137 Oil Wells Out of Compliance

A new study states that 137 oil wells in northern Alaska are out of compliance with state regulations.

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By KTVA CBS 11
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Story Created: Mar 5, 2011 at 9:00 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Mar 5, 2011 at 9:00 PM AKDT

      A report presented to Alaska lawmakers earlier this week claims 137 northern Alaska oil wells are out of compliance with state regulations. The wells are relatively old with most having been drilled between 1944 and 1981.

     According to the Alaskan Oil and Gas Commission, most of the wells are abandoned, and only 10 were properly sealed. Two of those are now under lakes, and a landslide has buried another.

     Despite the fact the wells appear to violating both state and federal rules, the report claims there is little the state can do to force a cleanup. The Oil and Gas Commission paper says the Federal Bureau of Land Management should pay to properly shutter and clean up the old well sites.

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