The goal of this project is to support the launch of a sustainability initiative focused on

plugging orphan wells in Appalachia to reduce methane emissions. Students will

conduct additional data analysis on Appalachian well data to quantify the methane

emissions potential, identify priority areas for well plugging, provide recommendations

for best practices in well plugging, and design a training program outline and advocacy

campaign to encourage worker certification and awareness of the environmental

importance of this work.

Key Project Phases:

1. Research & Data Organization (Weeks 1–3)

Objectives: Gain familiarity with orphan well plugging, Appalachia’s well data, and the region’s environmental impact from unplugged wells.

Tasks:

• Conduct background research on orphan wells, methane emissions, and sustainability practices.
• Obtain, organize, and categorize Appalachia’s well data by state.

Deliverable:

• Organized dataset in Excel with clear categorizations by state.

2. Data Analysis & Recommendations (Weeks 4–8)

Objectives: Identify high-priority wells for well plugging, analyze data to guide best practices in methane reduction, and draft recommendations.

Tasks:

• Analyze orphan well data to determine states and wells with the methane and recommend priority areas.
• Calculate and visually represent data trends with graphs and charts.
• Propose best practices for well-plugging strategies based on findings.

Deliverables:

• Priority state and area list with rationale.
• Graphs and charts illustrating key data insights.
• Initial best-practice recommendations report.

3. Training Program Development (Weeks 9–12)

Objectives: Design a training program outline to educate workers on orphan well plugging, its environmental impact, and certification benefits.

Tasks:

• Develop an outline of important topics to be covered such as technical skills, safety, and environmental importance of well plugging.
• Include components on sustainability practices and state requirements.

Deliverable:

• Training program outline

4. Advocacy Campaign Design (Weeks 13–15)

Objectives: Create an advocacy campaign to raise awareness of the environmental importance of plugging orphan wells and encourage certification.

Tasks:

• Develop a campaign strategy, including key messaging, and outreach tactics.

Deliverable:

• Advocacy campaign strategy document

Final Deliverables:

• Organized Data Sets: Completed and categorized methane emissions datasets for Appalachian states.
• Sustainability Strategy Report: Comprehensive report of methane emissions, training program recommendations, and advocacy campaign plan.