Orphaned Well Site Remediation and Management

Infrastructure

Delivering Local Solutions toward a Nationwide Problem

Across the U.S., owners have abandoned thousands of oil and gas wells. Because these “orphaned wells” are unplugged, they leak toxic gases and liquids—polluting air, groundwater, and directly threatening community health. They are hidden in residential neighborhoods, deep woods, or along swampy dirt roads, but their impact reaches far and wide.

Census data shows that 14 million Americans live within one mile of an orphaned well. Without intervention, these sites continue to release dangerous substances such as arsenic, benzene, formaldehyde, and methane. For decades, states had few resources to address this growing public health risk.

Federal Action to Protect Communities

In 2021, Congress allocated $4.7 billion under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to plug and remediate orphaned wells nationwide. Louisiana—home to more than 4,500 orphaned wells—received an initial $25 million grant to begin restoration efforts. The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) contracted the vendors to remediate the wells while the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) provided funding and federal oversight.

Dynamic’s Role in Louisiana

DNR selected Dynamic to lead this historic effort, beginning in the Monroe Conservation District in northeast Louisiana:

  • October 2022 – DNR awarded Dynamic the first contract to remediate 278 wells
  • December 2022 – DNR named named Dynamic construction manager at risk (CMAR) for the entire Louisiana program
  • January 2023 – Dynamic hosted site visits with DOI, DOL, Delta Regional Authority, and DNR officials
  • December 2023 – Dynamic completed the project

Dynamic partnered with CTEH to create custom tracking software ensuring compliance with all DOI environmental and regulatory standards.

Measurable Impact

Dynamic successfully plugged and capped all 278 orphaned wells in the Monroe District. Our work created jobs, supported local businesses, and protected residents by eliminating harmful emissions.

Our key achievements included:

  • Hiring and training local workers, including Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs)
  • Developing a streamlined permitting process to complete projects more quickly while reducing costs
  • Designing alternative plugging procedures tailored to local geology, further improving efficiency
  • Delivering safe, sustainable remediation that strengthens community health and resilience

Why It Matters

Unplugged wells pose a hidden but serious risk to air quality, water safety, and public health. Dynamic’s work demonstrates:

  • Expertise in large-scale environmental remediation
  • Capacity to execute projects under federal infrastructure funding programs
  • Commitment to protecting communities and creating local economic opportunity

Partner With Us

Dynamic combines energy industry knowledge and environmental expertise to deliver orphaned well remediation programs at scale. Our leadership in Louisiana sets the stage for nationwide efforts to protect communities and restore the environment.

👉 Explore More Projects to see how we deliver sustainable solutions to today’s toughest challenges.