EGLE Takes Action: Successfully Seals Leaking Wells in Ottawa County Lake—A Rare Environmental Restoration Event

This past year, EGLE’s Geologic Resources Management Division faced a unique challenge: two leaking wells in a Michigan lake. This was only the second time they had dealt with such an issue in about 30 years.

The wells, named Van Single 1 and Van Single 2, are located in Bend Area Park, north of Jenison in Ottawa County. They were drilled in 1940. Van Single 1 produced oil until 1976, while Van Single 2 was simply a dry hole, plugged right after it was drilled.

Originally in a wooded area, the landscape changed when a gravel pit was dug nearby in the late 1970s. This pit exposed the wells’ metal casings. After the gravel pit was closed, it filled with water and became a small lake, now owned by Ottawa County Parks. Two well casings, protruding 15 feet above the water, were the only reminders of the wells in this serene spot.

In July 2024, EGLE deployed a team to tackle the tricky job of plugging the wells. They partnered with Taplin Environmental and Excel Site Rentals, specialists in such work.

A boat launch was set up, alongside a barge equipped to transport drilling equipment. This barge had its own motor, allowing it to reach the wells easily.

The team cleaned out the wells, re-cemented them to the surface, and cut off the exposed casings just above the lake bottom. By the end of October, the job was done, and the area was restored to its original state.

Now, if you stroll through Bend Area Park, you’d never know that two 85-year-old wells were tucked safely away beneath the peaceful lake surface.