Great Lakes Geoscience conducts geohazard risk assessments to identify "Karst Terrain" that may impact bedrock stability and control underlying potable water aquifers. Great Lakes is also very experienced in mitigating the potential impact of abandoned oil, natural gas and water wells in the site proximity. There are an estimated 27,000 oil and natural gas wells in Ontario, of which, 16,000 are abandoned and more then 1,300 of these are within 75 meters of businesses and dwellings. Many of these wells were abandoned prior to regulations being enacted and their exact locations may be inaccurate. These abandoned wells may be less then 1 meter (3 feet) below ground surface.  The leaking gas poses a risk of explosion but of equal concern is hydrogen sulphide gas, which is lethal in very small doses. Abandoned water wells may also pose a risk to health & safety and the environment as they may be leaking natural gas sourced from the bedrock.

There was recently a large explosion in the town of Wheatley, from sour natural gas leaking from abandoned natural gas wells. The Ontario government has established a fund of over $26 million to address the risks of abandoned wells, of which $7.5 million was directed to various Municipalities.  Another significant natural gas leak occurred very recently at the South Niagara Hospital construction site in Niagara Falls. The leak was sourced from an abandoned water well on the construction site and was plugged at a cost of well over $1 million and delayed construction operations.

With the increased expansion of many towns and cities in Southern Ontario, development and construction is occuring in areas with abandoned oil and natural gas wells adjacent to and within the confines of municipal boundaries.  The Great Lakes team is very experienced at identifiying and assessing these potentially problematic areas.   The key is to recognize and mitigate the potential threat before it poses a serious hazard to health & safety and the environment.