I am considering signing a lease or doing other business with a driller or landman for a company. Can I find out if that “operator” has a history of “violations” of state laws or rules?

You can find out information about “violations” on the West Virginia DEP, Office of Oil and Gas web site.  But be aware that much enforcement is done informally without the state writing up official “violations” that will show up on this data base.  And many surface owners believe that even that enforcement is lax.  There are only 16 inspectors for 45,000 active wells, and nearly 3000 well work permits a year, plus other duties.

Go to this page of the website of the West Virginia DEP, Office of Oil and Gas. You can search by County, “operator” or inspector or any combination of those – and whether they have been closed or not.

Jun 8 2026  News
National story about W.Va. orphaned wells on NPR
Jan 22 2026  News
WV SORO and Allies Sue Over WV DEP Carbon Capture Oversight
Jan 22 2026  News
Court Grants WV SORO Amicus Role in Mine Subsidence Case
Jan 22 2026  Newsletter
Surface Owners’ News – 2026 Annual Newsletter
Share via
Send this to a friend