Mountain View County administration has outlined its plan to help inform residents about new provincial regulatory requirements pertaining to abandoned oil and gas wells on rural properties.The ERCB's new “Subsurface Development in Proximity to Abandoned Wells Directive 079” sets out detailed requirements for accommodating abandoned wells during subdivision and development projects.The directive, which came into effect on Nov. 1, specifies that development on top of an abandoned well will not be permitted and a minimum setback of a five-metre radius around the well must be maintained.New subdivision applications, except for lot line adjustments, will now need to include documentation from the ERCB identifying the presence or absence of abandoned wells.Such documentation will have to be obtained through the ERCB's database website.The new regulations also require new development permits for buildings larger than 47 square metres and for additions to buildings that will as a result become larger than 47 square metres to include documentation from the ERCB with the application identifying the presence or absence of abandoned wells.During last week's council meeting, the MVC communication plan aimed at informing ratepayers about the new regulations was presented for the first time to councillors.“Communications will feature a web page on the county's website that gives a brief overview on the issue and the relevance to landowners,” administration said in a note to council. “The page will also include a link to the ERCB web page that allows landowners to search their property location for abandoned well sites.“Having this information is a requirement of those pursuing development on their property.”The public-access computer in the county office has also been updated to include the ERCB link.Landowners will be able to access the information regardless of whether they are making a planning application or not.As well as the website changes, the county will also be developing an information handout and launching a radio campaign early in the new year to inform residents of the new regulations.Municipal subdivision or development authorities evaluating development permits and subdivision applications must ensure that the regulations' provisions are applied prior to issuing approvals.“Will we somehow really emphasize the fact that the landowner assumes the liability if they do not follow this process?” said Coun. Al Kemmere “It's got to be very clear that this is not a Mountain View County process. We are trying to facilitate this process. This is not a change in our land use bylaw.”
