Plugging and abandoning oil and gas wells is typically done when:
- the well is no longer economically viable for production
- there are wellbore issues requiring closure
Production wells must be plugged to prevent oil and gas reservoir fluids from migrating up hole and possibly
contaminating other formations and / or fresh water aquifers.
Abandonment aims at restoring the natural integrity of the formation that was penetrated by the wellbore.
P&A work takes investment to complete and provides no return on the investment for the oil companies