In a compelling tale of determination and environmental concern, Johanne Lee's eight-year quest for answers about an abandoned oil well on her property near Swift Current, Saskatchewan, sheds light on a complex issue with far-reaching implications. This story, which began with a simple subdivision plan, has evolved into a battle for transparency and accountability in the oil industry's handling of inactive wells.
The Unseen Threat
Lee's journey started when she and her husband discovered an abandoned well buried beneath their land, a fact that had eluded them during their initial purchase and subsequent years of ownership. The revelation came as a shock, as the well's presence was neither marked nor disclosed in any official documentation.
The well, drilled in 1985 and later acquired by TAQA North, posed a significant challenge to Lee's plans to subdivide and sell a portion of her property. The restrictions imposed due to the well's proximity made development nearly impossible, and Lee found herself in a predicament where her land's value was significantly diminished.
Methane Detection and Regulatory Response
In 2018, a methane test conducted by the Ministry of Energy and Resources recorded a reading of approximately 800 ppm near the wellhead. Despite this, the ministry classified the overall gas-migration test as negative, a decision that Lee finds questionable. She was not informed about the methane detection at the time, and it was only later that she learned of the test's existence through her own inquiries.
The ministry's response to Lee's concerns has been a source of frustration. In a letter, they stated that their primary relationship is with the companies they regulate, and they are not required to provide test results to interested landowners. Lee disagrees with this stance, arguing that as the landowner, she should be the first to know about any potential dangers on her property.
Positive Test and Repair Order
Lee's concerns grew in 2023 when she noticed an area around the buried well where vegetation was sparse or non-existent. A subsequent gas migration survey produced a positive result, with methane detected at a staggering 13,000 ppm. This led to a minister's order requiring TAQA North to evaluate and repair the well.
The repair work, which began in the summer of 2025, involved a drilling rig operating at the site for several days. However, testing after the rig's departure revealed a much higher methane concentration, with Lee reporting a reading of 55,000 ppm. The ministry later confirmed increased gas levels through a third-party survey.
The Ministry's Stance and Ongoing Monitoring
The Ministry of Energy and Resources maintains that the site is safe, despite the elevated methane levels. They required TAQA North to repair or re-abandon the well and have been monitoring the work through site visits and updates from the company. The ministry detected 1,000 ppm of methane directly at the vent, which they described as a safe state.
However, Lee remains skeptical and frustrated. She has not received a clear explanation of the latest testing results and is unsure if the well is still leaking methane. The ministry's position that they would not necessarily notify Lee before inspections and would only provide testing information afterward adds to her sense of uncertainty.
Research and Industry Insights
Zachary Mailhot, a master's student in civil engineering at McGill University, offers an expert perspective on plugged wells and methane emissions. He notes that most plugged wells release little to no methane, making Lee's well an unusual case. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, can also pose an explosive risk when accumulated in enclosed spaces.
Mailhot's research group is working to identify the relatively small number of non-producing wells responsible for most emissions, a crucial effort given the thousands of inactive wells across Saskatchewan. As of March 31, the province had 34,642 inactive oil and gas wells, with 2,293 requiring abandonment.
The Need for Transparency and Landowner Empowerment
Lee's experience highlights the need for improved transparency and communication between regulatory bodies, oil companies, and landowners. She believes that landowners should have easier access to information about abandoned wells beneath their properties and their inspection histories.
After eight years of persistence, Lee remains resolute in her fight. She is determined to see the well properly abandoned and wants to ensure that future landowners do not face the same challenges and uncertainties she has endured. Her warning sign, visible beside the road, serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for clarity and environmental safety.
This story raises important questions about the responsibility of oil companies and regulatory bodies in ensuring the safe decommissioning of wells and the need for better communication and support for affected landowners.
