Plants & Goodwin’s expansion into West Virginia marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth strategy. With the recent opening of a new facility in Buckhannon, the company is strategically positioning itself to better serve the Appalachian Basin while enhancing operational capabilities in the region.
The new facility in Buckhannon offers several advantages, most notably reducing transportation times for heavy equipment and improving the agility needed to meet the demands of decommissioning orphaned wells. By forward-positioning millions of dollars of fixed assets, Plants & Goodwin can more efficiently address the southern half of the Appalachian Basin, where the orphan well problem remains extensive.
“Distance is a huge cost driver when it comes to decommissioning leaking orphaned wells,” said Luke Plants, CEO of Plants & Goodwin. “Having a yard closer to areas with significant orphan well and methane leak problems allows us to operate with much more agility, keeping costs down and addressing these issues at scale.”
This proximity allows Plants & Goodwin to dispatch crews and equipment more quickly, minimizing downtime and keeping costs manageable—essential for addressing large-scale environmental issues such as methane leaks and groundwater contamination.
The new West Virginia facility significantly strengthens Plants & Goodwin’s ability to meet the region’s decommissioning needs. With a focus on forward-positioning assets, the company can react more swiftly to project requirements and unexpected challenges that may arise on-site.
“Much of the fact-finding takes place when the equipment and crews are already on-site,” Luke Plants noted. “By having tools and assets nearby, we reduce downtime and improve operational efficiency.”
Plants & Goodwin’s full-time wireline services, now operating out of our Buckhannon, WV yard, are specifically designed to support efficient Plug and Abandonment (P&A) operations in the Appalachian Basin. Our comprehensive solutions include gamma ray/CCL logging, cement bond evaluations, perforating, pipe recovery, and casing cutting, all tailored to meet the challenges of decommissioning wells. With a turnkey approach that enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and minimizes downtime, we are strategically positioned to address critical environmental concerns such as orphan wells and methane leaks with precision and reliability.
Plants & Goodwin has long-standing relationships within the oil and gas industry in West Virginia. With the establishment of the Buckhannon facility, the company is well-positioned to foster new collaborations and partnerships within the state, supporting ongoing efforts to address environmental challenges such as methane leaks and orphaned wells.
In addition to enhancing operational capabilities, Plants & Goodwin is committed to supporting the local economy through job creation and community involvement. The company continues to uphold its high safety and environmental standards in all operations, ensuring that decommissioning projects are not only effective but also responsible.