Orphan Well Repair and Plugging
Taplin Group and Excel Site Rentals collaborated on one of Michigan’s most complex well-plugging projects this year. Conducted in Ottawa County on a county park’s waters, the project showcased innovative problem-solving, environmental stewardship, and effective teamwork. The initiative was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, demonstrating the power of collaboration in addressing technical and environmental challenges.
Project Details
Location: Offshore in Ottawa County, Michigan, with wells situated 8–12 feet deep in water.
Objective: Safely and efficiently plug two orphan wells in compliance with state environmental standards.
Partnership: Taplin Group provided environmental expertise and equipment, while Excel Site Rentals managed drilling and rig setup.
The project was unique for its location: two wells situated hundreds of feet offshore in water depths ranging from 8 to 12 feet. It required assembling a barge platform large enough to support a workover rig and other heavy equipment. The water environment posed unique challenges. The pipes protruding from the wells were bent, which required straightening before work could proceed. Taplin crews used an excavator on the barge to carefully pull the pipes straight and then verified their integrity with an underwater rover. This submersible drone proved invaluable, allowing the team to inspect the underwater portions of the wells without having divers enter the water.
Results
Efficiency: The project was completed under budget and ahead of schedule, receiving praise from Michigan’s EGLE Orphan Well Unit.
Environmental Success: No spills or safety incidents occurred, reinforcing the team’s commitment to environmental protection. Rigorous environmental safeguards and equipment planning ensured success in a unique water-based operation. Combining expertise and resources between Taplin Group and Excel Site Rentals proved essential to overcoming technical and logistical obstacles. The success of this project has set the stage for continued collaboration. Upcoming joint projects include land-based well-plugging operations, with both companies expressing interest in future water-based challenges.
