Oil & Gas Archives - Atlas

Advancing Conversations on Orphan and Idle Wells — From Bakersfield and Beyond

a-barbagallo — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:00:48 +0000

By Alex Hartig, Program Manager and A.J. Alshammasi, Senior Engineering and Operations Manager

This week, we’ll be in Bakersfield, California, joining peers from across the country at the 2nd Annual Orphan, Idle & Marginal Wells California Conference. For those of us working directly on well plugging and abandonment, this gathering comes at an important moment.

Across California — and well beyond — states are facing a growing inventory of orphan, idle and marginal wells. Many of these wells, drilled in the early and mid-20th century, were left without proper documentation or closure, leading to methane leaks, soil and groundwater contamination and safety risks to nearby communities.

From our perspective, conferences like this matter because they create space for honest, technical conversations about what is working, what is not and where programs still struggle.

Why This Work Matters to Us

Both of us dedicate our days to the intricacies of well abandonment, engaging in project planning, navigating regulatory requirements, coordinating field teams and addressing unforeseen issues that arise once operations commence. Each site and well presents unique challenges, frequently extending beyond purely engineering concerns to include data deficiencies, community considerations and long-term land use planning.

Alex’s work focuses heavily on subsurface investigations and remediation across Southern California, including sites with complex contamination histories and limited documentation. Much of that effort involves review of historical aerial photos, available public/private records and aligning closure activities with broader environmental compliance goals.

A.J.’s role centers on leading engineering, operations and risk management for complex orphan, idle and marginal wells — reconstructing incomplete well histories, designing abandonment programs that are technically sound, regulatorily defensible and executable in the field. That often means balancing cost, safety, environmental protection and uncertainty, all at once.

What connects our work is the belief that successful closure programs rely on collaboration — between engineers, geoscientists, regulators and communities — and on the smart use of modern tools.

Sharing Lessons from the Field

At the conference, A.J. will be presenting “A Well Abandonment Journey Overview,” which draws directly from real‑world project experience. The presentation will walk through how teams are approaching complex abandonment projects today, including:

Reconstructing well histories when records are incomplete or missing.
Using drone‑based geophysical tools to help locate undocumented wells.
Integrating engineering design with field execution to reduce surprises.
Applying risk‑based planning to prioritize work and protect communities.

These are not theoretical concepts — they’re lessons shaped by what we see on the ground. Our goal in sharing them is to contribute practical insights that others can adapt to their own programs.

The Value of Coming Together

The technical challenges around orphan and idle wells are significant, but so are the opportunities. We’re seeing encouraging progress as states invest in closure programs and as the industry becomes more open to new technologies and cross‑disciplinary approaches.

What we value most about this conference is the opportunity to listen — to hear how others are addressing similar challenges, to learn from different regulatory environments and to understand community perspectives that shape how projects move forward. These conversations help refine practices and, ultimately, improve outcomes.

As national efforts to address legacy wells continue to scale, the path forward depends on shared learning and sustained collaboration. We’re looking forward to being part of that conversation in Bakersfield — and to carrying those insights back into the work that continues long after the conference ends.

Learn more about Atlas’��Orphan, Idle and Marginal Well Closure services.

Alex Hartig

Program Manager

Alex Hartig has twenty years of experience managing oil and gas and other related subsurface investigations and site remediation projects at sites located throughout southern California. Investigations have focused on the identification and remediation of petroleum hydrocarbons, VOCs, heavy metals and pesticides in soil and groundwater. Alex also has extensive experience managing and implementing successful compliance projects associated with stormwater, spill prevention and hazardous waste management. Currently, Alex serves as the program manager for several high-profile oil well abandonment and soil/groundwater assessments for sites in Los Angeles, San Mateo, Santa Barbara and Kern County.��

A.J. Alshammasi

Senior Engineering and Operations Manager

A.J. Alshammasi serves as a Senior Engineering and Operations Manager at Atlas. He is a distinguished professional in the Oil and Gas sector, boasting over two decades of comprehensive industry experience. A.J. has valuable experience across a wide range of areas, including leadership, project management, well engineering, operations, strategic planning, business strategy, engineering economics, regulatory, sustainability, supply chain and risk management.

