Federal aid for well reclamation program flowing into the Hat

Jason Tweten, president of Action Land and Environmental, says his company has successfully applied to the first two phases of the program which has kept employees at the firm on the payroll.

“It allowed our company to keep employed three to four people. Without this program, most of our clients and producers weren’t going to do any work this year. They were going to put on hold until better times,” said Tweten.

His outfit isn’t the only which will see direct benefits.

“We’re a small piece of the puzzle. We don’t do any downhole work or actual heavy equipment removal of structures so there are several other service providers in and around the Medicine Hat area that will be able to be successful at this program and obtain work,” said Tweten.

The funding might be too late for some of Venom Coil Tubing’s former neighbours in Brier Park with the industrial area dotted with the empty shops of service companies that have left town.

But for those who have managed to hang on, this program will help, says Venom’s owner Matt Bruins.

“This is exactly what we do so it’s going to affect us immensely. It’s been a long time coming out so that now that the money is starting to flow, things are going to happen here.”

And Bruins says hopes the public program will free up private funds for increased oil and gas activity in the region.

“The idea here is hopefully – with the assistance for our customers in taking care of their liabilities – will hopefully spur other activities for them, allow them to hire and allow them to maybe even explore or drill a well or two,” said Bruins.

Bruins says the program will allow him to keep staff now and as it continues, possibly hire more in the future.

by Alex McCuaig

Federal aid for well reclamation program flowing into the Hat

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