Abandoned oil and gas wells — or orphan wells — can leach harmful chemicals into waterways and release toxic vapors.
An influx of federal funding is accelerating the state's work to plug up these wells and reclaim contaminated sites.
It took the state three decades to close 400 orphan wells, but last year, the state plugged up more than 200 after receiving a $25 million federal grant.
With another $5.8 million boost, the state is on-track to close roughly 250 remaining orphan wells in the next couple years.
Adam Wygant, the director of the state's oil, gas, and minerals division, said more funding is expected from the state in the form of performance and matching grants.
"The finish line is in view in terms of getting all these wells plugged," Wygant said. "We'll then turn our attention to addressing any legacy contamination that we found associated with these sites."
Remediation costs are rising, and some wells are more complicated and expensive than others, according to Wygant.
"We've spent approximately half of that ($25 million) funding..." Wygant said. "The prices have been coming in a little higher, so the work will continue through multiple phases of funding."
Wygant said remaining wells are spread across the state, but work is relatively concentrated in northern, central and southeast Michigan.
"We're just really excited about this federal funding opportunity to address these wells," Wygant said. "It's super important for our state to protect groundwater, restore properties to full use, put people to work and mitigate fugitive methane."
To track progress on Michigan orphan wells, visit EGLE's dashboard.