At Atlas, A.J. leads engineering, project management and operations teams, focusing on providing valuable well and abandonment designs, regulatory consultation and resolving liability management issues. His work primarily focuses on idled and abandoned wells, environmental and well risk mitigation and asset retirement obligations.

He will be presenting, “A Well Abandonment Journey Overview” at the upcoming Energy Network Conference’s on March 24.

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More Than Plugging: Orphan and Marginal Conventional Well Site Closure

a-barbagallo — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 16:36:00 +0000

Across the U.S., federal and state-funded programs are addressing orphan wells and marginal conventional wells (MCWs) that pose risks to land, water, groundwater and air quality. Estimates suggest there are as many as three million orphaned and undocumented wells nationwide, and nearly a million MCWs. Orphan wells are abandoned wells that can have histories that date back many decades. MCWs can also be older wells but they are owned and operated. MCWs may be underperforming wells that are idle or wells that simply produce very low volumes of oil and gas.

Plugging orphan and MCWs is one aspect of the overall closure process of well locations. Effective remediation requires comprehensive site evaluation, a detailed closure plan and post-restoration monitoring to ensure long-term stability.

The Risks of Leaving Wells Unplugged

When left unaddressed, orphan wells and certain MCWs can create environmental, operation and safety risks:

Surface Leaks & Groundwater Contamination – Without a reliable seal, gas and fluids can migrate into groundwater-producing zones and affect drinking water. Fluids and gas can migrate to the surface and affect the soil and ground surface.
Structural Failure & Site Instability – Many old wells have deteriorated, with casing integrity issues, in addition to inadequate plugging materials or the absence of plugging materials. As materials degrade, casing failures can lead to unintended interactions with other producing formations including those containing groundwater and those containing oil and gas.
Impact on Future Production and Development – Unmapped and improperly plugged wells can interfere with new and existing energy production. Before drilling, companies must often locate and address orphan wells to avoid costly delays, regulatory challenges and operational disruptions. These wells also interfere with potential land development projects.

Beyond environmental and safety concerns, failing to remediate orphan and deserving MCWs carries significant financial risks. Unplugged well sites [generally] represent unproductive land areas for landowners and developers and liabilities for states with respect to methane and other harmful gas emissions, impacts to groundwater, surface water, the land, biological receptors and historic sites. In contrast, sustained investment in well closure generates economic benefits, including job creation, industry stability, environmental benefits and reduced impacts on existing oil and gas-producing formations.

Well Program Sustainability

Without a broader strategy that includes sustained federal and state funding support, wells will not get the attention they need soon enough. The oil and gas well grant programs of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act/Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (IIJA/BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) have provided additional funding to states that are typically underfunded for this work. With this additional funding, state oil and gas programs have been uplifted, hundreds of well sites have been closed and private sector jobs have been expanded to meet the demand. However, the lasting success of these programs depends on sustained existing funding and expanded funding, in addition to workforce investment and policies that support these programs.

A well closure program is only as effective as its long-term strategy. With continued commitment from policymakers and industry leaders, orphan well and MCW programs can turn liabilities into assets — protecting our natural resources and supporting future development opportunities.

Learn more about Atlas’ orphan, idle, abandoned and marginal well program management.

Return to the Sphere

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Industry News Roundup: May Week III

a-barbagallo — Mon, 20 May 2024 16:31:32 +0000

Reintroducing Grizzlies to the North Cascades

In the remote village of Newhalem, near North Cascades National Park, a heated debate is unfolding over the proposed reintroduction of grizzly bears.

Federal agencies have presented three plans, aiming to establish an initial group of 25 bears over five to ten years, with a long-term goal of 200 bears within 60 to 100 years.

These bears would be transported from other regions in the US and British Columbia.

One Upper Skagit Indian Tribe Elder emphasized the deep historical connection between his tribe and the grizzlies, who roamed these lands for millennia before being wiped out by fur trappers and hunters in the 19th^��century.

Public reaction is mixed, with ranchers and locals fearing for their livestock and safety, while others value wilderness preservation.

