The Hidden Threat: Undocumented Orphaned Wells and Climate Impact

Undocumented orphaned wells (UOWs) are scattered across the United States, posing significant environmental risks due to their potential to leak toxic substances and greenhouse gases. These wells, which have no records or known operators, risk contaminating water sources with oil and chemicals, and they can release harmful gases such as benzene and hydrogen sulfide into the air. More alarmingly, they contribute to climate change by emitting methane, a greenhouse gas significantly more potent than carbon dioxide. **Methane's impact on climate is about 28 times stronger than CO2 over a century**. To tackle the challenge of locating and assessing UOWs, researchers are deploying advanced technology, including drones and laser imaging, to scan vast areas for these wells. They are also using AI to assist in predicting their locations by integrating modern tech with historical topographic maps. The combination of these modern tools with historical data is crucial as the contiguous US spans over 3 million square miles, making traditional search methods impractical. This innovative approach aims to better ascertain the environmental risks posed by UOWs, thereby addressing pollution and climate change more effectively.