Plugging an unused well

Oklahoma

The driller must plug an abandoned well while drilling equipment is on site. After that, the landowner is responsible for plugging it.

Anyone plugging wells commercially in Oklahoma must be licensed by OWRB.

Licensees must file a well completion report (well log) within 60 days after drilling, plugging or reconditioning a well.

Sources: Landowner responsible once the rig leaves · Commercial plugging needs a license · Plugging report within 60 days

Tennessee

TDEC requires unused or threatening wells to be closed by a licensed water well driller to state standards.

TDEC provides a Water Well Closure Abandonment Report form (CN-1241) for documenting well closures.

Sources: Licensed driller must close wells · Closure report form

Texas

In Texas the landowner of record must plug an abandoned or deteriorated well or bring it into compliance.

A landowner may hire a licensed driller or pump installer, or plug a well on their own property following 16 TAC 76.104 and filing a State of Texas Plugging Report.

A plugging report must be submitted to TDLR within 30 days after the well is plugged, online or by mail, with a copy to the local groundwater conservation district if there is one.

Sources: Landowner is responsible

Arkansas

Under the 2016 rules, registered pump installers who pass the Commission test on plugging may plug abandoned wells. Drilling registration also covers plugging.

Under the 2016 rules, the contractor should report a plugged well to the Commission on a well abandonment form within 90 days.

Anyone abandoning a well must use methods and materials that protect groundwater from surface contamination and mixing between aquifers.

Sources: Who may plug

Missouri

Abandoned wells must be plugged and this usually falls to the landowner, who may plug wells on their own property. A hired person must hold a DNR permit.

Plugging must be registered with DNR within 60 days. DNR then sends the landowner a registration number, which some lenders ask for at sale or refinance.

Sources: Landowners may plug their own wells