Lambton receives $105,000 from province to deal with old oil and gas wells

The province says it’s investing $105,000 to help protect the County of Lambton from the challenges associated with old and inactive oil and gas wells.

The province says it’s investing $105,000 to help protect the County of Lambton from the challenges associated with old and inactive oil and gas wells. 

In a recent news release, the government of Ontario said the funding will be used to purchase emergency response equipment and provide health and safety training to staff.  

“I’m extremely pleased that the province is making this investment in community safety in Lambton County,” said Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey. “Our long history of oil production means there are many old wells in our area; ensuring we have the proper resources to safely manage them is important.” 

Ontario is investing $7.5 million over three years to help municipalities in their efforts to reduce risks associated with old oil and gas wells and enhance emergency preparedness within their communities, the news release stated, adding that this funding is part of a $23.6 million investment the government is making “to manage the risks posed by old oil and gas wells and subsurface gas migration hazards to help keep people and communities safe.”

 “We heard from municipalities across Southern Ontario that they need support in addressing the complex challenges related to the use of petroleum resources in their communities,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. 

“This investment will help municipalities build capacity, increase their understanding of risks, and begin to take specific mitigating actions.” 

“The government will continue to work collaboratively with and seek input from partners to ensure the funding program remains responsive to municipal needs in future years.”