5 Impacts Orphan Wells Have On Landowners
by Kate Henderson
As of May 8, 2024, there are 20,640 documented orphan wells in the state of Oklahoma per the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and over 100,000 documented orphan wells across the United States.
While these orphaned wells and the potential dangers are unseen by most for those landowners whose homes and farms on which these orphans lie, these potential dangers have direct impacts on their daily lives.
#1 Loss of potential agriculture revenue
The majority of orphan wells in the State of Oklahoma lie directly in the middle of farmable acreage. Not only are they dealing with whatever wellhead is left behind, but also separators, tank batteries, flow lines, etc. strewn about the properly limiting acreage that can be planted and harvested. A loss of 2-3 farmable acres can result in a loss of approximately $10,500 per year dependent on commodity prices year over year.
#2 Loss of potential livestock revenue
Ranchers could be looking at a loss in revenue should a member of their herd step into an orphaned wellbore and break their leg leading to having to put this cow down. This could result in an immediate approximate loss of close to $1,500, however, the number can be extrapolated out should this member of the herd be a female cow, who could have potentially birthed 8 calves throughout her lifetime. That economic impact of losing $1,500 in revenue quickly turns into an approximate loss of $13,500 or more, again dependent on commodity prices year over year.
#3 Unnecessary replacement of farm equipment
Many of these orphan wells are extremely difficult to see and can result in the need to replace equipment, including, combine headers, flail mowers, tractor parts, and tires, and can cost anywhere between $500 at a minimum up to $30,000 on the higher side.
#4 Safety
Ann Packard, a surface owner in Washington County, Oklahoma, had an orphaned well right outside of her backyard where her grandchildren play. Knowing that kids love to run and explore and go on the most epic imaginary adventures, as all children love to do, having an orphan well along with associated equipment right outside her house could put a tragic end to these adventures. In addition to having grandchildren full of imagination, Ann also runs cattle on her property who have discovered an orphan wellbore makes a great scratching post, but this simple act of rubbing against them could open or break off old vales which could lead to a very dangerous situation.
#5 Harmful GHG emissions
While it is true that not all orphan wells have current leaks or methane emissions, all of these orphans have the potential to release harmful greenhouse gases all of which can harm air, soil, and water quality.
