Epp discusses abandoned wells

By Greg Coulter

There are approximately 6,000 oil and gas wells in Ontario that the province does not have records of, or the records are incomplete.

Last year’s August 26 explosion in Wheatley is certainly a reminder that this danger will continue as more well caps corrode, loosen or are disrupted, allowing dangerous gases to escape.

Chatham-Kent Leamington MP Dave Epp enlisted the help of several key stakeholders in a public meeting held last week at the Leamington Roma Club in an attempt to enlighten the public of five key points: what constitutes an abandoned well, where are they, what to be aware of, what you can do to help and where you may get help.

Leamington Deputy Fire Chief Mike Ciacelli stressed the importance of using the 911 system if you suspect any dangerous odors. As a first point of contact, the department will deem if the area is safe, as they have available detection equipment. They will also contact utility companies if further action is required.

Jennifer Barton, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, highlighted the program available from the province and made available a handout that listed key points on how the program works, what qualifies, how the wells are plugged and who to contact if you have an abandoned well. Ontario.ca Abandoned Works Program highlights on how to get an oil or gas well safely plugged.

Chatham-Kent Leamington MP Dave Epp answers questions at the public forum on Thursday, August 25.

Lagasco executives Jennifer Lewis, VP, and Brett Authier, Onshore Operations Manager, presented a slide show on how wells are drilled and how they are safely capped. They voiced concern about a federal government program of $1.4 billion dollars to cap wells with all of these funds going to the three most westerly provinces. No funds were allotted to assist Ontario.

Following the presentations, questions were fielded from the audience. The primary concern of those in attendance was the responsibility of the current property owner to bear the cost of safely capping an abandoned or orphan well if the drilling company is no longer in business.

Dave Epp’s Facebook page and his website, DaveEpp.ca each have a copy of the slideshow as well as a video recording of the meeting.