operations commenced in May 2017 and were completed with the final site reclamation in February 2018.

Lewandowski U1 Well Plugging Project

County: Erie; Municipality: Lancaster

Wells Plugged: 1 Gas Well

Plug Date: 8/29/2017 – 10/20/2017

This project included the previously unknown abandoned gas well, Lewandowski U1 (API 31-029-61745-00-00), located in the Town of Lancaster, Erie County. During December 2016, DEC received a landowner complaint about an audible leak on their property. DEC located Lewandowski U1 and discovered it was leaking methane approximately 250 feet from the complainant's residence. Plugging commenced in August 2017 and were completed with the final site reclamation in October 2017.

Baldwinsville Well Plugging Project

County: Onondaga; Municipalities: Baldwinsville, Lysander, and Van Buren

Wells Plugged: 6 Gas Wells

Plug Date: 3/27/2017 – 7/25/2017

This project included six abandoned gas wells located throughout Onondaga County. The wells were drilled in the late 1890s and the 1960s to total measured depths between 1,200 and 3,000 feet. After being abandoned by their original operators, these wells were left unmaintained for decades. Well leaks and potential structural integrity issues posed a threat to public safety and the environment. Two wells were leaking natural gas less than 15 feet from a building. Plugging operations became increasingly difficult due to methane encountered at shallow depths. For one well, natural gas was observed flowing through the cement to the surface, and additional efforts involving the re-setting of cement plugs were required to ensure the successful plugging of the well. Plugging commenced in March 2017 and was completed in July 2017. Final site reclamation was completed in August 2017.

Moose Oil Wells - Package 1 Well Plugging Project

County: Allegany; Municipality: Bolivar

Wells Plugged: 73 Oil or Injection Wells

Plug Date: 6/30/2016 – 5/20/2017

This project comprised of 73 abandoned oil and injection wells located in the Town of Bolivar, Allegany County. Specifically, the wells were on the Bradensbrook, Hoover, McCarthy, and Myrtle leases formerly operated by the Moose Oil Co A substantial number of wells were in an advanced state of disrepair. Some wells were actively leaking oil and/or brine, while other wells exhibited dried ("caked") oil on the wellheads, evidencing past leaks. Since the project included a large number of wells and disturbed more than an acre of land, DEC developed a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan to mitigate erosion and sedimentation during wellsite preparation, plugging, and reclamation operations. Plugging operations began June 2016 and were completed with final site reclamation in May 2017.

F. E. Petroleum / Merrill Resources Inc. Lawrence Lease Well Plugging Project

County: Cattaraugus; Municipality: Farmersville

Wells Plugged: 9 Oil Wells

Plug Date: 12/5/2016 – 1/5/2017

This project included nine abandoned oil wells located in Farmersville, Cattaraugus County. Specifically, the wells were on the Lawrence Lease, formerly operated by two long-defunct companies, F.E. Petroleum Corp. and Merrill Resources Inc. The wells were drilled between 1974 and 1981 to an average total measured depth of approximately 500 feet. Since the wells were abandoned for decades, they were not properly maintained, and overgrown vegetation precluded easy access for inspections. Plugging operations began December 2016 and were completed with final site reclamation in January 2017.

City of Elmira Well Plugging Project

Counties: Chemung and Steuben; Municipalities: Elmira, Southport, and Hornby

Wells Plugged: 5 Gas Wells

Plug Date: 5/18/2016 – 9/15/2016

This project comprised of five abandoned gas wells located throughout Chemung and Steuben Counties. The wells were drilled between 1940 and 1941 to total measured depths from 2,740 to 3,230 feet. Local fire officials received complaints from residents because vandals periodically set the Mangin (API 31-015-00606-00-00) well on fire. Due to the advanced age, lack of maintenance, and proximity to residential dwellings, these abandoned wells posed a significant threat to public health and the environment. Plugging operations began May 2016 and were completed with final site reclamation in September 2016.

Davis Well Plugging Project

County: Steuben; Municipality: Cameron

Wells Plugged: 1 Gas Well

Plug Date: 7/15/2015 – 7/17/2015

This project comprised of one abandoned gas well, Hall 1 (API 31-101-00100-00-00), located in the Town of Cameron, Steuben County. The well had been leaking natural gas and flowing brine to the North Branch of Tuscarora Creek for decades. To compound the situation, an adjoining landowner had connected a large propane tank and fittings to the leaking well to provide natural gas service to his residence and initially resisted DEC efforts to plug the well. Division of Mineral Resources coordinated with the Division of Law Enforcement to defuse any potential confrontations with the landowner during the plugging process. After setting the production zone plug and effectively "killing" the well, a small gas leak was detected outside the surface casing that had been installed to stabilize the well for plugging. DEC performed additional monitoring, and the plugging contractor then returned to the site to remediate the situation. During July 2015, plugging operations and final site reclamation were completed.

Sacilowski 1 Well Plugging Project

County: Erie; Municipality: Cheektowaga

Wells Plugged: 1 Gas Well

Plug Date: 4/20/2015 – 6/23/2015

This project consisted of the abandoned Sacilowski 1 (API 31-029-55299-00-00) gas well located along a residential sidewalk in the Town of Cheektowaga, Erie County. During the late 1960s, pressure in the well increased sufficiently to eject fluids and part of the well casing into the air. Additionally, the well was leaking hydrogen sulfide . Plugging operations began April 2015 and were completed with final site reclamation in June 2015.

Rome Sand Plains Well Plugging Project

County: Oneida; Municipality: Rome

Wells Plugged: 8 Gas Wells

Plug Date: 3/25/2014 – 6/11/2014

This project comprised of eight abandoned gas wells located in the City of Rome, Oneida County. The wells were drilled between the 1890s and 1930s to total measured depths ranging from 705 to 900 feet. As the city grew over time, the wells were disregarded by the local population and became parts of residential, commercial, or recreational properties. Two of the wells were located in Wright-Hazelton Park, one of which was approximately 150 feet from a playground. Additionally, vandalism of the well caused significant natural gas releases. Another well was leaking natural gas approximately 15 feet from a residence. Plugging operations commenced March 2014. The limited space between residential buildings posed significant challenges for well plugging operations. Plugging operations and final site reclamation was completed in June 2014.

Brandy Brook Well Plugging Project

County: Oneida; Municipality: Rome

Wells Plugged: 1 Gas WellPlug Date: 5/7/2014 – 5/13/2014

This project consisted of the abandoned Stoklos & Cisek 1 (API 31-065-61553-00-00) gas well (termed the "Brandy Brook Well") located in the Town of Rome, Oneida County. The well was drilled to a total measured depth of 932 feet and was completed in the Trenton Formation. As the well was drilled prior to the existence of a regulatory framework and DEC oversight, many additional details regarding the well are unknown (e.g., drilling date, original operator, construction details).

Stoklos & Cisek 1 was one of the highest-scoring abandoned gas wells in New York State and was in an advanced state of disrepair. The well was leaking natural gas, and brine was flowing artesian from the top of the well casing onto the land surface for decades, discharging to Brandy Brook, a tributary of West Canada Creek, and resulting in the denudation of over an acre of land. The well had been set aflame by vandals many times over the years, and DEC responded to complaints associated with it on numerous occasions. In May 2014, plugging operations and final site reclamation were completed.