Texan Landowners Face Crisis with Reawakened Zombie Oil Wells

In Pecos County, a dormant oil well reanimated, hissing gas and spewing toxic water, bringing to light significant regulatory failures. Veteran well control specialist Hawk Dunlap discovered the poorly plugged well while investigating the issue for concerned landowners.

Dunlap's actions revealed that many wells deemed sealed were improperly managed. The Railroad Commission, the Texas regulatory body responsible, faces intense scrutiny for alleged lax oversight contributing to this growing problem. Pressures from wastewater injections amplify the risk of well failures, adding to local landowners' troubles.

Landowners and activists are increasingly distressed as spills, contamination, and even small earthquakes become more common. Dunlap and his partner Sarah Stogner are campaigning for better regulatory responses and changes in the industry.

(With inputs from agencies.)