Orphan wells
OIL OR GAS WELL THAT IS NO LONGER ECONOMICALLY MAINTAINED OR PROPERLY SEALED
Abandoned Well; Orphan well; Abandoned wells; Orphaned wells; Abandoned oil wells
Orphan, orphaned or abandoned wells are oil or gas wells that have been abandoned by fossil fuel extraction industries. These wells may have been deactivated because of economic viability, failure to transfer ownerships (especially at bankruptcy of companies), or neglect and thus no longer have legal owners responsible for their care.