Located in French Creek Valley Conservancy in Waterford, Pennsylvania, one of the nationally recognized biologically important waterways in the entire country, this orphaned gas well named Martha Smith (APN 37-049-224423) was reported as venting gas to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection in 2021. The DEP deemed that it needed to be moved to orphan status, reported it with an unknown spud date (1-1-1800) and at a depth of over 4,000 feet. This orphan gas well sat on the banks of the LeBoeuf Creek in the French Creek watershed and was in the flood plain with homes within 2500 feet.
George Washington may have walked by the location in 1753 on his way to deliver a message to the French Commandant at Fort LeBoeuf to stop intruding into the Virginia Territory and Ohio Country. The French Creek Conservancy and Watershed is home to 27 species of mussels, 15 species of darters, and has four National Audubon Society Important Bird Areas (IBA). Many species that thrive in French Creek have been extirpated from their natural ranges due to habitat loss and degradation of water quality. The Nature Conservancy that includes the French Creek Watershed is listed as a national “hot spot.”
The prior operator experienced financial hardship and was not solvent. The Approval to Plug was accepted by DEP and ownership was transferred to Well Done Foundation. Plants and Goodwin from Bradford, PA was contracted to perform the plugging work which was completed on December 9, 2022. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Oil and Gas Management completed its final inspection on December 12, 2022 with no violations.
