Dragun Corporation Staff, Author at Dragun Corporation

Communities in Ontario Face Challenges from Historical Oil and Gas Wells

Posted by Dragun Corporation Staff on Oct 3, 2025 in Blog | 0 comments

Across southwestern Ontario, there are an estimated 27,000 inactive oil and gas wells. These historical oil and gas exploration wells, along with the environmental, health, and safety risks they pose, are receiving increased attention. Abandoned Well Increases Project Cost A September 18, 2025, article discussed how these often-unidentified wells affect projects. In 2024, Lambton County, Ontario, allocated $125,000 to replace underground fuel storage tanks with...

Ontario Blue Box Requirements Undergo Change

Posted by Dragun Corporation Staff on Sep 15, 2025 in Blog | 0 comments

As we mentioned in our June 10, 2025, blog, both the federal and provincial governments are changing their environmental focus. This trend continues with changes to Ontario’s Blue Box regulations. Background on Ontario’s Blue Box Program On April 14, 2022, O. Reg. 349/22: Blue Box, under the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, was amended. These amendments were scheduled to take effect in 2026. The Blue Box Regulations would have (among other things) required...

Provincial and Federal Efforts to Boost Natural Resource Development

Posted by Dragun Corporation Staff on Sep 5, 2025 in Blog | 0 comments

As we wrote in our May 7, 2025, blog, Ontario Bill 5 (“The Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act 2025”) is intended to, among other things, accelerate natural resource development in every part of the province. While likely unrelated to Bill 5, it was recently announced that the Marathon Palladium Project got its final (Ontario) provincial permit. As Northern Ontario Business put it, “It’s been a long time coming.” Generation Mining president and CEO Jamie Levy...

Water and Air Environmental Violations and Construction-Related Environmental Violations

Posted by Dragun Corporation Staff on Aug 20, 2025 in Blog | 0 comments

Initial environmental work to prepare for site development can be complicated. It can include Phase I/II assessments, Record of Site Conditions, Environmental Compliance Approvals, and more. The challenge can often be maintaining environmental compliance in the ensuing years to avoid environmental violations. Below, we look at environmental violations involving manufacturing operations and construction activity. Water and Air Environmental Violations Though idle since...

Abandoned Oil and Gas Exploration Wells: A Hidden Environmental and Human Health Risk

Posted by Dragun Corporation Staff on Aug 13, 2025 in Blog | 0 comments

Each month, we provide an environmental compliance tip that is based on provincial and federal regulations. However, there are environmental risks that are not covered by existing regulations, including risks associated with historical (abandoned) oil and gas exploration wells. An Explosion The issue of the potential significant risks associated with abandoned oil and gas wells drew public attention in 2021. In downtown Wheatley, Ontario, there was a hydrogen sulphide...