COLUMBUS, Oh (WLIO) - The Ohio Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management has been using drones to search for orphan oil and natural gas wells in the area. The division has completed drone flights in Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Mercer, and Wood counties, with plans to conduct flights in Van Wert County soon.
Orphan wells are former wells drilled to extract natural gas or oil. Officials obtain written permission from landowners before initiating the drone flights, which use devices capable of detecting the metal casings of these old wells.
Thousands of orphan wells are scattered across the state, many of which were drilled from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s, a time before regulatory oversight existed. Most orphan wells are buried beneath the Earth’s surface and remain unknown to landowners. Once discovered, the wells are plugged to protect human health and the environment.
MEDIA RELEASE FROM OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
In several areas of the state, the Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management uses drones equipped with a magnetometer, a small device that can detect a well’s metal casing. This work allows the Division to locate orphan wells.Â
Prior to conducting a drone flight, the Division informs all landowners of scheduled flights and requests a written acknowledgement from the landowners to enter their property. The Division also conducts public meetings to inform the public of any scheduled drone flights.Â
The Division has completed drone flights in Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Mercer, and Wood counties. Future drone flights are scheduled for Van Wert County.Â
Thousands of orphan wells exist throughout the state that were drilled from the mid-1800s to mid-1900s when there was no regulatory oversight. Most orphan wells are found buried under the Earth’s surface and their existence is unknown to property owners. It is important to locate and plug these wells to protect human health and the environment.
