Locating orphan and undocumented wells remains one of the most persistent challenges in the Northern Appalachian region. Incomplete historical records and fragmented datasets have hindered coordinated plugging efforts and accurate emissions assessments.
To address these gaps, new approaches are leveraging open data, machine learning, geospatial tools, and local knowledge to build more comprehensive well inventories. These methods not only improve detection, but also help prioritize sites based on environmental, health, and equity risks.