Summary
The U.S. has millions of old gas and oil wells that can cause environmental and health problems if not properly plugged. Maria Burns' experience in Ohio highlights the challenges of effectively sealing these old wells, which can leak harmful chemicals and contribute to global warming if not addressed correctly.
Key Facts
- Millions of old gas and oil wells exist in the U.S.
- Old wells can leak harmful chemicals like benzene and arsenic.
- Leaking wells can contaminate water and harm human health.
- Natural gas leaks contribute to global warming due to methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
- Properly plugging old wells is difficult and expensive.
- Wells that are not plugged correctly can start to leak again over time.
- Maria Burns' well in Ohio was initially plugged in the 1950s but was leaking and required re-plugging.
- The project to plug Burns' well was funded by Ohio's Orphan Well Program.
