Pennsylvania state law details the plugging requirements for operators in the state. All wells must be plugged once a well is decommissioned and no longer producing natural gas. Prior to abandoning a well, operators must provide the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) with notice of plugging to afford DEP with the opportunity to be present at time of plugging. Additionally, 20 percent of the revenue generated by Act 13 that is directed to the Marcellus Legacy Fund can be used for plugging orphaned or abandoned oil and gas wells.
