“Abandoned oil and gas wells can pollute streams and drinking water supplies and, in some situations, pose explosive dangers to nearby residents and communities,” DEP Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said. “This is a public safety concern, as well as an environmental protection issue and our efforts to seal these wells will ensure that they no longer present a danger to the area’s residents.”

Of the 11 plugged wells, five were in the City of Erie, four in Millcreek Township, one in North East Township, and one in Girard Borough. Some of the wells were located in densely populated neighborhoods while others were in more rural areas.  Many of the plugged wells had been venting gas or were found as a result of gas migration problems.

The plugging contractor, S & T Service & Supply Co., of Pleasantville, Venango County, began work last December and finished on March 30.

The 11 wells were plugged using Pennsylvania’s Orphan Well Plugging Fund at a cost of $137,348. The plugging program is funded by a surcharge on drilling permits, with as much as $200 from an individual permit fee going to the fund.

Pennsylvania has the greatest number of abandoned wells in the Appalachian region and is one of the top five states nationally. DEP has documented more than 8,700 wells throughout the state that were abandoned prior to passage of modern oil and gas drilling regulations. Abandoned wells can be found in many settings from residential backyards to remote hillsides, and well-plugging costs can vary depending on terrain and the age and depth of the well.

For more information, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us.

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Walker registration and a pre-walk celebration, including music, entertainment, and refreshments, will begin at 5:30 pm, followed by the walk at 7:30 pm. Though there is not a registration fee for the walk, all participants are encouraged to raise $25 for the cause. Walkers who raise $25 will receive an illuminated balloon, red for supporters and white for cancer patients, to carry during the walk to show their support. Individuals can register online at: www.lightthenight.org/wpa.

To kickoff the event, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is hosting an intimate get-together to honor the commitment and enthusiasm of Light the Night supporters. Here, participants can meet teammates, other walkers, and members of the Light the Night committee. The kick off will take place at 6:00 pm August 4th at the Plymouth Tavern in Erie, PA, and is open to all registered participants.

Also to get ready for the big event, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has teamed up with The Erie Seawolves to present “A Night with the Seawolves.” Fans can join LLS for the Seawolves’ August 21st game against the Reading Phillies, followed by a fireworks show and the opportunity for children under 14 to run the bases.  Fans who present the box office with a valid ticket voucher will credit $3 of the $5 total ticket sale to The Light the Night Walk. To obtain a ticket voucher, individuals can call Richele Ward at 1-800-726-CURE ext. 2868 or email wardr@lls.org.

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