Megan King

Public Infrastructure Project

During a public infrastructure construction project, an undocumented wellbore emitting methane and H₂S gas was discovered. 360 developed a detailed work plan to address the issue, including re-entry of the wellbore and installation of a cement plug to eliminate gas emissions. Our team successfully resolved the issue, ensuring the safety of the site and allowing construction to resume.

Final Phase of Investigation Into Legacy Gas Well Explosion – Wheatley, Ontario

Following the August 2021 gas explosion in Wheatley, Ontario, 360 has been working with the municipality of Chatham-Kent to investigate the root cause and assess ongoing risks. Building on the initial response, this phase of the project focuses on refining gas migration tracking, enhancing safety measures, and implementing long-term remediation strategies.

Overview:

• Ongoing investigation of gas migration pathways
• Updated remediation plans based on new monitoring data
• Collaboration with local authorities and industry experts
• Focus on long-term risk mitigation and public safety

1950’s Wellsite Remediation

360 successfully remediated a wellsite drilled in the 1950’s, addressing significant contamination issues. The site had a flare pit, two drilling waste disposal areas, and other pits contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and metals.

Through a phased approach, we treated over 8,800 m³ of highly impacted soil on-site using a Reterra soil recycler, achieving Class II landfill criteria and significantly reducing disposal costs. Low-level impacted soils were also treated and used as backfill.

Our comprehensive analysis demonstrated that elevated chloride levels in shallow groundwater were not linked to historical oil and gas activities, leading to the approval of the Record of Site Condition by the Alberta Energy Regulator.

Site-Specific Risk Assessment Within Boundaries of an Alberta Town

360 was engaged by a client to oversee the management of environmental risks linked to three historical wellsites situated on private land within the boundaries of an Alberta town. Future plans for the area involve transitioning the land use from agricultural and residential to commercial and light industrial.

360 personnel were actively involved in characterizing and delineating contamination plumes through Phase 2 environmental site assessments and electromagnetic surveys at these wellsites. Recent tasks completed by 360 encompass groundwater monitoring and conducting a Site-Specific Risk Assessment in accordance with Alberta Tier 2 guidelines at the sites.

The assessment involved using Tier 2B chloride guidelines to evaluate the potential exclusion of the domestic use aquifer (DUA), livestock and irrigation watering, root zone, and freshwater aquatic life pathways. One challenge associated with working within or in proximity to a municipality is the potential for DUA receptors. Approximately 50 registered water wells exist within a 1.6 km radius of the site, with the majority being domestic and municipal use.

Ongoing efforts include the development of a Remediation Action Plan and a Risk Management Plan for the site to address identified environmental concerns effectively.

Methanol and Water Mixture Release into Highly Sensitive Wetland Environment

Approximately 50 m³ of methanol and water mixture was released into wetland. Methanol at concentration of nearly 300,000 mg/L impacted approximately 0.2 ha of muskeg. The release response, environmental assessment, and impact remediation was under direct monitoring of the AER.

In collaboration with AER, 360 developed and used the site-specific risk-based cleanup values for methanol and was able to achieve regulatory closure.

Mitigation Plan for Diesel Fuel Release in Fish-Bearing Creek

The client engaged 360 for a diesel fuel release assessment, mitigation plan, and execution of a Remediation Action Plan (RAP) after diesel was spilled into a fish-bearing creek. Collaborating with AEP, DFO, and Environment Climate Change Canada, 360 complied with EPEA Enforcement Order mandates. They prepared essential plans including Aquatic Environmental Assessment, Wildlife Management, and Remediation. Groundwork involved impact assessments on wetlands, aquatic/fish habitats, and wildlife. Measures were established for identified wildlife risks, encompassing ungulates, amphibians, waterfowl, and raptors. They conducted night surveys and pinpointed wood frog locations, assessed ungulate traffic areas, and ensured proper release reporting.

Challenges comprised diverse safety hazards such as falling trees due to beavers, mud risks, proximity to water bodies, VOC exposure, and vehicular congestion. 360 actively engaged in safety meetings with consultants, managing hazards systematically per established protocols and prior experience.

Spill Response & Remediation: North-Central Alberta

Three coinciding pipeline failures resulted in the release of approximately 180 m3 of crude oil and produced water into a remote muskeg wetland of north-central Alberta. 

360 was in charge of the spill response, primary source removal, environmental assessments, surface water and groundwater monitoring, development of site-specific clean-up guidelines, and remediation.

