August 27, 2025
Washington County Explosion a Stark Reminder: Orphan Wells Threaten Public Safety
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 27, 2025
Contact:
Karlena Wallace, Communications Director
media@theoec.org or 614-487-7506
Washington County Explosion a Stark Reminder: Orphan Wells Threaten Public Safety
Columbus, OH — The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) extends our deepest concern to the six individuals injured in the orphan well explosion on Monday, August 25, in Washington County and to the entire community impacted by this traumatic incident.
We are grateful for the swift and coordinated action of local emergency crews and state agencies who moved quickly to provide medical care and protect nearby residents. Yet, this explosion is a stark reminder that abandoned oil and gas wells are not just environmental hazards but urgent public safety threats. Ohio has more than 20,000 documented orphan wells, with potentially thousands more undocumented.
The following statement can be attributed to Jesse Velazquez, Climate Justice Manager for the Ohio Environmental Council:
“Our hearts are with those injured in Washington County, and we are grateful for the swift response of local first responders and state agencies who acted quickly to contain the danger. This incident is a sobering reminder that while Ohio is capable of responding to these crises, we must invest in measures to mitigate the known risks. We have tens of thousands of orphan wells across our state in need of capping. The long-term risks to humans and the environment from gas wells throughout their lifecycles are clear.”
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The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) protects the environment and health of all Ohio communities through legal and policy advocacy, decision-maker accountability, and civic engagement.
