Project Plug

​​​​​News Update!      ​
​Governor Newsom Announces Permanent Closure of AllenCo Oil Wells, Ending Years of Community Harm:   

View the project timeline​          View the Press Release​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Project Plug addresses the environmental impacts of legacy wells and facilities in our communities. 
Learn about regional work on Phase One projects below. 

Subscribe to the Oil & Gas Outreach listserv to receive updates for public meetings and other 
announcements.

Para español seleccione la opción en la esquina superior derecha de la pantalla.

Visit the State Oil and Gas Well Plug and Abandonments Page for the Latest Project Actions and Announcements

Information on Specific Projects - Click to View Below:

Inspectors

Mountain View Field (Kern County)

Read More
Pumpjacks

Cat Canyon (Santa Barbara County)

Read More


About Project Plug

Thousands of orphaned or deserted wells exist unplugged across the state - some dating back to the origin of California's oil industry more than 130 years ago. These wells are hazardous to wildlife, the environment, and communities that now live near these facilities. Oil and gas companies are responsible for plugging a well, if they do not, the state can step in to plug the well and pursue cost recovery from those companies.  

Governor Newsom, the State Legislature, and the Federal Government provided the Department of Conservation substantial funding to address unplugged, orphaned wells. Project Plug uses these resources to identify old, orphan wells that present the highest risk to communities and the environment, and then permanently plug those wells and remove adjacent facilities. Because orphan wells are a major source of greenhouse gases, this effort is run in conjunction with the State's Methane Task Force and the Department's ongoing engagement with community groups in affected areas.


Project Area Details

​AllenCo (Los Angeles County -​ "St James")

Total Wells: 21
Sealed Wells: 21
Project Start Date: Late 2023
Status: Completed - View the Governor's Press Release 
                                                                                 
Expected Completion: First Calendar Quarter of 2026                                                                                                                                      
  • This site includes 21 wells and a tank in Los Angeles. 
  • The site is situated between Saint James Park residential properties and St. Vincent Elementary School.
  • Numerous public agencies took enforcement actions against the operator, which has a long history of noncompliance.
  • In 2022, the Department depressurized all 21 wells. Plugging work began in 2023. 
  • As of October 1, 2025, the Department of Conservation (DOC) and contractor Driltek have plugged 15 of the 21 wells. Other wells have had some partial plugging and sealing completed, but these wells are still undergoing observation before completing those processes.                                                                                                                           

The Community Health, Safety, and Notification Plan provides community members with essential information about work schedules, safety measures, and emergency contacts. Click here to access the complete plan.                                                     

El Plan de Salud, Seguridad y Notificación Comunitaria proporciona a los miembros de la comunidad información esencial sobre los horarios de trabajo, medidas de seguridad y contactos de emergencia. Haga clic aquí para acceder al plan completo.                                                                                              

Updates & Announcements: 

                         

  • February 11, 2026:  "Governor Newsom announced the permanent sealing of all 21oil wells at the AllenCo site in University Park, ending years of environmental violations that threatened Los Angeles communities. The closure is part of California’s statewide commitment to plug hundreds of dangerous, abandoned oil wells and protect communities from the legacy of irresponsible operators who abandon their cleanup obligations.​"  Read More
                             

  • February 3, 2026: To date, the Department of Conservation (DOC) and contractor, Driltek, has plugged 17 of the 21 “Saint James" drill site wells. Other wells have had some partial plugging and sealing completed, but these wells are still undergoing observation before completing those processes. The project is expected to be completed by first quarter of 2026 calendar year.​​
                             

  • January 20, 2026 Public Meeting:  View the Presentation (pdf)
  • December 17, 2024:  Community Update – Allenco Well: 

                                          
Want to learn more?  Visit the page for AllenCo Oil Production Facility (Los Angeles)                                                     
                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

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Mountain View Field (​Kern County)

Total Wells: 39
Sealed Wells: 28
Project Start Date: May 28, 2025
Status: Ongoing                                                                                             

Background                                                                                              

A total of thirty-nine oil wells—previously operated by Sunray Petroleum, Blackstone Oil and Gas, and Prine Oil Company—are being permanently sealed following regulatory violations and non-compliance with state requirements. These wells are located south-east of Bakersfield.                                                                                                                              

There are two major areas of work: near Arvin and near Fuller Acres.                                                                                                    

Arvin

Total Wells: 25
Sealed Wells: 25
Work Started: May 28, 2025
Status: Completed March 20, 2026                                                                                                   

The Arvin work area is located north of the City of Arvin, north and east of Arvin High School. This area includes twenty-five (25) wells that were designated for plugging and sealing.                                                                                            

Preliminary site work began in early March 2025 to assess each well's condition. Above-ground storage tanks (ASTs) were sampled before being safely dismantled, and the top twenty-four inches of contaminated soil were properly removed and disposed of.                                                                                            

Two rigs started plugging operations on May 28, 2025. Methane samples were collected one month prior to work, during the process, and again six months later.                                                                                              

The project was deemed complete on March 20th, 2026, as District Staff and the contractors conducted site walkthroughs and finalized the inspection. This includes dismantling three facility areas and completely plugging and sealing all 25 wells in the project.  


