In order to better regulate former hydrocarbon exploration sites, the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, and Energy (MEIE) has entrusted our team with the environmental characterization of several abandoned wells at 17 sites in three regions of Quebec: Gaspésie, Mauricie, and Montérégie. These structures, some of which were drilled as early as the 19th century, now pose a potential risk to the environment and public safety due to their age, unknown condition, and lack of identifiable responsible parties. This extensive program aimed to document the situation at each site in order to determine rehabilitation needs and support effective management of the government’s environmental liabilities.

Our work covered all the steps required to characterize the sites: Phase I environmental assessments, drilling campaigns, installation of piezometers and observation wells, groundwater and surface water sampling, biogas monitoring (CH₄, H₂S), permeability testing, location surveys, and proposals for remediation scenarios with cost estimates. The mandate required complex logistics, including the development of access to isolated areas, obtaining multiple government authorizations (MELCCFP, MRNF, CPTAQ, MRC) for certain sites, coordination with private landowners, and constant adaptation to the specific characteristics of each site. Our teams ensured a rigorous approach to health, safety, and environmental protection in sensitive, swampy, or forested areas.