Wayne County, West Virginia

For over a century, Wayne County, West Virginia, has been shaped by its natural resources. The region’s economy and communities have been deeply intertwined with fossil fuel production, but many of these oil and gas wells, now long past their prime, have become environmental and public health hazards. ClimateWells is now addressing the legacy of aging, leaking wells that pose serious threats to air, water, and land quality.

Nine specific wells in the Big Six formation stand out due to their location and significant hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) emissions. Hydrogen sulfide is not just an unpleasant byproduct; it is a potentially lethal gas. Even at low concentrations, prolonged exposure can cause respiratory distress, dizziness, and neurological damage. At higher concentrations, it can be immediately deadly. While operators seek to manage these wells as best as possible, they recognize the opportunity to improve local air quality, especially for the students of Genoa Elementary School.

Though these wells have years of natural gas production remaining, and are not required to be decommissioned for decades, the emission reduction potential of immediate shut-down is immense - over 100,000 tons of CO₂e. This project, which will permanently seal and decommission these wells, creates jobs, protects vital water resources, and restores the land for future use.

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Genoa Elementary School has 47 students and is the leading primary school for the area.

Environmental Impact

Methane Reduction: Methane is a greenhouse gas 80 times more potent than CO₂ over a 20-year period. Plugging these wells will prevent the release of 1M kgCH₄ of methane, improving air quality and reducing climate impacts in Wayne county.
Water Protection: Twelve-Pole Creek in West Virginia is a designated critical water source. Closing these wells will prevent toxic seepage into watersheds, protecting drinking water safety for residents.
Air Quality Improvement: Hydrogen sulfide is highly toxic, even in small amounts. The closure of these wells will eliminate an ongoing source of air pollution, significantly reducing health risks for local residents, including schoolchildren in Wayne County.
Land Restoration: The land surrounding these wells will be restored, allowing for native plant and wildlife recovery while eliminating industrial scars from the landscape. This effort will help return these areas to safe, usable land for future generations.

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H₂S is a byproduct of natural gas production in the area. For wells with marginal production, the benefits of H₂S and Methane destruction can outweigh ongoing production.

Once a key economic driver for the state, oil and gas development in West Virginia has aged and royalties are low enough that small incentives can make immediate impacts

Community and Economic Benefits

Protecting Public Health: Studies show that living near oil and gas wells increases the risk of asthma, heart disease, and adverse birth outcomes. In Wayne county, families—especially children—are exposed to these dangers daily. Closing these wells will eliminate harmful emissions and reduce long-term health risks.
Creating Local Jobs: This project will provide employment for skilled workers over six months, supporting local contractors, engineers, and environmental specialists while ensuring safe and effective well closures.
Enhancing Economic Sustainability: Eliminating these hazardous wells will prevent costly future cleanups, protect property values, and make these communities safer and healthier places to live.

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Carbon crediting for the early shut down of oil and gas sites is a common sense approach to the energy transition - and it empowers small energy companies to play a role, locally.

West Virginia Operator

This project began in May of 2025 with an expected completion before the end of the year.