FRWIP — Well Decommissioning and Special Projects Pre-Approval
SK, Canada
Funding for decommissioning wells on Saskatchewan farms
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Government of Saskatchewan
- Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get up to $10,000 to cover 90% of the costs related to well decommissioning including sealing and capping water wells by a registered well driller.
grant_single_labels|projects
Yes, there are projects and activities eligible for this grant.
Eligible expenses for well decommissioning include excavation, materials for decommissioning, and related costs by a registered well driller. Certain in-kind labor and equipment usage costs are also eligible.
- Excavation (removing casing)
- Bentonite, chlorine
- Gravel or clay (must be purchased from a third-party recognized vendor)
- Costs related to sealing and capping water wells by a registered well driller
- In-kind labor funded at $22/hour to a maximum rebate of $250 per project
- In-kind machinery/equipment use as per Farm Machinery Custom Rate and Rental Guide
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$9,000
Saskatoon
Well decommissioning in a rural farm to ensure safe water supply.
$9,000
Ottawa
Decommissioning an unused well in an urban garden in Ottawa.
$9,000
Vancouver
Decommissioning a contaminated well in a community center in Vancouver.
$9,180
Toronto
Sealing an unused well at a commercial property in Toronto.
$9,180
Montréal
Closure of an abandoned well in a cooperative farm in Montréal.
$9,000
Calgary
Well decommissioning at a social economy enterprise farm in Calgary.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program's (FRWIP) Well Decommissioning rebate include various requirements for primary agricultural producers, First Nation Bands, Rural Municipalities, and Crown Land Pasture Grazing Associations in Saskatchewan.
- Primary agricultural producers (individual, partnership, co-operative or corporation) must demonstrate a minimum $50,000 of gross farm income in Saskatchewan in the year of application or the year prior to the application.
- Individual applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
- First Nation Bands in the Province of Saskatchewan.
- Rural Municipalities in the Province of Saskatchewan.
- Crown Land Pasture Grazing Associations in Saskatchewan.
- Producers who own, lease or rent property where livestock and poultry are grown, bred, kept, raised, displayed, assembled or disposed of, require a Saskatchewan Premises Identification (PID) number.
- Small diameter wells must be decommissioned by a registered well driller in Saskatchewan with expertise in well decommissioning and comply with Water Security Agency (WSA) recommended practices.
- A post-construction WSA Well Decommissioning Worksheet must be completed and submitted with the FRWIP claim and signed by the landowner.
- Projects started but not completed under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership may still be eligible under Sustainable CAP if expenses were incurred after October 1, 2022.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible types of companies for the well decommissioning grant under the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) include primary agricultural producers, First Nation Bands, Rural Municipalities, and Crown Land Pasture Grazing Associations in Saskatchewan.
- Primary agricultural producers (individual, partnership, co-operative, or corporation)
- First Nation Bands in the Province of Saskatchewan
- Rural Municipalities in the Province of Saskatchewan
- Crown Land Pasture Grazing Associations in Saskatchewan
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There are no specific types of companies mentioned in the grant context that are ineligible for this grant. However, the grant outlines certain criteria and qualifications that must be met by applicants.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for well decommissioning may include various costs directly related to the project. Below is a detailed list of eligible expenses for this grant:
- Excavation (removing casing).
- Bentonite, chlorine.
- Gravel or clay (must be purchased from a third-party recognized vendor).
- Costs related to well decommissioning including sealing and capping water wells by a registered well driller.
- In-kind labour is funded at $22/hour to a maximum rebate of $250 per project.
- In-kind machinery/equipment. Use rates established in the Farm Machinery Custom Rate and Rental Guide for class of machinery used.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for this grant are within the Province of Saskatchewan. Specific lands that need additional approval include Crown lease lands designated under The Wildlife Habitat Protection Act, private lands with a Crown Conservation Easement, and federally designated critical habitat under the Species at Risk Act.
- Crown lease lands designated under The Wildlife Habitat Protection Act (WHPA)
- Private lands with a Crown Conservation Easement (CCE)
- Federally designated critical habitat under the Species at Risk Act
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.
- Primary agricultural producers (individual, partnership, co-operative or corporation) must demonstrate a minimum $50,000 of gross farm income in Saskatchewan in the year of application or the year prior to the application.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
- First Nation Bands and Rural Municipalities in the Province of Saskatchewan are eligible.
- Crown Land Pasture Grazing Associations in Saskatchewan are eligible.
- Projects must not have started before October 1, 2022.
- Small diameter wells must be decommissioned by a registered well driller in Saskatchewan.
- Large and small diameter wells must be decommissioned following Water Security Agency (WSA) recommended practices.
- Eligibility includes fully decommissioned wells with a post-construction WSA Well Decommissioning Worksheet submitted and signed.
