Well Closure Research Committee (WCRC)

Well Closure Research Committee (WCRC) Formerly Well Abandonment Research Initiative Committee (WARI). The Well Closure Research Committee (WCRC) focuses on delivering methane emissions reduction and elimination from operations, or operations and closed wells. The challenge of emissions migration through the well infrastructure is of concern to many Oil and Gas producing jurisdictions. This committee works diligently to find new cost effective mitigation technology solutions.

WCRC Committee Members

Name	Company Name
Alexandra Robertson	Alberta Energy Regulator
Ben Fraser	Imperial Oil
Charity Callahan	Rev Energy
Claudette Fedoruk	Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
Dave Samuelson	Cenovus
Leah Davies	Imperial Oil
Mitch Kosior	Crescent Point Energy
Rajan Varughese	Alberta Energy Regulator
Richard Wong	Cenovus Energy
Ryan McDowell	Crescent Point Energy
Shawn Forster	Cenovus Energy
Wade Hartzell	Canadian Natural Resources Limited

Current Policy Issues and Knowledge Gaps

Public Policy Issue	Knowledge Gaps
Cut and Cap Policy for Low Risk SCVF Wells	Risks associated with a non-zero threshold for SCVFs. Processes to facilitate site closure / progress sites to re-certification under this policy. Options in consideration of existing policies and regulations.
Establish a Gas Emissions Reduction Strategy for Surface Casing Vents in Thermal Operations	Characterization of methane emission volumes and their relationship to methane concentrations in surface casing vents from thermal operations Identification of methane sources (shallow vs. production zone) to evaluate operational impacts Risks associated with the environmental impacts and public/operational safety associated with measured concentrations of gases complicated by steam flow in thermal vents
Evaluate Cement Alternatives for SCVF/GM Repair	Evaluate acceptable cement alternatives for SCVF/GM repair that meet or exceed established regulatory requirements for cement properties Improve repair success metrics Assess the bond quality behind pipe for cement alternatives
Identify Long Term Monitoring & Management Solutions	Identify a cost-effective long-term monitoring solution – continuous and semi-routine Identify options for managing non-serious SCVF/GM prior to abandonment Cost effective quantitative measurement of SCVF (emission calculation) There are regulatory instruments that provide industry options for active and inactive wells with non-serious SCVF/GM that are cost-effective. For leaking abandoned wells, this initiative does not support public interest in addressing long-term liability concerns, nor is it in alignment with the AER mandate. Long-term strategies do not align with AER’s current focus on addressing liability reduction.
Data Analysis There is an ever-growing amount of data generated by oil and gas companies and various repositories collecting data. It would be useful to analyze the data into meaningful insights that will help industry address ongoing challenges.	Data analysis aimed at informing and helping industry to make better, smarter, cost-effective decisions.