Ohio · Idle wells

Ohio idle wells and temporary inactive status

A well that sits idle in Ohio doesn't just cost you a pumper's time. After two years without reported production the law gives you three choices: produce it, plug it, or get it approved as temporarily inactive. Here's how that works and what it costs.

Last checked against official sources October 25, 2026 · Written by Green Collar Industries, a veteran-owned operator in Coshocton County, Ohio

When a well counts as idle

The trigger is reported production. A conventional well with no production reported for two consecutive reporting periods has to be plugged, placed in temporary inactive status, or handled another way the chief of the Division of Oil & Gas Resources Management approves. Conventional wells report once a year on Form 10, so two reporting periods means two calendar years. Horizontal wells report quarterly, and their line is eight consecutive quarters.

The chief can also require an application for a well that does produce but makes less than 100,000 cubic feet (100 Mcf) of gas or 15 barrels of oil a year, or a combination of the two.

Because the trigger is what was reported, a well that produced but never made it onto your Form 10 looks idle to the state. Getting production reported well by well is the first defense.

What the application needs

The owner and the well both have to be in compliance with Ohio's oil and gas law, rules, permits and orders. The application includes:

• The owner's name, address and contact information, and a signature.
• The well's permit number and a map showing where it is.
• A demonstration that the well has future use, with a plan for using it.
• Proof that the well poses no threat to public health, safety, property or the environment.

The chief may waive items the division already has on file. Approval only comes if the well poses no threat.

While the well is inactive

• Shut it in and empty it. The well must be shut in, and its tanks, pipelines and equipment emptied, with the site kept safe.
• Inspect every six months. File each inspection record with the division within 14 days.
• Coming back is allowed. You may put the well back into production at any time, and must tell the chief within 60 days.

Renewals and the fee ladder

Status runs one year from approval, or until the well produces. To keep it, apply for renewal no later than 30 days before it expires, with a detailed plan for what will ultimately happen to the well and when.

Where operators get tripped up

• Production that never got reported. The state judges idleness by what's on file. Check ODNR's last production year for each well against your own records.
• Missing the renewal window. The renewal is due 30 days before expiration, not on it.
• Inspections without paperwork. A six-month inspection that isn't filed within 14 days doesn't help you.
• No plugging number. Buyers, lenders and the state all eventually ask what your idle wells would cost to plug. Get bids before you need them.

Official sources

• Ohio Revised Code 1509.062: temporary inactive well status
• Ohio Revised Code 1509.11: statement of production

This guide explains the rules in plain English and is not legal advice. Forms and rules change, so check the current form and your permit before you file. Last checked October 25, 2026.