Policy Interface

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Policy Id:

SPR/SPA:

Risk:

6.2.28-NB

Cataraqui

Non-specific

Implementing Body

Legal Effect

Policy Tool

Threat Type

Status

Comment

MECP - Wells

Strategic

Specify Actions to be taken to implement plan or achieve its objectives

Future & Existing

Implemented: Policy outcome(s) evaluated - No further action(s) required

The ministry has reviewed and considered the policy. Ontario has a strong and robust legislative and regulatory framework for licensing well contractors and well technicians, as well as for the construction, maintenance and abandonment of wells. Recent amendments made to the Wells Regulation (Reg. 903) took effect January 1, 2020. Regulation 903) requires that the well owner maintain the well at all times after the completion of the well’s structural stage (i.e. once it is capable of being used for the purpose for which it was constructed), in a way that prevents the entry of surface water and other foreign materials into the well. The well owner is also responsible for hiring a licenced well contractor and well technician to properly abandon (plug and seal) a well that is not being used as a well or maintained for future use as a well. The Wells Regulation sets out clear and prescriptive requirements on when a well must be abandoned and how to properly abandon wells in the province. The Water Supply Wells – Requirements and Best Management Practices manual published by the Ministry also provides best management practices and recommended techniques that help a person constructing and abandoning a well to protect and minimize adverse impacts to our environment. The ministry will continue to report on any actions resulting from the review of the policy.

Policy Text:

The Ministry of the Environment should analyze the need to amend Regulation 903 (Wells) under the Ontario Water Resources Act to require well decommissioning when a replacement well is installed in a wellhead protection area, to prevent the creation of transport pathways from improperly abandoned or maintained wells.

The provision in a. would apply unless a specific exemption has been granted whereby the existing well is in good condition and will continue to be used or maintained for future use.

The Ministry of the Environment should include information about this policy in an annual summary of actions taken to achieve outcomes of source protection policies and make it available to the Cataraqui Source Protection Authority.

Monitoring Text:

c. The Ministry of the Environment should include information about this policy in an annual summary of actions taken to achieve outcomes of source protection policies and make it available to the Cataraqui Source Protection Authority.