Illinois FIRST To Provide $468,836 To Landowners To Plug Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today awarded $468,836 in Illinois FIRST grants to 38 landowners, allowing them to proceed with the plugging of 124 abandoned oil and gas wells in downstate Illinois.

"Through Illinois FIRST, the state is able to address the significant environmental and safety concerns posed by abandoned oil and gas wells," Ryan said. "Unless they are plugged properly, these so-called 'orphaned' wells can pollute farm land and threaten surface and groundwater supplies."

The Illinois FIRST program is providing up to $10 million to make sure that dangerous wells are properly plugged. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources administers the grant program aimed at plugging more than 5,000 abandoned wells in the state. To date, the landowner grant program has provided nearly $800,000 in grants to plug 248 abandoned wells. Landowners are reimbursed after the wells are plugged and the work is approved by IDNR inspectors. Landowners interested in information on well eligibility and other program details may contact Duane Pulliam, Landowner Grant Program Coordinator, IDNR Office of Mines and Minerals, 524 South Second St., Springfield, IL 62701-1787, phone 217/782-7756.

A list of grant recipients is attached.