Remediation was completed and resulted in the excavation and landfill disposal of 83,000 tonnes of impacted soil, with close monitoring and collaboration with the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) and First Nations.

Our role also included direct involvement and environmental consultant support during negotiations between our client and their insurance company.

After remediation and excavation, 360 completed a Domestic Use Aquifer (DUA) assessment using a sonic rig for Tier 2 Guideline development. The sites are currently under ongoing environmental monitoring by 360 for natural attenuation of residual impacts.

Regulatory Approval & Environmental Management of a Gas Processing Plant Expansion

Regulatory Specialists from 360 successfully led the regulatory and environmental component of an upstream oil & gas project in which a gas processing plant expanded 140 MMSCF/D to 580 MMSCF/D. 360 successfully completed an AUC exemption application for a 24 MW power plant, an approved EPEA amendment application for the facility, and a successful D056 license within a 70 day timeline. Supplementary services included a pre-disturbance assessment, conservation and reclamation plan, and QAES ephemeral draw assessment and mitigation.

Large-Scale Oil Well Detection & Emissions Measurement Project – Northern Alberta

360 led a team of technicians tasked with locating over 1,100 abandoned oil wells over a 1,500 square km area, and detecting/measuring emissions at each. The project took place in Northeast Alberta. Using advanced equipment and technology paired with cutting edge software, all in-scope wells were located and accurately tested/measured for methane emissions.

Emissions Regulatory Program 

360 submitted an application for a client’s facilities to become a TIER Aggregate while also compiling a complete emissions project as per the new Directive 060 January 2020 requirements, including a Fugitive Emissions Management Plan (FEMP) and Methane Reduction and Retrofit Compliance Plan (MRRCP).  We also ensured compliance with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) Multi-Sector Air Pollutants Regulation, which included registering stationary spark ignition engines and setting up a testing schedule.

New Surface Casing Vent Flow Repair Technology

360 is a proponent of advancing new technology in the interest of lowering overall project cost and improving success rates. We are active participants in the Well Integrity and Abandonment Society (WIA) and were made aware of a new product that uses bio-mineralization technology to repair failed primary cement. 360 assisted a client in a trial of the new technology with engineering, on-site management, and operations support. 

Central Alberta Abandonment & Phase 1 Closure Campaign 

360 executed a closure campaign in central Alberta, offering our client a complete turnkey closure solution. 

Project Summary:

• Total Well Abandonment count – 53
• Total Phase 1 ESA count – 103
• Days to complete work – 80

Highlights:

• Average well abandonment cost – $25,221
• Average % of AER Directive 011 value – 70%
• Phase 1 passing ratio – 76.8%
• Variance to budget – ($342,102)
• # of HSE incidents – 0

Reclassifying Shut-in Oil Well to a Produced Water Disposal Well

360 was engaged by a small oil producer to provide engineering support throughout the process of reclassifying a shut-in oil well to a produced water disposal well.

During this engagement, 360 evaluated various scenarios and advised the client on a cost-effective approach while ensuring strict adherence to regulatory guidelines and requirements.

360 facilitated the entire process from reclassification/disposal applications, reviewing well files, generating detailed wellbore schematics, conducting comprehensive survey and pool analyses, creating geological cross-sections, and effectively communicating the project’s intentions to mineral rights owners through formal notice of intents. In addition, operational procedures were created to ensure that all essential testing requirements were met and that the wellbore’s structural integrity remained intact. The final application package was then compiled and reviewed with the client to ensure the final deliverable aligned with client expectations prior to submitting to the appropriate regulatory body. 

Plugging Orphan Wells – Oilmont, Montana

360 has been involved in the plugging and abandonment of orphan wells across many regions of North America. We were recently engaged in a project in the state of Montana to assist in plugging of orphan wells drilled in the early 1900’s. 360 provided engineering, regulatory, on-site management, and third party procurement of the required well servicing equipment and plugging supplies. Orphan well projects require adaptability due to varying regulatory requirements by region and unavailable well data – 360 has experience managing these risks while maintaining control over unanticipated costs.

Residential Development Engineering Support

360 was engaged to consult on setback requirements on abandoned wellbores near a residential development outside of Edmonton, Alberta. During development construction, a crew uncovered a buried facility that had been previously undetected. 360 was engaged to assist and determined that the crew had discovered an abandoned on-site flowline that was lined with materials containing asbestos. A work plan for removal was developed including asbestos abatement and the pipeline was safely removed from the site. 

