Are abandoned Miri oil wells leaking dangerous gas?

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Abandoned Miri Oil Wells May Be Leaking Hazardous Gas

A recent discovery of foaming at an abandoned oil well site near Canada Hill in Miri has raised safety concerns, with the Sarawak Petroleum Contractors Association (SPECA) warning Miri residents to avoid such locations. This phenomenon is believed to be a leak of liquefied natural gas from waste materials, posing a significant risk of explosion.
Gas Leak Identified at Abandoned Site

SPECA president Datuk Rahman Lariwoo reported that members of the public found a hole actively foaming, which is suspected to be a leak of liquefied natural gas at an abandoned oil well. He clarified that this incident does not indicate ongoing oil and gas production but rather a hazardous leakage from the waste associated with disused wells.
Potential for Explosion and Public Danger

The gas leak originating from these abandoned wells presents a considerable risk of explosion, endangering the public. SPECA has expressed readiness to collaborate with local authorities in Miri to inform residents about the specific dangers associated with these sites.
Calls for Identification and Remediation of Wells

SPECA has urged the government and the state's environment ministry to identify the entities responsible for these abandoned oil wells. The association is calling for these responsible parties to undertake the necessary repairs and securely seal any leaks. Furthermore, SPECA has proposed identifying and fencing all 624 abandoned oil well sites in the Miri area and issuing clear warnings to the public to stay away.
Historical Context and Remediation Costs

The Canada Hills area has a history of oil exploration, with Shell having explored the region since 1910 and producing up to eight million barrels of oil. While the cost of fencing the 624 abandoned wells is considered relatively low, the expense of properly repairing and sealing them would be substantially higher. Sealing an onshore oil well is generally less costly than offshore well sealing, which can range from RM120 million to RM150 million per well due to the extensive resources required. The recurrence of such leaks is possible if the well containers are not adequately sealed.

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Are abandoned Miri oil wells leaking dangerous gas?

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