Penn State news by
Penn State's student blog

Topics

More

Help Penn State Find Abandoned Oil Wells

This spring, Penn State is looking for what they call “citizen scientists” to help find abandoned oil and gas wells across the state of Pennsylvania.

According to Terry Noll, the project manager and research assistant, there are an estimated 2,370 abandoned oil wells scattered throughout the state. Why is it important to find them? Abandoned wells that have not been properly plugged can be a source of contamination in freshwater aquifers, can contribute greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, and can cause oil and gas reservoir problems.

Penn State researchers will be training local residents through late February to find both abandoned and orphaned oil wells and record data about them. But the process of finding these wells is no easy task. Initially, volunteers must do extensive research of county and municipal documents, historical societies, and online resources to determine which areas might have been drilled.

After research, volunteers will do fieldwork, looking for common signs of historic oil and gas development like abandoned pipes, tanks, pumping jacks, and metal debris. Once a well is found, volunteers must record the latitude, longitude, and elevation of the well, take photos, and record other observations. After that, data is reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Abandoned and Orphan Well Program.

The project is funded by a grant of more than $2 million from the National Science Foundation called “Marcellus Matters: Engaging Adults in Science and Energy.” The program, Noll said, is certainly about finding the oil wells, but also engaging adults in the state on environmental and geological topics in an informal environment and helping them to learn how the environment influences the world around them.

Besides recording information about the wells, scientists are also looking at how people deal with large changes entering their communities — changes like the Marcellus Shale drilling that’s been happening in so many Pennsylvania communities lately. Researchers are interested in how people deal with such changes, how they perceive the risks related to new energy developments, and how their perceptions change once they’ve been educated on and engaged in the science behind the matters.

If you’re interested in helping with this project, contact Terry Noll at [email protected] or 814-865-6598.

Photo: Wikipedia

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Melissa McCleery

Melissa is a senior majoring in Women’s Studies, Political Science, and Spanish. In the little free time she has, Melissa likes to cook, spend all her money at The Phyrst, and add to her collection of blue and white striped clothing. She can be reached via Twitter (@mkmccleery) or email ([email protected]).

State College Goodwill Sells Rare Lego Piece For Over $18,000

While it took some time for Goodwill experts to know what they had on their hands, initial offers for the piece came in at $30,000.

New Defensive Coordinator Tom Allen Brings Key Wrinkles To Penn State Football’s Defense

“We try to keep things simple so we can play fast.”

Women’s History Month: Five Influential Penn State Alumnae

To celebrate Women’s History Month, learn more about five influential Penn State alumnae.

Follow on Another Platform
113kFollowers
164kFollowers
59.4kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Other posts by Melissa

Former Student Accused Of Breaking Into Residence Halls And Fondling Female Students Sentenced

A 19-year-old former engineering student from China, Zhongyuan Shao now faces nine to 23 months in the Centre County Correctional Facility for indecent assault, harassment, criminal trespassing, and burglary.

Mold The Minds Of Future Penn Staters: Help Choose The Next Penn State Reads Book

World Campus Ranked No. 1 Program For Veterans