Tom Slocum, Untitled: Orphan Well Project, gives a history of how he became so passionate about this issue. Slocum explains how loopholes in the system allowed many wells to go unnoticed for decades.
The interview discusses who is responsible for the wells. Slocum says in many cases, the legal obligation to the plug the well belongs to the landowner, however most landowners do not have hundreds of thousands, or much less millions of dollars required to properly maintain, or plug and abandon these wellbores to current government standards.
This is especially true for wells that have no mechanical integrity left. These wells can costs over $30MM to plug as cited by industry experts in the well control field.
Cementing companies, wireline companies, coiled-tubing companies, drilling rigs, supervisors, pump operators, water delivery trucks, rental iron, rental equipment, fluid disposal companies, bridge plug manufacturers, crane companies, and dozens of other service companies all contribute to the proper plug and abandonment of wells.
Slocum shares what has been filmed thus far for the documentary. He also believes this will be a good vehicle for public relations as people will be able to see the visual changes.
The interview also discusses whether the industry’s leadership has switch to a more reactive industry rather than proactive.
The Crude Life Podcast can be heard every Monday through Thursday with a Week in Review on Friday.
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