AI Uncovers Forgotten Oil Wells: A High-Tech Solution to Environmental Hazards

Undocumented orphaned oil and gas wells scattered across the United States pose significant environmental and climate risks, with potential leaks contaminating air, water, and emitting methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), researchers are analyzing historical topographic maps to identify these hidden wells, combining this data with modern tools like drones, sensors, and magnetometers to locate and assess the sites. The AI technology, trained to recognize symbols denoting wells on old maps, has already pinpointed thousands of potential undocumented wells, which are then verified through satellite imagery and fieldwork.

The research is part of the Consortium Advancing Technology for Assessment of Lost Oil & Gas Wells (CATALOG), a collaborative effort among national labs to address the growing issue of orphan wells. Once discovered, these wells are assessed for methane emissions using both high-tech and low-cost sensors to prioritize the most hazardous sites for plugging. This approach not only curbs greenhouse gas emissions but also prevents contaminants like benzene and hydrogen sulfide from endangering nearby ecosystems and communities.

Innovative field tools, such as drones equipped with methane sensors and magnetometers, allow researchers to survey large areas more efficiently than on foot. These technologies are paired with traditional mapping techniques to create a multi-layered approach for uncovering wells. The combination of historical data and cutting-edge equipment ensures even wells buried under decades of development or natural regrowth can be identified and addressed.

Through partnerships with stakeholders like Native American tribes and federal agencies, CATALOG’s efforts aim to scale these methods nationwide. By integrating diverse datasets and tools, the project seeks to minimize environmental harm from orphan wells, reducing methane emissions and protecting communities from the legacy of early oil and gas exploration.