The Orphan Well Association (OWA) is moving forward with plans to safely deactivate an orphan well from the 1960a after a methane leak was found in Bonnyville on the 4500 block between 45th and 46th Avenue.
The OWA says the well, which was found leaking methane in June 2024, is being closely monitored and mitigation systems have been installed in eight nearby homes to ensure safety.
“The OWA wants to ensure nearby residents and other stakeholders are informed of our ongoing safety efforts, and pending repair and decommissioning plans for the well,” the organization stated in a recent update shared by the town of Bonnyville.
The Alberta Energy Regulator has directed the OWA to decommission the well. Two homes in the affected area have been purchased by the OWA and will be demolished in the coming months to make room for the necessary equipment. A drilling rig is expected to arrive in July or August 2025 to complete the deactivation process over two to three days.
Residents should expect traffic controls and parking restrictions during that time, with more than 20 truckloads needed to bring the rid to the site. After the work is done, the site will remain under observation until methane levels drop. Eventually the wellhead will be cut off below ground and the land will be restored to towns standards.
To keep the community informed, the OWA will host an open house at the Bonnyville Seniors Centre on June 12 from 5 to 8:30 p.m.
