Work is set to begin the week of March 10 on a critical environmental project aimed at plugging orphan oil and gas wells and remediating impacted sites within the Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge. The project, known as the Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge Orphan Well Plugging and Site Remediation Project, is expected to continue for approximately 60 working days.

While the work will not be visible from Smith Road, residents in the area should expect an increase in traffic due to project-related activity. Lo- cal contractors, vendors, and members of the community will play a role in the effort, which is being conducted through a partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Well Done Foundation, Well Done New Mexico LLC, and Well Done Oklahoma Project LLC.

Many of the orphan oil and gas wells within the Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge date back as far as 1913, a time when oil production was a significant economic driver in Okmulgee County. Over the decades, as production declined, the wells became uneconomic to operate. As a result, many operators shut down or went out of business, leaving these wells abandoned and classified as “orphan” wells.

When the Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1993, it inherited these preexisting wells, which now pose serious risks to clean water and air. These abandoned wells can leak oil, gas, and other contaminants into the environment, making their remediation a priority for conservation efforts.

Thanks to funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which was passed in 2022, resources are now available to properly plug these wells and restore the affected areas. The Well Done Foundation, a national nonprofit organization specializing in orphan well remediation, is leading the initiative alongside Well Done New Mexico LLC and Well Done Oklahoma Project LLC.

The project involves removing old infrastructure, capping the wells to prevent environmental contamination, and restoring the land. By the end of the project, the Refuge will have a safer and healthier ecosystem for wildlife and visitors alike.

While the well-plugging and remediation work will not be visible from Smith Road, residents should be aware of an increase in project- related traffic. Key details of the project include: • Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Traffic Impact: Trucks transporting tanks, pipes, and oilfield equipment will travel from the Refuge property, eastward on Smith Road to N. Oklahoma Avenue. A strict speed limit of 20 MPH will be enforced for project vehicles.

• Duration: The project is expected to take approximately 60 working days.

• Project Information Hotline: Residents with questions can contact (360) 567-7521 for more details.

Plugging orphan wells is a crucial step in safeguarding natural resources and reducing pollution. Methane leaks from abandoned wells contribute to climate change, while unsealed wells can contaminate groundwater. By addressing these risks, the project not only protects the Refuge’s wildlife and habitats but also improves air and water quality for the surrounding community.

Additionally, the project brings economic benefits to the region by creating jobs for local contractors and service providers. This initiative is part of a broader national effort to tackle the issue of orphan wells and ensure that public lands remain safe and productive for future generations.

-Looking Ahead As work gets underway, residents are encouraged to stay informed and reach out to the project hotline with any concerns. The Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge Orphan Well Plugging and Site Remediation Project represents a vital investment in environmental protection, made possible through federal funding and strong collaboration between government agencies and private organizations.

By the end of the project, the Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge will be one step closer to a cleaner, safer future, benefiting both the local ecosystem and the community that calls Okmulgee County home.