The debate highlights divergent views on ecosystem membership and the role of apex predators. Proponents argue that reintroducing grizzlies could restore ecological balance, as they help disperse seeds and aerate soil, contributing to biodiversity.

Although translocating grizzlies is challenging, past efforts in similar ecosystems have succeeded.

Despite the logistics and potential conflicts, many believe that the North Cascades’ lush vegetation could provide ample food for the bears, making this a viable plan for ecological restoration.

Should agencies hibernate on it a little longer, or is that bearable?

Source The Well Done Foundation | Workers filling in the oil well.

High School Students Tackle Orphaned Oil Wells

A group of high school students from Gary, NC, is on a mission to tackle climate change, one plugged well at a time.

Orphaned oil and gas wells are notorious for leaking methane, a potent greenhouse gas that exacerbates climate change. With approximately 3.9 million aging wells in the US and at least 126,000 classified as abandoned, community and non-governmental efforts are vital.

Inspired by an AP environmental science class, these students realized that individual actions can significantly reduce methane emissions from abandoned wells.

They successfully raised $11,000 to plug a methane-leaking oil well on a horse farm in Ohio.

Collaborating with the Well Done Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to sealing orphaned wells, their project marked the 45th well capped by the foundation.

The family who purchased the property in 2016 were unaware of the hazardous well beneath their land.

Thanks to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Well Done Foundation, the well was sealed, representing a significant victory in the fight against orphaned wells.

Now, the group is preparing to raise funds for a second well this summer.

Manhattanhenge: A Spectacular Urban Phenomenon

Twice a year, New Yorkers and visitors experience the awe-inspiring phenomenon known as Manhattanhenge.

During this event, the setting sun aligns perfectly with Manhattan’s street grid, creating a stunning visual as it dips below the horizon framed by towering skyscrapers.

This unique occurrence attracts photographers and onlookers alike, all eager to capture the breathtaking moment.

The term “Manhattanhenge” was coined by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson in a 1997 article, inspired by his visit to Stonehenge. However, unlike the ancient builders of Stonehenge, the planners of Manhattan’s grid never intended to align with the sun; it was pure coincidence.

Manhattanhenge takes place approximately three weeks before and after the summer solstice. On May 28 and July 13, the sun will be half above and half below the horizon at the moment of alignment. On May 29 and July 12, the entire sun appears to hover between buildings before sinking into the New Jersey horizon across the Hudson River.

Similar phenomena occur in other grid-lined cities, like Chicagohenge and Baltimorehenge. But Manhattanhenge steals the spotlight with its awe-inspiring infrastructure and seamless Hudson River views, turning it into an urban sunset show.

Return to the Sphere

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U.A.V. Technology Boosts Well Closure Efforts in Arizona

a-barbagallo — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 17:02:54 +0000

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), better known as drones, are taking Arizona’s to new heights.

As part of a plan to rid the state of legacy-related hazards, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) contracted a group of technical consulting firms to locate abandoned wells across dozens of sites.

The process involves attaching magnetometers, or sensors that can detect changes in the earth’s magnetic field, to remote-controlled UAVs. Once airborne, the unmanned aerial system reads magnetic signatures produced by metal casings of oil and gas wells.

Project teams conduct drone passes at high speeds over large areas to help inform traditional, ground-based studies, increasing the coverage and efficiency of well detection efforts. This approach also allows the ADEQ to expend the time and resources typically required of manual surveys elsewhere.

Arizona’s aerial reconnaissance activities mark a significant step forward for well abandonment efforts. The experience led Atlas to invest in its own UAV equipment, including a , American-made Inspired Flight IF1200a drone and a Geometrics MagArrow II UAV Magnetometer.

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Atlas Awarded $18 Million Contract to Service and Remediate Underground Storage Tanks

Atlas — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 16:13:46 +0000

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Atlas Technical Consultants, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATCX) (“Atlas” or the “Company”), a leading Infrastructure and Environmental solutions provider, announced that it has been awarded an $18 million contract to inspect and service a network of underground storage tanks (UST) for a public agency client. The contract, which was included in second quarter 2022 backlog, has an initial term of three years with two one-year extension options.