  

The photo above, looking south towards Arvin High School, and the City of Arvin shows the George Facility (right) prior to work commencing in April 2025, and after the facilities have been removed, ground sampled, and prior to backfilling with clean soil.      

                                                                                    

Fuller Acres

Total Wells: 14
Sealed Wells: 6
Work Started: July 24, 2025
Status: Paused                                                                                                

The Fuller Acres area is located north of Lamont, near Weedpatch Highway and East Panama Lane. This area includes fourteen (14) wells that were designated for plugging and sealing.                                                                                              

Site preparation for rig work began on July 24, 2025, with rig operations starting on August 4, 2025. Two (2) above-ground storage tanks (ASTs) were sampled before safely being dismantled.                                                                                              

Two rigs started plugging operations on August 4, 2025, and completed their activity on March 20, 2026.    

As of now, 6 of the 14 wells in this area have been permanently sealed.  Work in the area has paused as of March 20, 2026, as CalGEM continues to work on access issues for the remaining nine wells.
  

                                                                                        

Other

Additionally, there are two other wells located along Malaga Drive and Comanche Drive.         

Two wells on the Phase 2 Plugging and Sealing list have also been completely sealed.                                                                                               

                                                                                                 

Photo: The Portman 1 well and crews from Rig 1201 starting early due to the summer heat north of Arvin, CA.     
                                                                                            

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Fruitvale Field (Kern County)

Total Wells: 39
Sealed Wells: 25
Project Start Date: June 21, 2024
Status: Ongoing                                                                    

Background                                                                                              

A total of thirty-seven oil wells—previously operated by Sunray Petroleum, Blackstone Oil and Gas, and Griffin Resources LLC—are being permanently sealed following bankruptcy, regulatory violations, and non-compliance with state requirements. These wells are in the City of Bakersfield, between Rosedale Highway and Stockdale Highway in the vicinity of Mohawk Street.                                                                                               

There are two major areas of work: near North of the Kern River and near South of the Kern River.                                                                                               

North of Kern River

Total Wells: 12
Sealed Wells: 0
Work Started: Early site investigations are ongoing
Status: Late Summer 2026                                                                      

The North of the Kern River work area is in the City of Bakersfield, between the Rosedale Highway and the Kern River near Mohawk Street. This area includes twelve (12) wells that were designated for plugging and sealing.  Sunray Petroleum filed for bankruptcy in 2011.  CalGEM anticipates returning to the Fruitvale Field to seal these 12 wells in mid-2026.  CalGEM is currently working with Landowners on access and has begun conducting pre-plug surveys at sites.  Anticipate work to begin in late summer, 2026.                                                                                               

South of Kern River

Total Wells: 25
Sealed Wells: 25
Work Started: June 21, 2024
Status: Ongoing                                                                                    

The South of the Kern River work area is in the City of Bakersfield, between the Kern River and Stockdale Highway near Mohawk Street and California Avenue. This area includes twenty-five (25) wells that were designated for plugging and sealing.                                                                                         

These wells were operated by Griffin Resources. CalGEM issued multiple emergency orders to Griffin Resources regarding these wells. Griffin has sued the state regarding plugging orders and has filed for bankruptcy.                                                                                               

On June 25, 2024, CalGEM and state contractors began preparing the twenty-five well sites operated by Griffin Resources LLC along Truxton Avenue. They disconnected and flushed pipelines, removed pump jacks, and utilized two main rig setups with the help of Coil Tubing Units. Access posed challenges due to the tight surroundings, requiring cooperation from local businesses and residents.                                                                                               

As of December 23rd, CalGEM certified that all twenty-five well sites were completed, plugged, sealed, and backfilled. Remaining tasks include flushing and filling pipeline components, as well as dismantling facilities to restore the sites. However, work is currently on hold due to bankruptcy proceedings, while inspections are ongoing to ensure safety.                                                

As of now, 25 of the 25 wells in this area have been permanently sealed.                            


