Method study and cost analysis of abandoning orphan oil and natural gas wells

Abstract

Prior to 1899 there was no legislation in place in New Brunswick pertaining to the placement, drilling method or abandonment of oil and natural gas wells. It is for this reason that there are several oil and natural gas wells in Westmorland County, New Brunswick which have not been properly abandoned. There have been four sites selected in Westmorland County for further study to determine the most cost effective and efficient method of abandoning orphan oil and natural gas wells. Since little information exists with respect to these wells, each has been subjected to different assumptions that range from a straight forward abandonment to a more complicated one in which more than one strata requires sealing and caving may have occurred. The purpose for abandoning an orphan oil or natural gas well is to remove or isolate the source of contaminant so that further damage will be prevented and any damage that has occurred is remediated. Contractors have been contacted and asked to supply their suggested procedure and associated costs for abandoning these wells. For the purpose of this Senior Report 'orphan weir will mean an oil or natural gas well that has not been properly abandoned and has no known owner. An 'abandoned well' will mean an oil or natural gas well that is no longer considered active and has been permanently and properly plugged.