Under the contract, Atlas engineers and technical staff will determine the extent of any release to the environment and develop plans to remediate any detected contamination to state-mandated cleanup levels. Atlas will be responsible for assessments, risk-based corrective actions, UST removals, design and installation of remediation systems, and site closure activities.

“Atlas is committed to helping our clients protect their communities by providing high-quality environmental services,” said Atlas CEO, L. Joe Boyer. “Given our successful track record in the market, familiarity with environmental standards, and extensive geographic reach, Atlas has one of the top UST inspection and remediation businesses in the United States. We look forward to continuing to serve our customers in this critical environmental market.”

The EPA’s UST program provides comprehensive set of regulatory standards for USTs containing petroleum or certain other hazardous materials to protect the environment and human health by reducing the number and severity of contamination events. As of September 2021, there were more than 560,000 USTs at approximately 194,000 facilities that are regulated by the UST program, and more than 1.9 million USTs have been closed since the program’s inception in 1984.

About Atlas Technical Consultants
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Atlas is a leading provider of Infrastructure and Environmental Solutions. We partner with our clients to improve performance and extend the lifecycle of built and natural infrastructure assets stressed by climate, health, and economic impacts. With 3,500+ employees nationwide, Atlas brings deep technical expertise to public- and private-sector clients, integrating services across four primary disciplines: Environmental (ENV); Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC); Engineering & Design (E&D); and Program Management/Construction Management, and Quality Management (PCQM). To learn more about Atlas innovations for transportation, commercial, water, government, education, and industrial markets, visit��.

Forward-Looking Statements
The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our management team’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. The information included in this press release in relation to Atlas has been provided by Atlas and its management team, and forward-looking statements include statements relating to Atlas’ management team’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on us and are based on management’s experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, anticipated future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we have anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (1) the effect, impact, potential duration or other implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and any expectations we may have with respect thereto; (2) the risk that our actual results may differ from the guidance we have provided; (3) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of our past acquisitions, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the Company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain management and key employees; (4) changes adversely affecting the business in which we are engaged; (5) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (6) the possibility that the Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; and (7) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including those under “Risk Factors” therein.

Contacts:

Media
Karlene Barron
770-314-5270

Investor Relations
Chase Jacobson, Vallum Advisors
512-851-1507

The post Atlas Awarded $18 Million Contract to Service and Remediate Underground Storage Tanks appeared first on Atlas.

Geophysical Discoveries: What Lies Beneath the Surface?

a-barbagallo — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 02:38:07 +0000

Finding sustainable groundwater resources in the middle of the desert. Discovering unexploded ammunition, burial sites, and tunnels. Detecting earthquake fault locations, depth of bedrock, lithium brine, gold and other resources. All in the subterranean space. There is value in knowing what lies beneath the surface before starting your next big project.

Geophysical evaluations look for the subsurface challenges, objects, or resource targets before your project starts, helping to ensure successful planning, design and delivery of your project. Answering questions like, is your project in an area prone to voids, sinkholes, abandoned mines, or faults? Do you have a reliable way to know the locations of subsurface utilities and obstructions prior to construction? Are you interested in site characterization such as depth to bedrock or groundwater? Are you interested in discovering or protecting a valuable natural or man-made resource? Answering these questions in the early stages of a project can help to avoid costly remedial steps later.

Unknown, or poorly defined subsurface conditions can be devastating for environmental, construction, resource, and development projects – causing safety concerns, property damage, project delays, contractor change orders, and unforeseen costs. Performing geophysical evaluations help to avoid these issues.

