The project will develop a process and methodology to identify and prioritize MCWs for permanent plugging and abandonment, monitor (via discrete measurements) methane emissions from MCWs, and support elements of environmental restoration required for full compliance with applicable State or Federal well plugging and abandonment standards and regulations. Monitoring can include detection and measurement of methane emissions used to provide a preliminary screening of emissions from MCWs as a mechanism to inform plugging prioritization. Monitoring must include measurement of methane emissions (in accordance with the methane measurement guidelines for MCWs provided by DOE or alternative measurement guidelines that are in general alignment with the DOE guidelines and are reviewed/approved by DOE prior to implementation) prior to and following the plugging and abandonment of any MCW, quantification of the methane emissions mitigated for plugged wells, and verification that plugged wells are no longer emitting methane emissions as required for full compliance with applicable State or Federal well plugging and abandonment standards and regulations. Stakeholder engagement and outreach are also key to this project, and it is anticipated that the outcomes of the project will result in substantial benefits with specific impact on disadvantaged communities. C. Tasks and Subtasks to Be Performed The project consists of six tasks, with Tasks 1-2 focusing on the administrative and community engagement aspects of the award and Tasks 3-6 focusing on efforts to define the prioritization of MCWs for plugging, measuring pre- and post- plugging methane emissions from MCWs, plugging MCWs, and conducting elements of environmental restoration required for full compliance with applicable State or Federal well plugging and abandonment standards and regulations.
