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.

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

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.