News Release

For more information contact: Abbie Hodgson, 785-271-3269

July 31, 2009

KCC to Plug Abandoned Wells on Tallgrass Prairie

Topeka, KS-The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) will begin plugging a series of abandoned natural gas wells located on the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve this fall. "Plugging the abandoned wells is an important step in preserving the tallgrass prairie as an integral part of the Kansas landscape," said KCC Chairman Thomas Wright.

Located 2 miles north of Strong City on Kansas State Highway 177 (Flint Hills Scenic Byway), the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve was established on November 12, 1996 to preserve and protect for the public an example of a tallgrass prairie ecosystem. The preserve is 10,861 acres and includes historic buildings and cultural resources of the Spring Hill Ranch, including the 1881 historic ranch house, limestone barn and outbuildings, and one-room schoolhouse.

Twenty-seven abandoned wells have been identified within 12 square miles on the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. Because the wells are located on the prairie and are not connected by roads, staff has marked the wells' locations using GPS as they have been discovered. If left unplugged, the remaining natural gas could seep into the ground water causing an environmental hazard or leak at the surface causing a public safety hazard.

The KCC has contracted with K-W Oil Well Service, Inc., Chanute, to plug the wells. K-W Oil Well Service will begin the project on August 3rd and expects to plug 2-3 wells per week. Total cost for the project is estimated to be $75,000 and will be financed by the Abandoned Oil and Gas Well / Site Remediation Fund.

The fund was established by the Kansas Legislature in 1996 to address the problem of abandoned oil and gas wells and remediation sites related to oil and gas exploration and production activities. Monies from this fund can be used by the KCC Conservation Division to plug abandoned oil and gas wells and remediate surface and groundwater contamination related to oil and gas activities.

The KCC Conservation Division estimates that there are between 20,000 and 40,000 abandoned wells in the state of Kansas for which there is no responsible party. More than 6,000 wells have been plugged to date. Wells having ongoing or potential for environmental damage or public safety considerations receive the highest priority.