Orphan wells

Depends on the state. Some states have much higher bond requirements than others.

But beyond the bond, you need to consider all of the liabilities for future plugging and other lease cleanup expenses that you may become liable for. The shallower the well the cheaper plugging expenses are (generally speaking). I’d want to make sure you have good wellbore integrity before assuming the liability on one. An expert in the area could help make that (probable) determination before you touch it. In Kansas if you do anything (physically) to an abandoned well you may become liable for it so be wary.

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