Top 5 Scariest Safety Hazards When Measuring Methane at Orphaned Wells
By Eric Perner, COO
Approaching an orphaned oil or gas well is never a routine job. These forgotten sites often lie in disrepair for decades, creating unpredictable and dangerous conditions for field technicians tasked with measuring. fugitive methane emissions. At Rebellion Energy Solutions, we treat every site as a high-risk environment until proven otherwise. Here are the top five scariest—and most critical—safety hazards we face on a daily basis when performing field measurements at orphaned wells:
1. Flammable Methane Gas: The Invisible Ignition Risk
Methane is not only a potent greenhouse gas—it’s also extremely flammable. One stray spark from a static discharge, a phone, or even a running vehicle could trigger a catastrophic fire or explosion if concentrations are high enough. That’s why our team uses advanced leak detection tools that allow us to assess emissions from a safe distance before ever approaching the wellhead. If a leak is confirmed, we use controlled venting techniques that direct gas safely away from our measurement equipment.
2. Toxic H₂S Gas: The Silent Killer
While methane may get the headlines, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is the more immediate threat to human health. It’s colorless, smells like rotten eggs at low levels, and becomes undetectable by smell alone at concentrations as low as 100 ppm—well within lethal range. Many orphaned wells produce more than just methane, and H₂S may be lurking in the mix. To protect our crews, all field personnel wear 4-gas monitors calibrated to detect H₂S and other dangerous gases, ensuring immediate alerts; in addition, they have been trained on proper evacuation protocols if detected.
3. High Pressure Behind Valves: A Hidden Explosive Force
Some orphaned wells may appear harmless, but they can have significant reservoir pressure built up over years of being shut in. Even pressures from corroded and leaking valves under as little as 100 psi can cause serious injury or death if they release suddenly, especially through degraded valves or weak fittings. A sudden failure can launch heavy metal components or release a high-velocity gas stream directly at a worker. That’s why we conduct thorough visual inspections of every wellhead and, when necessary, make preliminary repairs to stabilize and secure components before attempting measurements.
4. Rattlesnakes and Wildlife: Nature’s Hidden Ambush
Unmaintained well sites often become overgrown with tall grass and brush, creating ideal habitats for wildlife—including venomous snakes like rattlesnakes. These animals are drawn to the heat retained by wellheads, storage tanks, and other equipment. Every site visit begins with a cautious approach, treating the area as if a dangerous animal might be lying in wait. It’s not uncommon for a technician to find a snake coiled up underneath a tank or beside a valve.
5. Remote Locations and Harsh Weather: Isolation as a Risk Multiplier
Most orphaned wells are in remote, off-grid areas far from emergency services. If a medical emergency or equipment failure occurs, response times can be hours—not minutes. Add to that the risk of rapidly changing weather, from flash floods to extreme heat, and the situation becomes even more dangerous. That’s why we strictly enforce a buddy system—no technician ever goes alone—and we create customized Emergency Response Plans (ERPs) for each region we work in. All team members are trained in CPR, first aid, and emergency communication protocols.
Orphaned well sites are unpredictable by nature, and methane measurement isn’t just a technical task—it’s a high-stakes safety operation. At Rebellion, we invest in training, planning, and equipment not just because it’s best practice, but because it’s the only way to ensure everyone goes home safe. Safety isn’t just a checkbox—it’s our frontline defense in the fight to secure these forgotten environmental hazards.