Here’s How We Help

Our professional geophysicists use seismic, magnetic, electromagnetic, electrical resistivity, ground penetrating radar (GPR), and many other non-destructive geophysical methodologies to perform evaluations of subsurface conditions.
In groundwater resource studies, geophysicists can assess the presence of faulting as well as the general hydrogeologic conditions for aquifer basins up to ~3,000 feet or more below the ground surface. Our geophysicists also partner with our water resources professionals to provide well siting, well design, well development, and well rehabilitations.
Geophysicists can characterize geologic stratigraphy and structure relative to the occurrence of mineral deposits including lithium-bearing brines or clays, other salt bodies or salt domes, and mineralization trends often associated with precious metals like silver, gold, and base metals like copper and others.
Electromagnetic and ground penetrating radar (GPR) methods can detect voids and backfilled excavations below the ground surface, including recent and historical human burial sites. helping to delineate existing archeological boundaries.
Seismic, resistivity, and GPR geophysical methods can help characterize subsurface geologic conditions and mitigate risk in areas prone to dangerous and costly ground subsidence, sinkholes, voids, and soil liquefaction. The initial manifestations of these features are sometimes very minor in appearance at ground surface, but geophysics can often reveal that future damage might be a risk due to deep seated issues. Our geophysicists have discovered important project anomalies occurring at oil refineries, naval bases, next to train tracks, under portions of a paved highway, coastal cliff erosion and cave areas, within mining claim blocks, and within commercial and residential areas.
Electrical resistivity tomography (Sting-ERT), hybrid source audiomagnetotellurics (HSAMT) and seismic reflection methods can create high-resolution 2D profiles to characterize subsurface geologic conditions where faults are known to exist. In a recent study for an industrial refinery, our geophysicists discovered several faults known to exist within an 80-acre study area that was expected to become a proposed evaporation pond.
Electrical resistivity tomography (Sting-ERT), hybrid source audiomagnetotellurics (HSAMT) and seismic reflection methods, can create high-resolution 2D profiles to characterize subsurface geologic conditions where faults are known to exist. In recent studies for a groundwater development project, several fault related prospective well sites were indicated in our results, and successful deep, bedrock aquifer water supply wells were subsequently drilled by our clients.

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Geophysical Services

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Atlas Awarded $5 Million Environmental Services Contract With ConocoPhillips Company

Atlas — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 17:01:28 +0000

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 18, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Atlas Technical Consultants, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATCX) (“Atlas” or the “Company”), a leading Infrastructure and Environmental solutions provider, announced today that it has been awarded a $5 million contract to provide environmental services to ConocoPhillips (COP). Services include the assessment and remediation of petroleum-oil impacted soil and groundwater associated with historical oilfield activity in the western region of the United States. The contract is for a five-year term.

“We are proud of our relationship with COP since 2005 – a partnership built on trust and consistent delivery of sustainable solutions, as they continue to responsibly access, develop and produce oil and natural gas to help meet the world’s energy needs,” said Atlas Chief Operations Officer, Ken J. Burns, Jr.

ConocoPhillips is an independent exploration and production (E&P) company headquartered in Houston, Texas that explores for, produce, transport and market crude oil, bitumen, natural gas, natural gas liquids, and liquefied natural gas on a worldwide basis.

Atlas’ strong partnership, coupled with a quality safety program, led to the award of the contract with COP. Atlas is committed to maintaining a strong safety culture and a healthy, hazard-free work environment for all who operate in, visit, or enter their facilities and job sites.

About Atlas Technical Consultants

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Atlas is a leading provider of Infrastructure and Environmental Solutions. We partner with our clients to improve performance and extend lifecycle of built and natural infrastructure assets stressed by climate, health, and economic impacts. With 3,600+ employees nationwide, Atlas brings deep technical expertise to public- and private-sector clients, integrating services across four primary disciplines: Environmental; Testing, Inspection and Certification; Engineering & Design; and Program, Construction, and Quality Management. To learn more about Atlas innovations for transportation, commercial, water, government, education, and industrial markets, visit��.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our or our management team’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. The information included in this press release in relation to Atlas has been provided by Atlas and its management team, and forward-looking statements include statements relating to Atlas’ management team’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on us and are based on management’s experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, anticipated future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we have anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (1) the effect, impact, potential duration or other implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and any expectations we may have with respect thereto; (2) the risk that our actual results may differ from the guidance we have provided; (3) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of our past acquisitions, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the Company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain management and key employees; (4) changes adversely affecting the business in which we are engaged; (5) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (6) the possibility that the Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; and (7) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including those under “Risk Factors” therein.

Contacts:

Media
Karlene Barron
770-314-5270

Investor Relations
Rodny Nacier, ICR Inc.
512-851-1507

The post Atlas Awarded $5 Million Environmental Services Contract With ConocoPhillips Company appeared first on Atlas.