Analysis: Thousands of California Schools, Hospitals, Playgrounds Concerningly Close to Idle Oil Wells – Center for Biological Diversity

Report on the Impact of Idle Oil and Gas Wells on Public Health and Sustainable Development in California

Introduction

Thousands of idle oil and gas wells in California are located dangerously close to 3,787 sensitive sites including schools, hospitals, parks, and eldercare centers. This proximity raises significant public health and safety concerns, directly impacting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Climate Action (SDG 13).

Health and Environmental Risks of Idle Wells

• Idle wells, although no longer producing oil or gas, continue to leak methane, a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change (SDG 13).
• These wells also emit toxic chemicals such as benzene, contaminating air and water, thus threatening public health (SDG 3) and clean water availability (SDG 6).
• Explosive risks due to methane leaks pose safety hazards to nearby communities.

Findings from the Center for Biological Diversity Analysis

1. At least 4,449 idle wells are within 3,200 feet of sensitive sites including:
   • 616 K-12 schools
   • 724 childcare centers
   • 903 healthcare facilities
   • 504 eldercare centers
   • 1,040 parks and playgrounds
2. Examples of high-risk locations:
   • Immaculate Heart of Mary Preschool in Los Angeles surrounded by 328 idle wells
   • McKittrick Elementary School in Kern County near 88 idle wells
   • Los Flores Ranch Park in Santa Maria with at least 123 idle wells nearby
3. Nearly one-third of idle wells in Los Angeles County have been unplugged for over 100 years, increasing leakage risks.
4. Significant percentages of idle wells in Los Angeles (62%) and Monterey (97%) counties are located above groundwater sources, threatening water safety and availability (SDG 6).

Community Impact and Voices

Frontline communities, particularly vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and the sick, face heightened risks. Youth activists emphasize the urgent need for protective measures to ensure safe living environments, aligning with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Policy and Regulatory Context

• California has prohibited new drilling within 3,200 feet of sensitive sites based on health impact studies.
• Despite this, thousands of idle wells remain unplugged within these health protection zones, undermining SDG 3 and SDG 11.
• Oil and gas companies have provided financial assurance for less than 1% of the funds needed for well cleanup, highlighting challenges in corporate accountability (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production).
• Lawmakers and regulators have made progress but over 30,000 idle wells still exist statewide.

Recommendations for Sustainable Development

1. Accelerate the plugging of idle wells, prioritizing those near sensitive sites and residential areas to protect public health (SDG 3) and promote sustainable communities (SDG 11).
2. Increase methane monitoring in health protection zones to mitigate climate change impacts (SDG 13).
3. Ensure polluters bear the financial responsibility for cleanup efforts, supporting environmental justice and sustainable industry practices (SDG 12).
4. Enhance community engagement and transparency to empower affected populations (SDG 16).

County-Specific Risks Highlighted

• Kern County: 126 sensitive sites within 3,200 feet of idle wells, affecting over 16,000 schoolchildren.
• Los Angeles County: At least 2,455 sensitive sites near idle wells, putting more than 230,000 schoolchildren at risk.
• Ventura County: 119 sensitive sites near idle wells; nearly 12% of wells unplugged for over a century.
• Santa Barbara County: 24 sensitive sites within proximity to idle wells.
• Monterey County: 474 unplugged idle wells, 97% located above critical groundwater sources.

Resources

Residents can access the Center for Biological Diversity’s interactive map to determine if local schools, healthcare centers, or parks are near idle wells.

Conclusion

The presence of idle oil and gas wells near sensitive community sites presents a multifaceted threat to public health, environmental sustainability, and climate goals. Addressing this issue aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals and requires urgent, coordinated action from policymakers, industry, and communities to ensure safe, healthy, and sustainable living environments across California.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article highlights health risks such as asthma, cancer, and explosions caused by methane leaks and toxic chemical contamination from idle oil and gas wells near schools, healthcare facilities, and eldercare centers.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Idle wells leaking toxic chemicals threaten groundwater sources, which supply drinking and irrigation water, especially noted in Los Angeles and Monterey Counties.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The proximity of idle wells to community spaces such as schools, parks, and eldercare centers raises concerns about safe and sustainable living environments.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Methane leaks from idle wells contribute to climate pollution, emphasizing the need for monitoring and mitigation.
5. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The article calls for polluters to pay for cleanup and for speeding up plugging of idle wells, promoting responsible environmental management.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality and waste management.
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies, strategies, and planning.
5. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.4: Achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle.
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Proximity of Idle Wells to Sensitive Sites
   • Number of idle wells within 3,200 feet of schools, healthcare facilities, childcare centers, eldercare centers, parks, and playgrounds.
   • Examples: 616 K-12 schools, 724 childcare centers, 903 healthcare facilities, 504 eldercare centers, 1,040 parks/playgrounds near idle wells.
2. Number and Age of Idle Wells
   • Count of idle wells, including those unplugged for over 100 years (e.g., nearly one-third in Los Angeles County).
3. Percentage of Idle Wells Above Groundwater Sources
   • 62% in Los Angeles County and 97% in Monterey County of idle wells sit above groundwater sources.
4. Financial Assurance for Cleanup
   • Percentage of financial assurance provided by oil and gas companies for cleanup (less than 1%).
5. Methane and Toxic Chemical Leak Monitoring
   • Implied need for methane monitoring in health protection zones as a progress indicator.
6. Health Impact Metrics
   • Incidence rates of asthma, cancer, and other illnesses linked to proximity to idle wells (implied through health risk discussion).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: biologicaldiversity.org