                                                                                               

Photo: Well A-74 and the state plugging and sealing work, juxtaposed against the Stockdale Tower, a 12-story office building, and the tallest building in Bakersfield.                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

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West Hills (Los Angeles Coun​ty - "Canoga Park")

Total Wells: 6
Project Start Date: Second Calendar Quarter of 2026                                                                                         

         

The six wells with this project are located in the Canoga Park Oil Field which sits in the West Hills area of Los Angeles.  The wells are near a busy recreational area.  The wells were operated by Cache Oil Co., Canoga Oil Company, Frank Knapp and Liu Cheng, and Lin, all of whom face multiple violations that led to the Department's order to plug the wells.             

                           

Updates & Announcements

March 4, 2026         

February 15, 2026
         


         

September 10, 2025: West Hills Community Meeting – Plugging & Sealing Wells                                                                                              

An in-person community meeting was held September 10, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm for residents of the West Hills area to learn about upcoming work on 6 oil wells that will be plugged and sealed in the neighborhood.                                  

This project Community Health, Safety, and Notification Plan provides community members with essential information about work schedules, safety measures, and emergency contacts. Click the link below to access the complete plan.                                                                                     

   
​August 11, 2025:  The INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION for the Permanent Sealing of Orphan Wells in Canoga Park has been released for Public Review.  The project consists of the State of California's plugging and abandoning (P&A) of six (6) orphan wells in the inactive CalGEM-designated Canoga Park oil field (private land, no longer an active oil field), within unincorporated Los Angeles County. A portion of the Project site (where access road improvements would occur) is located within the City of Los Angeles.  ​ PDF Linked​​​​
                     
                        

                                                                                   
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Cat Ca​nyon (Santa B​​ar​ba​ra)
Total Wells: 209

Sealed Wells: 176
Project Start Date: 2023
Estimated Completion: March 2026 (Phase 2)
            

Approximately 209 wells are located primarily in the environmentally sensitive Cat Canyon field and the Santa Maria Valley field in Santa Barbara County, near Santa Maria and Orcutt.                                      

March 1, 2026:  Another two (2) wells on Phase-2 have been plugged and permanently sealed on February, bringing the total to 176 wells.       
           

February 3, 2026: In the second phase, an additional three (3) wells have been plugged and permanently sealed, bringing the total to 174 wells.                                                        

In the first phase of this project, 171 wells were plugged and permanently sealed.  The work included the proper closure and removal of associated pipelines and facilities. The remaining wells will be addressed in a subsequent phase, as they may require more complex remedial work.                                           

These wells were previously operated by HVI Cat Canyon, Inc., and were prioritized due to the operator’s poor well management and maintenance history, previous well leaks and broken pipelines, and proximity to sensitive receptors, including agricultural workers.                                   

Visit the page for HVI Cat Canyon State Abandonment Project                      
            

            
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​Kern Bluff Field​ (Kern County)
Total Wells: 46
Sealed Wells: 2
Project Start Date: October 2025

Status: Ongoing​                                                            

                                      

Background                                                                                              

A total of forty-six oil wells—previously operated by Sunray Petroleum, and Citadel Exploration—are being permanently sealed following bankruptcy, regulatory violations, and non-compliance with state requirements. These wells are located north-east of Bakersfield.                                     

Plugging and sealing operations have begun on the 37 Citadel Exploration wells.​                                                                  

Sunray Petroleum (9 Wells)                                                                                                

The Sunray Petroleum area is located near the City of Bakersfield, north of Highway 178 near intersection of Morning Drive and Highway 178. This area includes nine (9) wells that were designated for plugging and sealing.  Sunray Petroleum filed for bankruptcy in 2011.                                        

Preliminary site work began in mid-January to assess the condition of each well. Contractors prepared an access road and performed site work ahead of rig work, which began in March.  As of March 16, 2025, one of the nine wells has been plugged and sealed.                                                                                                                                                 

Citadel Exploration  (37 Wells)                                                                                                 

The Citadel Petroleum area is located near the City of Bakersfield, north of Highway 178 to the north-east of the intersection of Morning Drive and Paladin Drive. This area includes thirty-seven (37) wells that were designated for plugging and sealing.  Citadel Exploitation has a history of non-compliance.                                           

Preliminary site work began in early October to assess the condition of each well. Above-ground storage tanks (ASTs) were sampled before being safely dismantled, and the top twenty-four inches of contaminated soil were properly removed and disposed of.    

As of March 19, 2026, three of the 37 wells have been permanently plugged and sealed.                                                                      
  


(Photo taken in the NW corner of the property, looking SE, showing the facilities in the background having been all removed, and individual well sites being prepared for Rig work, anticipated to start early March.)
                                      

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Huntington Be​ach (Orange County)

T​otal wells: 2                                         
Estimated project start: March 2026                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

This project includes two wells.  The first is at 7162 Garfield Avenue. It is known as “Rex Oil Company's Montebello 5” and is approximately 40 feet south of Garfield Avenue, between Stewart Ln. and Gothard St. A residential apartment complex lies 420 feet east of the wellhead on Gothard Street.                                                            

The second well site is at 320 21st Street. It is known as “Golden Bee, Inc.'s Pursell 1” and is located amongst residential properties on 21st Street in Huntington Beach. The well sits within 10 feet of residences and approximately 1,200 feet from a busy public beach.
                                  

