Wikwemikong First Nation to see more oil wells capped

Morning North5:12Capping abandoned oil wells on Wikwemikong reserve

Five more abandoned oil wells on the Wikweminkong Unceded Indian Reserve on the eastern end of Manitoulin Island are being properly capped. We spoke to Chief Duke Peltier about the work and how much more of it remains to be done.In what is being considered as a big step towards protecting the drinking water for members of the Wikwemikong First Nation, the community has received funding to cap more abandoned oil wells in their watershed.

The federal government is funding work to cap five more abandoned oil wells in the community.

Two others were capped a year ago, bringing the number of wells properly remediated to seven.

Chief Duke Peltier said it's been a long time coming.

“It's a significant day here in my community, so that we can ensure, and assure, our community members that they will not have their water compromised as a result of these oil wells,” he said.

Elaine Blais, manager of the environment with Indian Oil and Gas Canada, said the other wells in the community — more than 30 — will be considered for reclamation, along with those on other First Nations in Ontario.

“At this point we will consider if there are wells in the communities that may pose any health and safety and environmental risk,” she said.

The wells were drilled between the 1860s and the 1950s without permission from the community.

Most of the companies responsible are now defunct.

Project Manager and band member Stitch Andrew Manitowabi said abandoned oil wells are problems on fourteen First Nations in Ontario.

Manitowabi said he would like Wikwemikong to be an example of how things should be done.

“We really worked hard to make this tender our own, so we could set a precedent and lead the way in abandonment work in Ontario, not just for our community, but other First Nations,” he said.

The work in Wikwemikong is expected to take about 30 days. Capping the wells involves plugging the pipes with cement.

Q&A with the Indian Oil and Gas Company’s Peter Tsang, manager of communications and executive services, Executive Division.

Q: What is the cost of capping these wells?

A: This year for five wells = $650,000

Q: How is it decided which wells are remediated?

A: IOGC worked closely with the Wikwemikong Nation, to identify the priority wells based on health and environmental considerations. Seven wells were identified by the community, based on proximity to residents and potential for environmental concern.

Q: What role does the Wiki community play?

A: As mentioned, the Nation has been instrumental in identifying the wells of greatest concern. Last year, IOGC commissioned Public Works and Government Services Canada to lead the project and deal with the two highest priority wells and this year, the Wikwemikong Nation is fully managing the project to its completion with assistance from IOGC experts.

Q: What is the process/procedure by which a well is re-abandoned?

A: An experienced oil and gas service company has been hired to lead the re-abandonment which will meet the standards of today in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources requirements.