Low-Producing Oil Wells Linger for Years, Causing Headaches for Texas Landowners

Low-producing oil wells linger for years, causing headaches for Texas landowners

TOM GREEN COUNTY — Some Texas oil wells gush hundreds of barrels of oil a day. But many are like the wells on Jackie Chesnutt’s ranch in West Texas that only trickle out a couple barrels a month.

San Angelo Landowner Jackie Chesnutt Battles Pollution from Idle Oil Wells

San Angelo landowner Jackie Chesnutt reported extensive hydrocarbon pollution from idle oil wells on her 375-acre ranch outside San Angelo, according to Railroad Commission inspectors who documented spills on September 16, 2024. Chesnutt said the low-producing wells, operated by CORE Petro, caused multiple oil and produced water spills during attempts to maintain minimal production. Railroad Commission inspectors documented extensive hydrocarbon…