The Orphan Well Association (OWA) has announced “additional mitigation measures” to address the orphan well and methane leak affecting homes between 45th and 46th avenue in Bonnyville.
The organization has also shared its plans to decommission the well while minimizing the environmental and community impact.
In a December 2nd statement, the OWA detailed its approach, emphasizing safety and efficiency. “Our plans call for the smallest possible footprint for the drill rig while ensuring the safe decommissioning of the well,” the statement read. However, the work will necessitate the demolition of several homes in the immediate vicinity of the well to provide access for equipment.
The OWA has assured residents that the area is currently safe. “Based on our sampling to date, we are satisfied the area around the well remains safe and does not pose a risk to residents or the public,” the statement read.
Residents whose properties will be affected have been notified. The OWA noted, “Once purchase agreements have been finalized, residents will need some time before vacating their properties. The OWA recognizes this will be a difficult time and we want to give displaced residents time to move from their homes.”
The earliest possible start for decommissioning work is early 2025. However, the timeline may be adjusted based on various factors, including stakeholders’ engagement, operational planning and logistics.
“The decommissioning program will require very careful and detailed plans for on-site operations and access to and egress from the site,” said the OWA. Plans are being developed to address potential disruptions such as traffic changes, road closures, noise, light, and overall durations of operations.
Stakeholder feedback remains a critical component of the decommissioning process. To keep the community informed, the OWA plans to host an open house several weeks before beginning operations with the drilling rig.
The organization continues to collaborate with the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), the town of Bonnyville, the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority, and Alberta Health Services to prioritize public safety during this process.
For now, the OWA’s detailed plans aim to address the challenges associated with the decommissioning while ensuring the safety and well-being of the Bonnyville community.
