The Chippewa-Cree Cultural Resource Department has created a Tribal Orphaned Wells Program as part of a federal grant from the US Department of Interior to address oil and gas wells that have possibly been abandoned and not plugged or cleaned up properly. An “orphaned” well is a well that no longer produces oil or gas, does not serve its intended purpose, and has no known owner or operator capable of properly plugging the well and completing associated removal and remediation of the site.
The Tribal Orphaned Wells Program is seeking information on potential orphaned wells and/or associated infrastructure on the Rocky Boy Reservation. Using the questionnaire below, please fill out an information you may have regarding a potential orphaned well on your property.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the Tribal Orphaned Well office at (406) 395-5215 or jrrosette86@gmail.com.
Please complete these efforts at your earliest convenience.
These legacy pollution sites are environmental hazards and jeopardize public health and safety by contaminating groundwater, emitting noxious gases like methane, littering the landscape with rusted and dangerous equipment, creating flooding and sinkhole risks, and harming wildlife.