Private Gas Well Policy Highlights

A new policy for licensing existing private natural gas wells in Ontario that were drilled prior to 1997 is now in effect. The policy aims to promote safer well operation, improve public safety and protect the environment.

Operators of an existing private gas well should be aware of setback requirements and minimum well conditions. As gas wells age, the well infrastructure deteriorates, with a potential risk of water and soil contamination. The following standards for wellhead equipment for these wells will help decrease the risk of leaks or spills at the wellhead.

The new policy is now available for review on the Environmental Registry by entering the registry #011-2981.

To qualify for a licence, the well must meet setback requirements, meaning the well must be located no less than:

In addition, an existing private gas well must meet the following minimum acceptable conditions to qualify for a licence:

1. The top of the casing at surface must be sealed with a cap or cover to prevent surface water and other foreign materials from entering the well.
2. The casing must extend above the ground surface to prevent surface water and other foreign materials from entering the well.
3. The slope of the ground surface must be away from the wellhead so that surface water runoff will not collect or pond in the vicinity of the well.
4. The well must have a properly functioning shut-off valve at the wellhead.
5. There must be a 2 in. casing port attached to the well to allow for pumping of kill fluid into the well to stop the flow of gas.
6. There must be a functioning wellhead pressure gauge suitable for use with natural gas to ascertain shut-in pressure and to monitor pressure during operation.
7. There must be no evidence of leakage of gas or fluids at the ground surface or above.
8. The well must have a legible sign affixed or in close proximity to the well, clearly indicating the licence number and the well operator’s phone number for emergency contact.

Government grants are available to evaluate a well and ensure it meets licensing requirements. Up to $500 is available to evaluate a wellhead and its location, with an additional $500 that can be used to retrofit a wellhead. There are also grants for plugging wells that do not meet the licensing requirements of the policy. See the Incentives Program Details page for additional details.

For more information
Email: pgwincentives@ontario.ca
Tel: 1-888-990-0902 (Toll Free) or (519) 873-4680

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