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Oil and Gas Wells

Lambton County is home to several thousand legacy oil and gas wells - some active, some inactive; some decommissioned, others not.

With support from the Ministry of Natural Resources' Legacy Oil & Gas Wells program, the Oil Museum of Canada has developed a virtual exhibit to help the public understand and assess the history and risks associated with legacy wells in their communities.

Abandoned Wells

Historically, thousands of oil and gas wells have been drilled across Ontario. When wells are deactivated from service, they are supposed to be permanently sealed through a process called "well abandonment". However, not all wells have been properly decommissioned. Even some that have been properly decommissioned have deteriorated over time, leading to potential leaks and other hazards.

Hydrogen Sulfide

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is a poisonous gas that occurs naturally in oil and gas deposits. Leaking wells may release H2S which may smell like rotten eggs or may have little-to-no noticeable odour at all. H2S may also be released with methane, an odourless and flammable gas.

Exposure can also occur if H2S is released from surrounding soil or groundwater. In areas with a history of oil and gas activity, small amounts of gas can travel through the ground and enter low-lying spaces such as basements, crawlspaces, sheds, or utility trenches.

Potential health effects of H2S

Exposure to low concentrations of hydrogen sulfide may cause:
  • Irritation to the eyes, nose, or throat
  • Difficulty in breathing for some people with asthma
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Poor memory
  • Tiredness or nausea
Brief exposures to high concentrations of H2S can cause a loss of consciousness, breathing difficulties, heart complications, or death (in severe cases). In most cases, the person will likely regain consciousness without any other effects.

Potential risks and hazards

The Ministry of Natural Resources notes the following risks and hazards associated with legacy oil and gas wells:

  • Leaking wells: if fluids are escaping from the well, there may be surface indications such as soil staining and vegetation die-off.
  • Hydrogen sulfide: a poisonous gas (rotten egg smell) that may be released from leaking wells.
  • High pressure/flammability: natural gas and oil may be released at high pressures around wells. These fluids and gases are flammable and combustible.
  • Subsidence: sinking of the ground over and existing or past underground cavity created from solution-mining of soluble minerals like salt.
  • Blowouts: occur when unexpected natural gas is found, and gas/oil/fluid is released at the drilling rig, resulting in fires or spills.
  • Contamination: of soil or groundwater

Identifying wells on your property

If you suspect your property has an oil or gas well on it:

If you suspect a leak

If you smell Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) near your home or suspect a leaking gas well, call 911 immediately or contact the Spills Action Centre at 416-325-3000 or toll-free at 800-268-6060.

Public Safety

Take the following steps so you and your family are prepared in the event of an oil or gas emergency:

  • Assemble an emergency supplies kit to respond to unexpected emergencies.
  • If emergency officials instruct you to evacuate, do so immediately. Take your emergency supplies kit with you.
  • Keep instructions for shutting off gas and water valves handy and read them carefully.
  • Make a Family Emergency Plan consisting of alternative shelter, evacuation routes, and family household communications.
  • Avoid building over top of a petroleum well.
  • Be aware of the potential hazards of wells and seek out technical help for petroleum wells.
  • Should you determine your property has a petroleum well, ensure it is plugged according to regulation standards.

Abandoned Works Program

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) operates the Abandoned Works Program, which helps Ontario landowners safely plug oil and gas wells on their property. Visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/abandoned-works-program.

For more information, contact:

Petroleum Operations Section
Ministry of Natural Resources
POSRecords@ontario.ca
519-873-4634

Contact Us

City Hall
123 Conestoga Drive
Glasgow G1 5QH

111-222-3333
mail@example.com

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