Across the United States, thousands of abandoned and orphaned oil and gas wells sit uncapped, leaking methane and contaminating surrounding land and water. The Well Done Foundation is a nonprofit organization working to change that. Founded in Montana, the group’s mission is to locate, plug, and restore abandoned wells while raising awareness about their environmental impact.
The Mission of the Well Done Foundation
The Well Done Foundation’s primary goal is to:
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Locate orphaned wells that are no longer monitored by energy companies.
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Plug and seal wells to prevent methane leaks and groundwater contamination.
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Restore surrounding land for agricultural, recreational, or conservation purposes.
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Engage local communities through education and volunteer opportunities.
This grassroots approach combines hands-on environmental work with public engagement, ensuring that each well plugged is not just a technical project, but also a community success story.
Why Orphaned Wells Are a Problem
Orphaned wells are dangerous because:
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Methane leaks: These wells emit methane, a greenhouse gas over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period.
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Groundwater risks: Old wells can allow contaminants to seep into drinking water supplies.
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Land degradation: Unplugged wells can disrupt agriculture, pose hazards to wildlife, and create safety risks for people living nearby.
According to estimates, there are more than 3 million abandoned oil and gas wells across the U.S., with many continuing to pollute long after production stopped.
How the Foundation Works
The Well Done Foundation follows a clear process for each project:
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Identify abandoned wells through state records and field surveys.
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Test wells for methane leaks and contamination.
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Fundraise to cover plugging and restoration costs.
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Plug and seal the well using approved engineering methods.
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Monitor and maintain the site to ensure long-term safety.
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Restore the land so it can return to productive use.
Each well plugged is documented with data, photos, and updates so donors and supporters can track the progress.
Community and Volunteer Engagement
One of the Foundation’s unique strengths is its focus on community involvement. Local residents, schools, and businesses are often invited to participate in well-capping projects. This approach builds awareness and creates a sense of ownership over environmental restoration.
Supporters can contribute by:
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Sponsoring a well.
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Volunteering at events.
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Donating directly to projects.
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Sharing awareness on social media.
Environmental and Economic Impact
Plugging wells not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also provides:
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Cleaner air and water for local communities.
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Restored farmland that supports agriculture.
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Job opportunities for local contractors and environmental workers.
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Climate benefits by reducing methane pollution.
By tackling one well at a time, the Well Done Foundation demonstrates how local action can contribute to solving global environmental challenges.
How You Can Help
If you’d like to get involved, you can:
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Visit the Well Done Foundation’s website to learn more.
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Sponsor a well plugging project.
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Volunteer at a local event.
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Spread awareness about the dangers of orphaned wells.
Conclusion
The Well Done Foundation shows how focused, community-driven efforts can address major environmental issues. By plugging abandoned oil and gas wells, they are reducing harmful methane emissions, protecting groundwater, and restoring land for future generations.
If you’re looking for a way to make a direct impact on climate change and local ecosystems, supporting the Well Done Foundation is a well-done choice.