Louisiana Methane Abatement

ACR 934

Location

Northwest Louisiana

Project Scope

4 Orphaned Wells Plugged & Remediated

Carbon Credits

59,485

Reducing Health Risks in Northwest Louisiana

In Caddo Parish, LA, four orphaned oil and gas wells were successfully plugged under this project. These wells, which had not produced hydrocarbons for many years, were officially documented as orphaned by the Louisiana Department of Conservation. They were all actively leaking methane into the atmosphere, posing significant health risks to landowners and threatening nearby natural resources.

As of January 1, 2024, Louisiana had over 4,500 documented orphaned wells. Over the past decade, the Louisiana Oil Field Restoration Program has managed to plug an average of approximately 100 orphaned wells per year. Despite additional federal funding, state-allocated resources remain grossly insufficient to address the growing inventory of orphaned wells.

PermCap-GHG, the project developer, took on the responsibility of quantifying the methane emissions from these wells. They ensured proper plugging and remediation and confirmed total methane abatement post-plugging. Additionally, this project aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Projects like these are crucial as Louisiana consistently ranks low in social opportunity and standard of living. According to the American Prosperity Index compiled by the Milken Institute—which focuses on health, family, civic engagement, and economic opportunity—Louisiana was ranked 49th out of 50 in the 2022 US rankings. The Louisiana State Government faces significant economic challenges, and the success of such projects could encourage others to join the mission to plug the millions of orphaned oil and gas wells that plague the US.

PermCap has also worked closely with the Louisiana Department of Conservation and the Department of Natural Resources, as well as the Louisiana Oil Field Restoration Foundation. Together, they aim to bring positive change to the region.

Residential Impact

Two wells in this project are located dangerously close to residential areas, posing a significant risk to local families. Methane leaks from these wells threatened not only the environment but also the health and safety of the community, especially children who frequently played in nearby yards. The constant presence of these leaking wells created an invisible but serious hazard, as methane exposure can lead to respiratory issues and other long-term health effects. Project ACR 934 successfully capped these wells, ensuring that the air around homes is safe to breathe and restoring peace of mind to the families who live there.

Mitigated Risks

Mitigated risks on this project include:

Contamination of Groundwater

Water entering an oil well can carry oil, chemicals, and other contaminants into groundwater supplies, posing risks to drinking water and ecosystems.

Soil Contamination

If the contaminated water seeps into the surrounding soil, it can harm plant life and reduce soil fertility, impacting agriculture and natural vegetation.

Aquatic Ecosystem Damage

Contaminated water can eventually reach rivers, lakes, or oceans, harming aquatic life. Oil and chemicals can disrupt food chains, reduce biodiversity, and destroy habitats.

Co-Benefits

PermCap has worked closely with the Louisiana Department of Conservation and the DNR office to successfully complete this project. Additionally PermCap has worked closely with the landowners to ensure proper remediation and has plans to continue to plug problems, leaking wells in and around Louisiana. Projects like this are much needed as Louisiana consistently lags the nations in social opportunity and standard of living.The American Prosperity Index compiled by the Milken Institute, focusing on health, family, civic engagement, and economic opportunity ranks Louisiana 49th out of 50 in the 2022 US rankings.

The Louisiana State Government has significant economic challenges and hopefully any success realized through projects like the one discussed herein will encourage others to join the mission to plug the millions of OOG’s that plague the US.

We are working closely with the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources and our conservation partners at the Louisiana Oil Field Restoration Foundation to affect positive change for the region.

Direct Impact

Indirect

Get in Touch

Ready to join us in making a positive global impact?
Let's talk! Reach out and let's start a conversation. Together, we can make a difference.

Contact

info@permcap-ghg.com

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.