Compensation
We do not hold surface leases or regulatory licenses and are legislatively unable to provide surface rental payments to landowners. We are also unable to compensate landowners for unpaid surface lease rentals from a former operator. If surface access payments are outstanding, landowners can contact the Land and Property Rights Tribunal. While processing can take time, the requests for outstanding annual payment can continue until the site receives a reclamation certificate.
Use of off-lease areas
We make every effort to limit our work to areas covered by the previous surface lease agreement and to minimize impacts to areas outside the lease area. Should we need to use any off-lease area not covered by a former surface lease, the OWA will negotiate with landowners regarding additional compensation.
Town of Vermilion, Brennan Sub-division
The Tenwell #1 well in Vermillion’s Brennan Sub-division, near a playground, was decommissioned many years ago; however, the well continued to release minor amounts of methane. The OWA has completed the installation of an Automated Methane Mitigation System (AMMS) at the well and no further work outside of ongoing monitoring is anticipated.
The site is now under a long-range management plan with no expected changes to the current infrastructure on site for many years. The small volume of methane from the well is being gathered and is then fully combusted by a flameless heater with minor periodic maintenance required. Periodic environmental sampling events are also undertaken to ensure the site continues to present no safety issues to nearby residents.
In the spring/summer of 2024, the OWA plans to relocate the house that is immediately east of the well (5224 63rd Street). This lot will then be converted to an expansion of the current greenspace. The removal of the house will help accommodate access to the well in the future should the need ever arise.
Town of Vermilion, Brennan Sub-division
The Tenwell #1 well in Vermillion’s Brennan Sub-division, near a playground, was decommissioned many years ago; however, the well continued to release minor amounts of methane. The OWA has completed the installation of an Automated Methane Mitigation System (AMMS) at the well and no further work outside of ongoing monitoring is anticipated.
The site is now under a long-range management plan with no expected changes to the current infrastructure on site for many years. The small volume of methane from the well is being gathered and is then fully combusted by a flameless heater with minor periodic maintenance required. Periodic environmental sampling events are also undertaken to ensure the site continues to present no safety issues to nearby residents.
In the spring/summer of 2024, the OWA plans to relocate the house that is immediately east of the well (5224 63rd Street). This lot will then be converted to an expansion of the current greenspace. The removal of the house will help accommodate access to the well in the future should the need ever arise.
The Town of Diamond Valley
The OWA has postponed decommissioning activities on the Katana Resources British Dominion Well #3 which is located on the north-west edge of Diamond Valley near the Country Meadows subdivision. The OWA is re-evaluating its technical plans for the well through consultation with the AER and will notify residents in advance of any future work.
The Town of Diamond Valley
The OWA has postponed decommissioning activities on the Katana Resources British Dominion Well #3 which is located on the north-west edge of Diamond Valley near the Country Meadows subdivision. The OWA is re-evaluating its technical plans for the well through consultation with the AER and will notify residents in advance of any future work.
FAQs
Who do I contact about surface lease payments?
Compensation from the OWA to landowners for unpaid surface lease payments from an insolvent company is prohibited by regulation.
If you have any questions about applying to receive lease payments for your land, we encourage you to call the Land and Property Rights Tribunal toll free at 310-0000, then 780-427-2444, or visit www.alberta.ca/land-and-property-rights-tribunal
More information is also available through the Farmer’s Advocate of Alberta.