Eastern Alberta Surface Casing Vent Flow Repair 

In September 2021, a well in the Bellis field of eastern Alberta was drilled horizontally, with surface casing set at 244 meters and cemented to prevent gas migration. Production casing was set at 819 meters, and four horizontal legs were drilled for oil extraction. However, an active surface casing vent flow and gas migration issue was discovered in October 2021.

To address this problem, 360 was contracted for intervention. Sucker rods and production tubing were removed, and diagnostic tools were used to identify two potential gas sources. Perforations and acidization attempts were made at 280 meters to connect with the gas source, with multiple tries and pressure adjustments. Eventually, a cement job was performed, and after curing and testing, the well passed the pressure test. The surface casing vent flow was eliminated, and the well was restored to production.

This intervention successfully resolved the wellbore integrity issues, allowing for continued production without surface casing vent flow and gas migration problems.

ARO Assessment and Legal Witness for Property Litigation 

A leading legal firm engaged 360 on behalf of its client to conduct an ARO Assessment and act as an expert witness for an ongoing litigation. 360 assessed the abandonment, remediation, and reclamation costs associated with disputed properties and provided guidance on technical and regulatory matters impacting closure. The case is expected to proceed to trial and 360 will act as an expert witness during the court proceedings.

ARO Assessments on Divestiture Processes – Upstream Portfolio

360 was engaged by a major Canadian financial institution to conduct ARO Assessments for multiple divestiture processes within their upstream portfolio. The scope was to review, assess, and assign liability to multiple sales packages. The cumulative ARO value assessed on all engagements has exceeded more than $4 Billion.

Risk and ARO Assessment of Coastal Energy Terminal

360 was awarded the risk assessment of the largest energy project in Canadian history, in which our client is a stakeholder. The project includes review and assessment of a 400-hectare site utilizing GIS based mapping tools, drone photography and 3D modelling software that incorporates topographical surveyed plots and layered plot plans. The data provided by 360 is intended to support the facility consortium throughout the project life cycle including asset retirement obligations.

ARO Assessment for a Major International Energy Producer

Client first engaged 360 to redevelop its methodology for characterization and risk assessment of assets across Canada, the United States and South America. The project comprised more than 6,000 assets through multiple regulatory jurisdictions and involved more than 100 stakeholders. The methodology was accepted by all levels of the client’s assurance processes, including its external financial auditor, and was used to disclose environmental obligations on its financial statements.

360 has continued to work on risk assessment projects inside of the client’s legacy upstream oil and gas well portfolio directly and also through engagement with partners. These projects include geological studies and wellbore risk assessment, emissions detection and quantification, emissions characterization, buried facility identification, regulatory submissions, and emissions elimination on leaking wellbores. 360 has provided full scale services for these projects including research, project planning, collaboration with the Technical Assurance teams, and field execution.

Bow Island Site-Specific Risk Assessment

Site Details:

• Site was drilled in 1952, abandoned in 1989, first assessed in 1991, and has been assessed more than 25 times since
• Crown grazing land
• Approximately 400m north of the South Saskatchewan River
• Contaminants of Potential Concern (COPC’s) included salts, sterilants, petroleum, hydrocarbons, and metals

360’s innovative and pragmatic approach correlated years of environmental data to effectively assess natural conditions and reception risk:

• Analyzed over 20 years of data in 6 weeks
• Developed a Risk-Based Closure Plan to bring the site to closure in 3-5 years
• Remediation completed in the following season
• Minimized unnecessary landfilling and associated emissions while ensuring the protection of human health and the environment

Risk-Based Closure Plan resulted in $750,000 in savings for the client (85% cost reduction)

Development of Site-Specific Guidelines & Remedial Action Plan (RAP)

Working closely with a developer, the City planning group, the AER, and the oil and gas licensee, 360 evaluated and remediated a contaminated site within the City of Edmonton that was slated for future residential development. Subject matter experts from 360 delineated the site extensively over 3 years and created an advanced environmental model that reduced the excavation volumes while saving our Client >$3 MM. Subsequently, the site fully meets environmental guidelines, and our client’s bottom line was protected.

Midstream Oil & Gas Client Integrity Program

360 was retained by the client to act as their primary integrity dig contractor to manage a multi-year program of 300+ sites across Alberta. 360 managed the various stages and steps associated with integrity dig pre-disturbance and reclamation activities.

