Nuvista Energy Ltd. / Advantage Energy Ltd.
Fontas Area-Based Closure Program
Date:
2017
Location:
Fontas area, south of Rainbow Lake, Alberta
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Phase 2 ESA
Remediation
Vegetation Management
Detailed Site Assessments
Reclamation & Reclamation Certification Approvals
Subsoil Salinity Tool Assessment
In Winter 2017, Ecoventure took on the abandonment, decommissioning, assessment, remediation and reclamation of 55 well sites in a remote area of Northern Alberta. We completed 24 Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), advancing seven directly to remediation and successfully applying Alberta Tier 2 and SST assessments to six sites, which helped save time and costs. We also completed nine major and several minor reclamations, transitioning sites into Vegetation Management or Detailed Site Assessments. Working with First Nations contractors for heavy equipment, we delivered a $3 million program on schedule with no incidents. Over three winter programs, we’ve reclaimed over 230 well sites, 70 legacy sites and achieved 200 reclamation certificates.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
300+
sites successfully
completed
200+
reclamation certificates achieved
We served as the principal environmental consultant on all projects, developing work plans based on third-party Phase 1 ESAs, preparing schedules and overseeing all environmental initiatives. We were the only consultant common to all sites, ensuring ground disturbance protocols were followed and leading nightly meetings with contractors to coordinate safe and efficient site operations. Ecoventure's data management team synthesized field and lab data in real-time, allowing for immediate remediation decisions or direct transitions into surface reclamation, minimizing costs and avoiding future winter road construction. Our cutting-edge reclamation protocols focused on ecosite restoration and adaptive vegetation strategies.
As a result, Ecoventure’s approach led to over 75% of sites achieving reclamation certificates within three years and over 90% within five years. Our expertise in remote site assessment, Tier 2 guideline development and real-time data analysis allowed for rapid site closures within an area-based closure program. The project’s success underscores Ecoventure’s ability to adapt and implement efficient environmental solutions, with future programs expected to follow similar models to fast-track reclamation certification.
