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Google Translate Disclaimer

A number of pages on the Government of Saskatchewan`s web site have been professionally translated in French. These translations are identified by a yellow text box that resembles the link below and can be found in the right hand rail of the page. The home page for French-language content on this site can be found here:

Renseignements en Français

Where an official translation is not available, Google™ Translate can be used. Google™ Translate is a free online language translation service that can translate text and web pages into different languages. Translations are made available to increase access to Government of Saskatchewan content for populations whose first language is not English.

The results of software-based translation do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact, and may include incorrect or offensive language Government of Saskatchewan does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos, and other file formats such as portable document formats (PDFs).

Any person or entities that rely on information obtained from the system does so at his or her own risk. Government of Saskatchewan is not responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using translated website content. If you have any questions about Google™ Translate, please visit: Google™ Translate FAQs.

Orphan Fund Procurement Program

The Orphan Fund Procurement Program is responsible for identifying orphaned upstream oil and gas well and facility sites in Saskatchewan. Using the funds within the Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Orphan Fund (SOGOF), this program is responsible for securing vendors to abandon, decommission, and reclaim orphaned well and facility sites.

Orphan Wells, Facilities, or Sites

In the upstream oil and gas industry, an orphan is defined as a well, facility, or associated site that has been investigated by the Ministry of Energy and Resources and confirmed as not having any legally responsible and/or financially able party to deal with the abandonment and/or reclamation responsibilities.

Funding Orphan Abandonment and Reclamation Activities

The SOGOF is solely funded by the Saskatchewan oil and gas producers. Under the authority established in The Oil and Gas Conservation Act and The Oil and Gas Conservation Regulations, 2012, the following sources of revenue are derived from industry:

  1. Orphan Fund Fee
  2. Orphan Fund Levy
  3. Security Deposit

Note: the above fees are only applicable to oil and gas producers. Therefore, any company holding only well/facility licences for purposes other than oil and gas production (such as potash mining, storage facilities or waste facilities) would be exempt from the fees listed above. If a licensee believes they qualify for exemption from these fees, please contact ER.Servicedesk@gov.sk.ca. Someone will review your request and add you to the “LLR Excluded Licensee” list if deemed appropriate to do so.

Unpaid Surface or Mineral Lease Payments on Orphaned Sites

The Ministry is not authorized to compensate landowners for unpaid surface and/or mineral lease payments from a defunct or insolvent company; however, the Ministry will use the SOGOF to secure vendors to complete the required work on orphaned well and facility sites.

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