ASTM D6285-99(2016)
(Guide)Standard Guide for Locating Abandoned Wells
Standard Guide for Locating Abandoned Wells
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Millions of oil and gas wells, water supply wells, and wells installed for environmental monitoring and remediation purposes, have been abandoned. The need to determine the locations of these abandoned wells is based on safety and threats to the environment. Improperly constructed or abandoned wells may pose a safety threat to humans and animals, may be sources of brines and other undesirable fluids coming to the surface, may be conduits for transport of contamination from the surface to the substrate, or may cross-contaminate water-bearing zones in the subsurface. All states do not require documentation of the abandonment of wells and may not have specific requirements for abandonment procedures.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide provides an approach to selecting and implementing a program to identify the locations of abandoned wells. This guide provides descriptions of methods to be used as starting points in the search for these locations. It is not intended to be a step-by-step procedure to conduct the search program.
1.2 The described methods are approaches that have been used at many sites in the past. Other methods may be appropriate. Typically, several approaches are used to obtain acceptable confirmation of well locations. This guide is not limited to specific wells. The method chosen should be appropriate for the size of the area being searched and the type of well being located. Some well types and construction materials may preclude their detection by any of the methods described.
1.3 This guide offers an organized collection of information or series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This guide cannot replace education and experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment.
1.4 This guide does not purport to address all aspects of exploration and site safety. It is the responsibility of the user of this guide to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations before its use.
1.5 This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional services must be judged nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project’s many unique aspects. The word Standard in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 30-Nov-2016
- Technical Committee
- D18 - Soil and Rock
- Drafting Committee
- D18.21 - Groundwater and Vadose Zone Investigations
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2014
- Effective Date
- 15-Feb-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2008
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2005
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2005
Overview
ASTM D6285-99(2016) - Standard Guide for Locating Abandoned Wells provides a structured approach for identifying the locations of abandoned wells, including those drilled for oil and gas exploration, groundwater supply, environmental monitoring, and remediation. With millions of abandoned wells existing across various regions, accurately determining their locations is crucial due to potential safety hazards and environmental risks. Improperly abandoned or undocumented wells can serve as pathways for contaminants, lead to cross-contamination of groundwater, and pose physical dangers to humans and animals.
This standard offers a collection of established methodologies for locating suspect or undocumented wells but does not prescribe a single specific procedure. It encourages users to adapt methods based on the size of the search area, the well type, available information, and specific site conditions. Professional judgment, along with local and regulatory knowledge, is essential in applying this guide.
Key Topics
- Need for Locating Abandoned Wells: Safety for people and animals, preventing contamination of groundwater, and environmental protection.
- Sources of Information:
- Public records from local, state, or federal agencies
- Interviews with property owners, residents, and drilling contractors
- On-site reconnaissance and surface observations
- Search Methods:
- Review of Historical and Administrative Records: Searching well logs, property maps, and drilling records.
- Remote Sensing and Aerial Photographs: Utilizing aerial or satellite imagery to detect surface disturbances or historic drilling activity.
- Geophysical Methods:
- Metal Detectors and Magnetometers: Useful for detecting metal well casing.
- Electromagnetic and Resistivity Surveys: Identify conductive materials or fluids, potentially indicating well locations or leaks.
- Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR): Detects nonmetallic casings or voids associated with abandoned wells.
- Limitations:
- Not all well types are detectable by every geophysical method, especially wells with nonmetallic construction.
- Detection success varies with site conditions, well depth, diameter, construction, and documentation quality.
Applications
- Environmental Site Assessment and Remediation: Before construction, groundwater studies, or land redevelopment, it is vital to locate and assess abandoned wells to mitigate potential risks.
- Oil, Gas, and Mining Operations: Compliance with regulatory obligations often requires comprehensive searches for and documentation of abandoned wells.
- Public and Private Land Management: Locating abandoned water supply wells or monitoring wells helps protect groundwater resources and ensure land safety.
- Municipal Infrastructure Projects: Identifying abandoned wells is critical during urban expansion to avoid accidental encounters or contamination pathways.
Related Standards
- ASTM D5092 - Practice for Design and Installation of Groundwater Monitoring Wells: Details installation documentation, supporting traceability for future well location efforts.
- ASTM D5299 - Guide for Decommissioning of Groundwater Wells, Vadose Zone Monitoring Devices, Boreholes, and Other Devices for Environmental Activities: Offers procedures for well abandonment and record-keeping.
- ASTM D653 - Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids: Provides standard definitions relevant to well location and related terminology.
These related ASTM standards provide essential guidance for proper well installation, abandonment, and documentation practices, helping ensure ongoing safety and environmental protection.
