HARRISBURG, PA – Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) has been selected to embark on a project with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) to identify locations of orphaned oil and gas wells in Pennsylvania. This process will use machine learning and geographic information systems (GIS) to identify, log, and update information on abandoned wells, and will be constructed in a way that will be scalable across the entire Commonwealth.
This project advances EDF’s mission and regional energy-environment initiatives, providing an innovative approach to mapping Pennsylvania’s energy infrastructure. It also builds on HU’s established expertise in geospatial technologies while fostering academic-industry collaboration.
Scope of Work and Machine Learning Applications
Students, staff, and faculty at HU and IUP will digitize these well features manually to identify the locations and the symbology used to depict these wells. The scope of the contract, which currently runs through May 2025, is to analyze 270 maps in South Strabane Township, Washington County, with the purpose of identifying well locations that may currently be unknown and not recorded in Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) databases.
After completion, HU and IUP will work with EDF and a team at National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), which are currently using an AI algorithm and machine learning to further train their model to detect certain features on maps. If fruitful, the validated algorithm will be used further to similar means, by EDF and NETL, in other use cases. Ultimately, regardless of the ability to use machine learning, this well-location data will be used to update the currently incomplete DEP databases.
Craig Lewis, PMP, Director of the Center for Applied Environmental & Geospatial Technology (CAEGT) at HU, remarked: “Our university’s experience working on the PA Mine Map Grant, as well as other mapping projects involving oil and gas wells, will serve us well, as our students and staff have accumulated many years of experience working in the subject area of PA natural resources within a geospatial environment. Additionally, our experience with DEP’s Bureau of Mining Programs ensures a seamless working relationship, both between universities and with DEP and EDF, as we enhance a valuable, locational database of wells around the Commonwealth. We’re especially excited to see how the incorporation of machine learning techniques will allow this project to become scalable to the entire state and beyond.”
Albert Sarvis, PMP, GISP, Program Lead of Geospatial Technology, added: “Experiential learning is HU’s calling card, and this prototype project is a great example. It touches on several important themes for us, such as environmental science, natural conservation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Our students’ STEM skills and familiarity with new technology standards can help address our collective impact on the environment – an impact that will increasingly influence our quality of life. I’m looking forward to watching our students apply their skills and seeing where this project takes us in the future.”
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