Updates & Announcements


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Brea (Orange County - "Brea-Ol​inda")

    Total wells: 1    
Estimated project start: Third Calendar quarter of 2026​                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
The well is located north of Brea Canyon Road near residential areas. The well was operated by the Crown of the Valley Oil Company.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Project PLUG Work Updates: Orange County

August 28, 2025:  The INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION for the Permanent Sealing of an Orphan Well in Orange County has been released for Public Review. The project involves the State of California's plugging and abandoning (permanent sealing) of one (1) orphan well on the eastern side of Orange County, California. The well, identified as Well #1 (API[1]: 0405907151), is in the Brea-Olinda Oil Field north of Brea, California.                                                                      

[1] API refers to the unique well identification number established by the American Petroleum Institute.                                                                                                     

Mitegated Negative Declaration - Orange County Project (PDF)
                                                                                                     


                                                                                                     

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Oxnard (Ventura County)​

Total Wells: 47
Sealed Wells: 47
Project Start Date: 2025
Estimated Completion: March/April 2026  ​                                                       

Most of the wells are located on the outskirts of Oxnard, near agricultural fields and within 3,200 feet of some residential facilities and a water canal. Six are located in the Montalvo Field west of Oxnard.

March 25, 2026: Final facility removal is ongoing and on schedule to be completed by end of Month. ​
                           
February 3, 2026: On-going work on facilities removal. To date, the Department of Conservation (DOC) and its contractor, Driltek, have successfully sealed all 41 wells in the Oxnard field area previously operated by Peak. This total includes two (2) wells in the Lloyd Butler field, eight (8) wells in the Pleasant Valley area and surrounding fields, sixteen (16) wells in the HBH lease and surrounding area, and eleven (11) wells in the Varca Tar Sand area.     
                                                    
January 5, 2026: To date, the Department of Conservation (DOC) and its contractor, Driltek, have successfully sealed all 37 wells in the Oxnard field area previously operated by Peak. This total includes two (2) wells in the Lloyd Butler field, eight (8) wells in the Pleasant Valley area and surrounding fields, sixteen (16) wells in the HBH lease area, and eleven (11) wells in the Varca Tar Sand area.  In addition, six (6) wells in the West Montalvo field previously operated by Vaca Energy have also been sealed.                                     
                                                
Full decommissioning of all associated facilities is scheduled to be completed by end of Q1, 2026.​                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                     

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Signal Hill (LA County)

Total Wells: 1
                            
Estimated project start: Spring 2026                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
The well is located in Signal Hill, approximately 300 feet southeast of the Signal Hill Police Department. The well, previously operated by the Estate of Harold C. Martin, was idle for more than 45 years.


                            
                            
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Simi Valley (Ventura County)

Total wells:  2 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
February 5, 2026: All two wells have successfully been plugged and sealed.

                            
​​​January 5, 2026:​ To date, the Department of Conservation (DOC) and its contractor, Driltek, have successfully sealed both Orphan wells located in the Simi Valley previously operated by Clarence R. Barnett. All associated facilities have also been completely removed and the site fully restored.​​                                                

The wells are located near Simi Valley within 150 feet of homes.   They were operated by Clarence R. Barnett Inc. and have been inactive since October 2013. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2015.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

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Firmin Street (Los Angele​​​s)​​

Total Wells: 1                                                         

Project Start Date: December 3, 2025
Completed: January 15, 2026                                                            

This project is complete                                                    

This project was part of an enforcement action of an active well at 314 Firmin Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026. The work on the well began December 3, 2025 and was completed January 15, 2026. The well is now permanently sealed and all associated facilities have been removed according to applicable CalGEM regulations.                              

                            
On this page you will find the five letters mailed to residents between November 17, 2025 and February 3, 2026, along with the Health and Safety Plan for the project. 

                             
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Updates & Announcements

February 2, 2026: Community Notice - Temple Resources Well:
                            

December 18, 2025: Community Update – Temple Resources Well:                                           

December 10, 2025: Community Update– Temple Resources Well:                                                    

December 3, 2025: Community Update– Temple Resources Well:      ​
                            

December 1, 2025: Community Meeting – Temple Resources Well:                                                                          

  • A virtual community meeting was held Monday, December 1, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm for residents to learn about work to plug and seal a well in the neighborhood. ​ View The Presentation

November 18, 2025:  Letter To Residents:​
                            


                             

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