Keywords: abandoned wells, locating wells, well records, remote sensing, geophysical methods, environmental monitoring, groundwater, ASTM D6285, aerial photography, magnetometer, GPR, safety, environmental protection
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D6285-99(2016) is a guide published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Guide for Locating Abandoned Wells". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 Millions of oil and gas wells, water supply wells, and wells installed for environmental monitoring and remediation purposes, have been abandoned. The need to determine the locations of these abandoned wells is based on safety and threats to the environment. Improperly constructed or abandoned wells may pose a safety threat to humans and animals, may be sources of brines and other undesirable fluids coming to the surface, may be conduits for transport of contamination from the surface to the substrate, or may cross-contaminate water-bearing zones in the subsurface. All states do not require documentation of the abandonment of wells and may not have specific requirements for abandonment procedures. SCOPE 1.1 This guide provides an approach to selecting and implementing a program to identify the locations of abandoned wells. This guide provides descriptions of methods to be used as starting points in the search for these locations. It is not intended to be a step-by-step procedure to conduct the search program. 1.2 The described methods are approaches that have been used at many sites in the past. Other methods may be appropriate. Typically, several approaches are used to obtain acceptable confirmation of well locations. This guide is not limited to specific wells. The method chosen should be appropriate for the size of the area being searched and the type of well being located. Some well types and construction materials may preclude their detection by any of the methods described. 1.3 This guide offers an organized collection of information or series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This guide cannot replace education and experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. 1.4 This guide does not purport to address all aspects of exploration and site safety. It is the responsibility of the user of this guide to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations before its use. 1.5 This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional services must be judged nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project’s many unique aspects. The word Standard in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 Millions of oil and gas wells, water supply wells, and wells installed for environmental monitoring and remediation purposes, have been abandoned. The need to determine the locations of these abandoned wells is based on safety and threats to the environment. Improperly constructed or abandoned wells may pose a safety threat to humans and animals, may be sources of brines and other undesirable fluids coming to the surface, may be conduits for transport of contamination from the surface to the substrate, or may cross-contaminate water-bearing zones in the subsurface. All states do not require documentation of the abandonment of wells and may not have specific requirements for abandonment procedures. SCOPE 1.1 This guide provides an approach to selecting and implementing a program to identify the locations of abandoned wells. This guide provides descriptions of methods to be used as starting points in the search for these locations. It is not intended to be a step-by-step procedure to conduct the search program. 1.2 The described methods are approaches that have been used at many sites in the past. Other methods may be appropriate. Typically, several approaches are used to obtain acceptable confirmation of well locations. This guide is not limited to specific wells. The method chosen should be appropriate for the size of the area being searched and the type of well being located. Some well types and construction materials may preclude their detection by any of the methods described. 1.3 This guide offers an organized collection of information or series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This guide cannot replace education and experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. 1.4 This guide does not purport to address all aspects of exploration and site safety. It is the responsibility of the user of this guide to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations before its use. 1.5 This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional services must be judged nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project’s many unique aspects. The word Standard in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.
ASTM D6285-99(2016) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 07.040 - Astronomy. Geodesy. Geography. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D6285-99(2016) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D6285-99(2012)e1, ASTM D653-14, ASTM D5299-99(2012)e1, ASTM D653-11, ASTM D653-09, ASTM D653-08a, ASTM D653-08, ASTM D653-07f, ASTM D653-07e, ASTM D653-07d, ASTM D653-07c, ASTM D653-07b, ASTM D653-06, ASTM D653-05, ASTM D5299-99(2005). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D6285-99(2016) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D6285 − 99 (Reapproved 2016)
Standard Guide for
Locating Abandoned Wells
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6285; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
This guide for locating abandoned wells, provides general procedures and suggestions for
identifying the locations of wells that are installed for the purposes of oil and gas exploration or
production, or for groundwater exploration, supply, monitoring, remediation, or injection, and
subsequently have been abandoned. Not all areas require documentation of such abandonment; thus,
this guide has been prepared to provide direction for determining the locations of those abandoned
wells.
1. Scope of action. This document cannot replace education or experi-
ence and should be used in conjunction with professional
1.1 This guide provides an approach to selecting and imple-
judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all
menting a program to identify the locations of abandoned
circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to repre-
wells. This guide provides descriptions of methods to be used
sent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of
as starting points in the search for these locations. It is not
a given professional services must be judged nor should this
intended to be a step-by-step procedure to conduct the search
document be applied without consideration of a project’s many
program.
unique aspects.The word Standard in the title of this document
1.2 The described methods are approaches that have been
means only that the document has been approved through the
used at many sites in the past. Other methods may be
ASTM consensus process.
appropriate. Typically, several approaches are used to obtain
acceptable confirmation of well locations. This guide is not
2. Referenced Documents
limited to specific wells. The method chosen should be
2.1 ASTM Standards:
appropriate for the size of the area being searched and the type
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
of well being located. Some well types and construction
Fluids
materials may preclude their detection by any of the methods
D5092 Practice for Design and Installation of Groundwater
described.
Monitoring Wells
1.3 This guide offers an organized collection of information
D5299 Guide for Decommissioning of Groundwater Wells,
or series of options and does not recommend a specific course
Vadose Zone Monitoring Devices, Boreholes, and Other
of action. This guide cannot replace education and experience
Devices for Environmental Activities
and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment.
