Department of the Interior Study of Shut-In Oil and Gas Well Completions and Leases--GAO Observations

GAO reviewed the scope and methodology of the Department of Interior's shut-in study. Interior verified the operators' reasons for shut-in by a records check only and did not independently verify any of the reasons for shut-in. Interior believes that verification by reviewing records is adequate in most cases, since Interior records are accumulated from company reports and Interior inspections and tests.