For over a century, abandoned oil and gas wells have posed environmental and safety challenges in West Virginia. Many of these old wells were never properly sealed, leading to risks of contamination and other hazards.
This year, lawmakers took a significant step to improve this situation by passing House Bill 3336 during the recent legislative session. This new law changes how operators can plug wells, allowing them to fill wells with cement without the costly and complicated step of removing the central casing.
While that may sound technical, this change means a simpler, safer, and more cost-effective process for plugging wells. It also strengthens efforts to protect West Virginia’s precious groundwater, an issue of great importance given the state’s complex underground water systems.
Del. Mark Zatezalo, a Republican from Hancock County and a hydrogeologist by training, highlighted the significance of the new approach. “It gives accounting for the casings that are put in,” Zatezalo explained.
“The double casings that are put in through freshwater. That really caught my eye because going forward, that’s going to become important when we start to eliminate some of the wells that are out of production.”
Zatezalo emphasized that protecting water above deeper layers of saltwater is critical. “You go 200 feet below the Ohio River and drill down to that level, you’ll be in saltwater,” he said.
“And that saltwater is there for another 5,800 feet until you hit the Marcellus Shale. You have to protect what’s above that.” This layered underground environment makes proper well plugging vital to preventing contamination.
Governor Patrick Morrisey made a ceremonial stop in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle to sign HB 3336 into law. He praised the legislation, saying it cuts unnecessary red tape and modernizes the well plugging process.
“Here, today, we can say we’re cutting red tape and we’re moving the state forward,” Morrisey said. “We have more well plugging going on, a safer process, it’s less expensive and with less red tape. That’s a pretty darn good combination.”
The new law reflects a broader effort to balance environmental protection with practical, efficient regulation.
By streamlining how wells are plugged, the state hopes to encourage operators to tackle the many abandoned wells that still dot West Virginia’s landscape.
These wells have long been an eyesore and an environmental risk, and this law makes it easier for companies to act responsibly.
Those who have worked behind the scenes to improve West Virginia’s well plugging rules deserve credit for their efforts to improve residents’ quality of life. By removing barriers and making the process more affordable, the state increases the chances that these dangerous wells will be properly sealed in a timely manner.
However, passing the law is only the first step. The challenge now lies in encouraging operators to take full advantage of the new process and prioritize plugging inactive wells. With the right incentives and cooperation, this law could mark a turning point in West Virginia’s environmental stewardship, helping to secure cleaner water and safer communities for future generations.
In conclusion, HB 3336 represents a meaningful change in how West Virginia handles abandoned oil and gas wells. It offers a practical, safer, and cost-effective method for plugging these wells, while emphasizing the importance of groundwater protection.
If well operators embrace this new approach, it will bring significant benefits to the state’s environment and public health, demonstrating that good policy can lead to real progress.