3. Terminology
1.4 This guide does not purport to address all aspects of
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of common technical terms
exploration and site safety. It is the responsibility of the user of
in this standard, refer to Terminology D653.
this guide to establish appropriate safety and health practices
and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations before
4. Significance and Use
its use.
4.1 Millions of oil and gas wells, water supply wells, and
1.5 This guide offers an organized collection of information
wells installed for environmental monitoring and remediation
oraseriesofoptionsanddoesnotrecommendaspecificcourse
purposes, have been abandoned. The need to determine the
locations of these abandoned wells is based on safety and
This guide is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.21 on Groundwater and
Vadose Zone Investigations. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2016. Published December 2016. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
ɛ1
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D6285 – 99(2012) . Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/D6285-99R16. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6285 − 99 (2016)
threats to the environment. Improperly constructed or aban- 5.5 Interviews—Conversations or interviews with local
doned wells may pose a safety threat to humans and animals, property owners, longtime residents, and drilling contractors
may be sources of brines and other undesirable fluids coming often provide information about the locations of abandoned
to the surface, may be conduits for transport of contamination wells. Property owners often can identify specific well loca-
from the surface to the substrate, or may cross-contaminate tions. Drilling contractors often maintain internal records of
water-bearing zones in the subsurface.All states do not require well locations. A careful explanation of the need for locating
documentation of the abandonment of wells and may not have certain wells is necessary sometimes to obtain access to these
specific requirements for abandonment procedures. proprietary data. The initial purpose for conducting the inter-
view should dictate the type and format of interview documen-
5. Methods for Locating Abandoned Wells Whose tation.
Locations Have Been Recorded, Observed, or Marked
5.6 Reconnaissance—Actual site visits may identify the
at the Surface
locations of abandoned wells whose surface locations have
been marked or whose installation or abandonment have left
5.1 Records Search—Information regarding the potential
soil disturbances that are identifiable as well-related.
location, type, age, method of abandonment, and other perti-
nent information about wells often can be determined by a
6. Airborne and Space-Based Photographic and Other
thorough review of local, state, or federal records. Many
Methods for Locating Abandoned Wells Whose
governmental agencies have reporting requirements for both
Locations Are Unknown
the installation and abandonment of all types of wells.
6.1 Aerial Photographs—Aerial photographs may be used
Typically, oil and gas wells are controlled by separate agencies
to detect the surface disturbance associated with well drilling
from water and environmental wells. With the recent prolifera-
activities or the actual surface equipment. Historical photo-
tion of environmental studies, the number of agencies that may
graphs may document the actual drilling of now-abandoned
maintain these records has increased.
wells. Aerial photographs may be available at many different
5.2 Local Agencies—Local (city and county) agencies typi-
scales and from many different sources.
cally retain records of oil and gas leasing agreements, tax
6.1.1 Thelargerthescaleoftheaerialphotograph,theeasier
records, plat maps, property ownership maps, and other related
it is to identify features. Photographs usually are available at a
information. Information on municipal wells often is retained
low cost. Photographs, however, may not be available for a
in local courthouses.
given area or may not be at an appropriate scale. Interpretation
5.3 StateorRegionalAgencies—Moststatesorregionshave
of the photographs should be performed by trained personnel.
several agencies that maintain records of drilled wells. Some
6.1.2 Sources of Aerial and Satellite Photographs—Many
maintain sophisticated computer databases, others maintain
local and state or regional governmental agencies have ar-
paper records. Location information also varies by jurisdiction
chives of aerial photographs of their area of jurisdiction. In
and can be by township, range and section, state plane
addition, a review of the local telephone directory listing of
coordinatesystem,UTMcoordinates,orlatitudeandlongitude.
companies that provide aerial photographic services may
Drilling logs, installation diagrams, production records, me-
provide sources of aerial and satellite photographs.
chanical integrity testing reports, and other information often
6.2 Other Remotely Sensed Data—Surface disturbances,
are available. Injection wells information typically also is
associated either with the original well installation or with
available.
leaking fluids from an improperly abandoned well, may be
5.3.1 A starting place for well record information is a
detectable using various remotely sensed data. These data
Geological Survey agency. If they do not maintain well
include,butarenotlimitedtospectral,radar,andcolorinfrared
records, they typically can provide direction to the proper
data acquired by satellite or aircraft. Spectral imagery may be
agency.
used to detect vegetative stress resulting from either drilling
5.3.2 Water well records are required in most jurisdictions.
activities or from the presence of saline or contaminated water
The sophistication of record keeping and location detail is
leaking from an abandoned well. Thermal infrared imagery
variable. Health agencies often maintain records for public
maybeusedtodetecttemperatureanomaliesresultingfromthe
water supply wells.
presence of metal casing. Spectral, color infrared, and radar
5.3.3 Within the areas that produce oil and gas, a specific
imageryalsomaybeusedintexturalanalysistodeducesurface
agency usually has been given the responsibility for maintain-
disturbances that may have resulted from drilling and well
ing well information.
installation activities.
5.4 Environmental monitoring wells have become more 6
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