BONNYVILLE – The Orphan Well Association (OWA) is addressing a methane leak from an orphan well from the 1960s that was found in the Town of Bonnyville in the 4500 block between 45th and 46th Avenue.
On May 29, The Town of Bonnyville posted an update from the OWA, sharing their plans to monitor the wells and the need to demolish two homes in order to properly decommission the well.
“The OWA wants to ensure nearby residents and other stakeholders are informed of our ongoing safety efforts, and the pending repair and decommissioning plans for the well,” said the OWA.
The OWA explained that in June of 2024, a methane leak had been found in the well.
“In response, the wellbore was located and excavated, and a monitoring and mitigation program was implemented to regularly check gas levels in the vicinity of the wellbore,” said the OWA.
The Alberta Energy Regulator directed the OWA to decommission the well, and the OWA is monitoring methane levels in the area.
“Mitigation systems have been installed in eight homes that safely capture any methane and vent it to the atmosphere. These systems are working as designed and along with other monitoring and detection systems are ensuring all homes and areas around the well remain safe,” said the OWA.
The OWA said they have purchased the affected homes and are working to secure permits to ensure the houses are demolished safely. Demolition is set to begin within the next few months.
“Once the homes have been removed, additional material will be brought to the site to prepare an adequate pad area for positioning of a drilling rig,” said the OWA.
The drilling rig will come in during July or August of 2025 to decommission the well, and will operate 24 hours per day for two to three days. The OWA said they will try to minimize the impacts of the noise and light as much as possible.
Moving the drilling rig to the location will take over 20 truckloads, and residents can expect traffic control measures implemented along 46th Avenue with some localized parking restrictions.
Once decommissioned, the site will be monitored for an unknown amount of time.
“During monitoring, the wellhead will remain in place and the site will be secured through the installation of a fence. Once monitoring has confirmed the dissipation of methane, the well will cutoff below grade and the site recontoured and landscaped to Town of Bonnyville specifications,” said the OWA.
To ensure open communication about the project, the OWA is hosting an open house at the Bonnyville Seniors Centre (Pioneer Hall) on June 12 from 5 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
The OWA said to contact them with any questions or concerns about the project.
