Orphan Well Inventory
Operator Fails to Follow Shutdown Order
- After the deadline passes, the minister can authorize the director to take control of the well or facility.
- The director must give the operator at least 30 days’ notice before acting.
Once authorized, the director can manage the well or facility and take needed actions for the following purposes:
- Carrying out repairs or actions required by the shutdown order
- Disposing of oil or gas from the well or facility
- Selling the well or facility in accordance with regulations
- Repairing, partially plugging, or abandoning the well
- Selling equipment used for the well or facility
- Cleaning and rehabilitating the site and any contaminated land or groundwater, including spill response
If Licensee Cannot Be Found or Is Dissolved
If the director cannot locate the licensee or if the licensee company has been dissolved, the director may transfer the well license to a person who owns both the surface rights and the oil and gas rights at the well site. The transfer will happen after the required fee and security are paid.
Interested in Acquiring Orphaned Licenses?
Interested parties should contact the Petroleum Branch by emailing petroleum@gov.mb.ca
Include:
- Name & contact info
- License numbers & current licensee names
- Intended use of licenses
Requests are reviewed first-come, first-served.
Petroleum Branch has the right to approve or deny transfers.
A representative of the Petroleum Branch will respond by email.
Need More Information?
For questions about transferring seized well licenses
Contact:
Whitney Baker
Email: Whitney.Baker@gov.mb.ca
Additional Resources
Available in alternate formats upon request.