Project Disciplines and Specialties:

• Wildlife sweeps as per Master Schedule of Standards and Conditions (MSSC) including drone deployment, reporting, maps, and figures
• QAES reporting, DFO engagement and clearances, and aquatic resource work
• Ground disturbance (line locates and One Call)
• Wildlife survey reporting to FWMIS
• Water Act COPs, wetland assessments (WAIF/WAIR, ABWRET-A/D)
• Backfill (topsoil and subsoil) sampling
• Turbidity monitoring
• Alberta Conservation Information Management System (ACIMS) reports and Energy Development Planning reports
• Rare plant searches
• Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA) compliance

Large-Scale Remediation Program for Commercial Developer

This project was completed in Edmonton for a community developer to allow commercial development of lands impacted by historical industrial operations. The project focused on the remediation of historical hydrocarbon and salinity contamination that was completed to the site-specific risk-based remedial targets developed by 360 to procure a formal environmental closure from the Alberta government. A total of 39,000 tonnes of salinity and hydrocarbon impacted soil was excavated and disposed of at Claystone Waste Class II Landfill. Following a comprehensive confirmatory sampling program, the remedial excavations were backfilled with soil proven to be suitable via analytical and geotechnical testing.

Remediation & Closure of Chemical Release into a City of Calgary Creek

The released substances consisted of undetermined fluids that potentially included: used oil, gasoline, antifreeze, de-icers, detergent, herbicides, and other unknown liquids.

360 was responsible for characterization of the released substance, assessment of potential impact to the creek, monitoring of creek water, communication with AEP and the City of Calgary representatives, and achieving environmental closure compliant with regulatory requirements.

360 was able to achieve environmental regulatory closure through detailed examination of laboratory results of over 150 organic compounds analyzed as part of Open Organic Scan in combination with professional judgement, and justifications.

Phase 2 ESA & Exposure Control Plan

The City of Edmonton had expanded around a large legacy contaminated site associated with a 1950’s well blowout, and 360 was engaged to complete all portions of the environmental and regulatory program. A thorough environmental plan along with significant stakeholder engagement was required in order for the client to continue to develop, and to ensure ecological and human health protection. 

360 completed a large delineation program (Phase 2 ESA) to evaluate all contamination, aquatic, soil, and aquifer receptors and determine the environmental effects, and completed an intensive exposure control plan to satisfy the AER and demonstrate the various remedial and exposure options to move the site forward. A Site-Specific Liability Assessment (SSLA) was completed near the end of the project to evaluate the costs required to remediate the site and ensure liability was accurately assessed and accounted for.

Project Management and Execution of Full Closure Program in Northeast British Columbia

The 360 team has worked on area-based closure programs for a major international energy producer for multiple years. As part of these programs, the team has completed 25 CoR Part 1s and 15 CoR part 2s.  

360 worked with a 100% Indigenous-Owned partner to execute the NEBC program. Successes of the program included safety records and on-time and on-budget execution of the work.

The scope of the program consisted of the following activities:   

• Cut and capped 7 wells using a water jet method, including gas migration testing
• Completed 8 stage 1 site assessments
• Remediation of 5 wellsites
• Completed reclamation of 5 wellsites and access roads for a total of 13.1 hectares of land reclaimed on both agricultural and forested land use
• Completed erosion repairs on 5 previously reclaimed wellsites

Project Management and Execution of Northwestern Alberta Winter Closure Programs

360 was designated as a Prime Contractor for a client’s Strategic Winter Closure Programs. 

Key project highlights included:

• Completed and obtained permits for camp location for AER requirements
• Completed all water withdrawal permits and tracking for AER requirements for winter road construction
• Completed permitting for Hay River Ice Bridge construction (federal permitting requirements)
• Coordinated construction of the Hay River Ice Bridge
• Completed Phase 2 investigation (12 sites), remediation (8 sites), and reclamation work scopes (18 sites) in the Hay area, coordinated access to these sites with the abandonment and decommissioning groups    
• Construction of over 300km of winter access
• Ice roads and river crossing were constructed to meet specific requirements for service and abandonment rig loads (max loads of 50 tonnes)
• Completed 50 Phase 2 investigations, 5 remediation 5 sites, and minor reclamation work   
• Spill response, clean-up, assessment, and remediation on 2 spill sites 
• 360 and partners collaborated on road removal as site work was completed