Announcements

The OWA will not be entering into new WIPAs effective July 1, 2026. Please direct any questions to wipa@orphanwell.ca.

2026-27 Reasonable Care and Measures (RCaM) Services Request for Information

The OWA is conducting an RFI to identify contractors capable of planning, managing, and executing upstream oil & gas suspension work required under Reasonable Care and Measures (RCaM) orders issued by the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER).  The services contemplated under this RFI are expected to be performed on an as-needed basis.  The volume, timing, and geographic distribution of work are unknown and will depend on orders issued by the AER.  Respondents should be able to mobilize resources, manage fluctuating workloads, and respond to work assignments with short notice periods. Downhole services are excluded from this scope.

Successful applicants will be experienced, knowledgeable, and responsible contractors able to execute RCaM Services on behalf of the OWA in the Province of Alberta, Canada. The contractor shall have an exemplary safety record, and possess the expertise, capability, and capacity to manage work sites as a Prime Contractor and representative of the OWA.

Consideration in our review process will be made for the following key requirements:

• Certificate of Recognition (COR) or Small Employer Certificate of Recognition (SECOR)

• Worked as a Prime Contractor as defined by Occupational Health and Safety in the last 3 years in the province of Alberta, Canada

• Experience suspending wellsites, facilities and pipelines

• Experience conducting emergency response to an incident, providing ongoing site care, custody & control (e.g., removing fluids, securing the site, repairing infrastructure), and addressing site concerns  that may pose risks to public safety or the environment

Link to download a copy of the RFI: 2026-27 RCaM RFI Questionnaire

Closing Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026

RFI submissions and all other requests relating to the RFI document,  communication & inquiries should be directed to supplychain@orphanwell.ca

2026-27 Wellsite and Facility Site Inspection and Monitoring Services RFI

What: The OWA is conducting an RFI to review contractors whose business model includes Wellsite and Facility Site Inspection and Monitoring  Services.

Successful applicants will be experienced, knowledgeable, and responsible contractors to execute Wellsite and Facility Site Inspection and Monitoring Services on behalf of the OWA in the Province of Alberta, Canada excluding assets between 099-19W5 and 107-01W6. The contractor shall have an exemplary safety record, and possess the expertise, capability, and  capacity to manage work sites as a Prime Contractor and representative for the OWA.

Demonstrated, competence in managing the care, custody and control of the site and operating as the Prime Contractor as described in the Occupational Health and Safety Act Alberta, including the health, safety, environment, project management, supervision, administration, and reporting throughout all phases of the work project.

Consideration in our review process will be made for the following key requirements:

•COR/SECOR certified

•Proficient in identification of noxious weeds, Service Casing Vent Flow (SCVF)  and Gas Migration (GM) testing and monitoring procedures, upstream oil and gas equipment inventory procedures with demonstrated evidence of project work in the province of Alberta,  Canada

Closing Date: Monday, June 1, 2026

RFI submissions and all other requests relating to the RFI document,  communication & inquiries should be directed to supplychain@orphanwell.ca.

Update on Action Plans for the Historic Well - Rig Move Pending - July 11, 2025

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Background

The Orphan Well Association (OWA) has been directed by the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) to address concerns with a leaking historic gas well located in the 4500 block between 45th and 46th Avenue within the Town of Bonnyville. The well was drilled by the now defunct licensee Trican Petro-Chemical Corporation in 1954. As the company has not been in existence since the 1960’s, the AER designated the well as an “orphan” and directed the OWA to 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.

In June 2024, the well, which was previously decommissioned to the standard of the day, was found to be leaking minor volumes of sweet natural gas (mostly methane). 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.

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For a complete copy and update of the newsletter, please select the following link: Trican Bonnyville Newsletter - July 11, 2025

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Stay Up-To-Date –Get the most up-to-date information on the project from our website http://www.orphanwell.ca/community/

Questions? – If you have questions about this project; please email us at info@orphanwell.ca.

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On September 6, 2023 the OWA was directed by the AER to provide reasonable care and measures for AlphaBow’s wells, facilities and pipelines. This includes shutting-in all infrastructure and emergency response actions, if required.

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Please note that AlphaBow remains a viable entity. All enquiries pertaining to AlphaBow or their infrastructure should be directed to the company at (587) 393-5059, including vendor and surface rent payments.

The Orphan Well Association (“OWA”) has been directed by the Alberta Energy Regulator (“AER”) to ensure public safety is maintained surrounding a 1950’s vintage sweet gas well located within the 450 0block between 45^th and 46^th Avenue in the Town of Bonnyville.

In June of this year, the well, which was previously decommissioned to the standard of the day, was found to be leaking minor volumes of sweet natural gas (methane). The OWA is monitoring the area, has located and exposed the wellbore, and installed a vapour recovery unit to capture gas from the soil. The OWA continues to work closely with the AER, the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority, and the Town of Bonnyville to ensure the safety of nearby residents.

While the leak is small, plans to permanently fix and decommission this well are nearing completion. A meeting was held on September 11^th, 2024 with nearby residents and a future information session will be held for interested stakeholders.

At the time this area of Bonnyville was developed, there were no requirements to identify historic wells as part of development plans. In 2012, rules were established by Alberta Municipal Affairs that changed this requirement to help prevent these types of situations from occurring. For more information on this requirement, please visit https://www.aer.ca/regulating-development/rules-and-directives/directives/directive-079.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the OWA at info@orphanwell.ca. Questions regarding regulatory oversight and historic wells can be directed to the AER at inquiries@aer.ca.

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The final stages of the insolvency processes involving Sequoia Resources are nearing completion. The Orphan Well Association anticipates a number of sites will be designated as “orphans” by the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER).We are holding an open house to explain how orphan wells, pipelines and facilities are managed. The AER, Farmers’ Advocate Office, and the Land and Property Rights Tribunal will also participate in the open house.

‍Wednesday July 31, 2024
‍11:30 am to 7:00 pm
Ten-minute presentation at 12:30pm and 6:00pm

‍Vegreville Social Centre
‍4802 47a Street Vegreville, Alberta
Light food and beverages will be served

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Please contact info@orphanwell.ca for any questions or concerns.