A defunct oil well that appears to be Alberta’s first has sprung a methane leak in the Town of Athabasca, according to the Alberta Energy Regulator.
Last week, the AER sent a message to the Town of Athabasca, which was posted on a social media page Feb. 12.
“We believe that the well (that is now leaking) was drilled by the Geological Survey of Canada more than 100 years ago,” AER senior communications advisor Shawn Roth said in an email. “The location of the well suggests that it may have been submerged in the Athabasca River at one point.”
Roth stated that last year, a small release of methane gas was detected at the well, located near the riverfront off of 51 Avenue.
“A gas flow sample was taken in late 2018, and it was determined that there is no current risk to public safety or the environment,” he stated. In an interview, he also said the work was scheduled to take place now.
During the Canadian government’s early attempts to tap into reported reserves of petroleum in the early 1890s, the Geological Survey of Canada drilled into the shores of the Athabasca River at the mouth of the Muskeg Creek, according to the book Athabasca Landing: An Illustrated History.
“It’s not definite; it just looks like it could be, based on that location on the riverbank,” said Athabasca archivist Margaret Anderson, noting she would have to go check the location of the well in spring. “I’m interested in following up. It would be a couple months, really. Just waiting for meltdown.”
In the email, Roth stated the AER has hired a contractor to complete an assessment of the leaking sweet well, the work for which began last week.
“The well entry is being conducted this week to gather more information that will help to determine next steps,” he said. “We will continue to update the Town of Athabasca and other stakeholders.
“The AER has placed signs near the well and continue to monitor the location. Our priority is to ensure that the well site area remains safe for the public and environment.”
