MIKE DORLAND CONSULTING

Oil and Natural Gas Well Consultant

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You are here: Home / Services / Historical Wells, Orphan Wells, and Legacy Wells

Historical Wells, Orphan Wells, and Legacy Wells

I have led numerous historical well research projects, documenting and mapping hundreds of wells using a variety of sources, including historical well files, maps, orthophotos, and aerial imagery. I have successfully located many wells in the field by combining historical records, landowner descriptions, handheld magnetic detection, and high-resolution magnetic surveys (aircraft and drone acquired). In addition to these resources, I have assembled a unique collection of historical datasets, maps, and publications.

I frequently perform confidential well inspections to advise well owners on the possible outcomes of the well licensing process and the changes that may be required to their well to meet the current standards.

I can advise/assist in any licensing requirements and help you work with the Ministry of Natural Resources Petroleum Operations Section. I have thorough knowledge of the Ontario Oil, Gas & Salt Resources Act, related regulations and standards and frequently work on projects that involve government Inspectors.

As a Professional Geoscientist and ministry-recognized Examiner, I am considered by the government to be a Qualified Person to perform well evaluations.

Legacy Well: The term legacy well is a broad, overarching term that refers to all old inactive wells, encompassing both formally abandoned wells (whose plugs may be failing) and orphaned wells (without a responsible owner). The term highlights the historical “legacy” of the region’s early oil and gas industry and the collective environmental and public safety burden that the province and its landowners have inherited.

(Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (APGO), P.Geo., License #1656)

(MNRF Class I, II & IV Examiner, Examiner # E104 12)

Disconnect Orphan Well from PipelineOrphan WellOrphan well with tree growing through itOrphan well (5)Crusty wellhead

Historic well to be pluggedPressure on an orphan wellOrphan well with crazy pumpjackOrphan well (2)Orphan well (3)

Orphan well (4)

Mike Dorland Consulting Geologist

Mike Dorland provides geological and geophysical consulting and wellsite sevices focused on oil & natural gas exploration and production and well plugging in Ontario, Canada.

All professional geoscience services are personally performed by Mike Dorland, P.Geo., C.E.T., through 1682468 Ontario Inc. (operating as Mike Dorland Consulting).

Read more about Mike Dorland.

Services Include:

  • Geological and Geophysical Consulting
  • Private Natural Gas Wells
  • Well File and Historical Records Searching to accompany Property Title Search Work
  • Historical Wells, Orphan Wells, and Legacy Wells
  • Wellsite Services and Supervision
  • Well Plugging
  • Prospect Development and Evaluation
  • Mapping / GIS Services
  • Oil Gas and Salt Resources Library (OGSRL) Member
  • Drill Cuttings and Core Analysis
  • Ontario Private Gas Well Incentive program offered by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)
  • Qualified Person for the MNR Private Gas Well Incentive Program
  • MNR Examiner Certification and Reporting
  • MNR Liaison

© 2026 · Mike Dorland Consulting - A business name of 1682468 Ontario Inc.