Summary
Research by Penn State geochemists found that abandoned oil and gas wells in Pennsylvania could leak harmful chemicals into groundwater, affecting water quality. These wells, left uncapped and exposed, emit methane and metals like iron and arsenic, posing environmental and health risks. The study highlights a larger issue across the U.S., with millions of such wells potentially impacting groundwater.
Key Facts
- Studies surveyed 18 abandoned wells in and near the Allegheny National Forest.
- Leaking wells release methane and can affect groundwater quality.
- Groundwater near wells showed high levels of dissolved iron and arsenic.
- Methane is a greenhouse gas that also affects water by releasing metals.
- Some samples exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency's drinking water limits for arsenic and iron.
- Abandoned wells can also leak groundwater to the surface, potentially harming streams.
- There are approximately 300,000 abandoned wells in Pennsylvania and 3 million in the United States.
- The research points to challenges in monitoring these old wells.
