The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is using drones to locate orphaned gas wells in Wayne County.
The initiative aims to improve public safety and environmental protection by identifying and plugging abandoned wells that could pose serious risks, according to an announcement from the Wayne County Commissioners’ Office.
Orphaned gas wells are abandoned or unplugged natural gas wells that no longer have a responsible owner or operator to provide maintenance. Without proper sealing and monitoring, these wells pose environmental and safety risks.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources crews contain a well in southern Ohio after it was found to be leaking. Efforts are underway to locate and address orphaned gas wells in Wayne County and across the state through advanced aerial magnetic surveys using drone technology.
“These abandoned wells can pose significant dangers due to their hidden or poorly marked locations. Beyond physical injury risks, abandoned wells can serve as direct pathways for surface contaminants to reach underground aquifers, jeopardizing local water supplies that could lead to health issues,” Wayne County Administrator Patrick Herron said. “Additionally, some wells may emit harmful gases or create unstable ground conditions, leading to structural damage or sinkholes.”
How aerial magnetic surveys work
Aerial magnetic surveys detect and map underground anomalies by measuring variations in the Earth’s magnetic field from the air. The technology can identify magnetic anomalies that indicate the presence of steel casings and other well components beneath the surface. This approach allows for a more efficient and comprehensive mapping of orphaned wells.
Once identified, the ODNR plugs these wells to eliminate hazards. Residents can report potential orphan wells for investigation by ODNR staff through the form on the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
The initiative is part of a broader effort by ODNR to address orphaned wells across the state. By using advanced technology, the department hopes to locate and plug more wells, reducing the risks they pose to public safety and the environment.
This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: ODNR uses drones to spot orphaned gas wells in Wayne County