- Projects located on land not owned by the applicant require written authorization from the landowner.
- Environmentally sensitive land projects require specific authorizations and consents.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Review the FRWIP well decommissioning eligibility criteria and program details.
- Step 2: Applicants are responsible for reviewing the WSA’s Decommissioning Abandoned Water Wells Fact Sheet and understanding the procedures and materials required for properly decommissioning both large and small diameter wells.
- Step 3: For large diameter wells, use WSA’s Bored Well Decommissioning Calculation Worksheet to determine materials needed and make them ready at the job site pre-construction.
- Step 4: Fully decommission the well according to the guidelines.
- Step 5: Obtain written authorization from the landowner if the well is not located on land owned by the applicant.
- Step 6: If the applicant is a rural municipality, obtain a copy of the resolution from Council authorizing the project and application to the program.
- Step 7: Ensure your project is not in an environmentally sensitive area or obtain proper authorization if it is.
- Step 8: Complete the post‐construction WSA Well Decommissioning Worksheet and get it signed by the landowner.
- Step 9: Pay all invoices related to the well decommissioning project.
- Step 10: Submit rebate claims as soon as the project is fully decommissioned and make sure all invoices are paid in full before applying for the rebate.
- Step 11: Download and complete the necessary forms: Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program Rebate Application Form, WSA’s Bored Well Decommissioning Calculation Worksheet, and WSA’s Well Decommissioning Worksheet.
- Step 12: Submit completed application packages either by email to agprograms@gov.sk.ca or by mail to:
- Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program
- Ministry of Agriculture, Programs Branch
- 329 – 3085 Albert Street
- Regina SK S4S 0B1
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) offers opportunities for well decommissioning projects with specific criteria and eligibility requirements. Applicants must ensure proper completion to be eligible for rebates.
- Rebate of 90% of eligible costs up to $10,000 per project.
- No limit on the number of individual well decommissioning projects during the five-year term.
- Projects must be fully completed before issuing rebates; no interim payments.
- Minimum rebate of $250, with a minimum claim amount of $500.
- Eligible applicants include primary agricultural producers, First Nation Bands, Rural Municipalities, and Crown Land Pasture Grazing Associations in Saskatchewan.
- New entrants who meet specific criteria may become eligible.
- Well decommissioning must comply with Water Security Agency (WSA) recommended practices.
- Pre-approval is not required but proper decommissioning is mandatory for funding eligibility.
- Eligible expenses include excavation, bentonite, chlorine, gravel or clay purchased from a third-party vendor, and costs related to well decommissioning by registered well drillers.
- Ineligible expenses include projects starting prior to October 1, 2022, used materials, in-kind materials, taxes, and purchase of land.
- Applications must be submitted before March 31, 2028.
grant_single_labels|contact
agprograms@gov.sk.ca
866-457-2377
Apply to this program
Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) Well Decommissioning Rebate
The Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) provides a rebate of 90% up to $10,000 for well decommissioning projects to enhance public safety and minimize groundwater contamination. Eligible applicants include primary agricultural producers, First Nation Bands, Rural Municipalities, and Crown Land Pasture Grazing Associations in Saskatchewan.
Comprehensive Guide to the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) Well Decommissioning Rebate
Water management is a critical component of agricultural practice, and ensuring the sustainability and safety of water resources is paramount. The Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) in Saskatchewan addresses this need head-on, especially through its Well Decommissioning component. This program, under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), aims to bolster public safety and mitigate the potential contamination of groundwater resources.
Understanding the Well Decommissioning Rebate
The FRWIP Well Decommissioning Rebate is structured to provide significant financial support to qualified applicants who undertake well decommissioning projects. Specifically, the program offers a rebate covering 90% of the eligible costs of such projects, capping the rebate at $10,000 per project. Notably, there is no limit on the number of individual well decommissioning projects that can be submitted during the five-year period from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2028. To qualify for reimbursement, all projects must be completed by March 31, 2028, with no interim payments available.
Applicant Eligibility Criteria
The program is open to a range of applicants, including:
- Primary agricultural producers: This includes individuals, partnerships, cooperatives, or corporations with a minimum gross farm income of $50,000 in Saskatchewan in either the year of application or the year prior. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
- First Nation Bands located in Saskatchewan.
- Rural Municipalities in Saskatchewan.
- Crown Land Pasture Grazing Associations in Saskatchewan.
New entrants to agriculture can also become eligible by demonstrating their potential to meet the gross farm income threshold within the program's five-year term. This involves completing a New Entrant Self-Assessment that examines factors such as recent significant agricultural investments and operational history.
Types of Eligible Projects
The rebate specifically covers the following types of projects:
- Excavation and removing casing.
- The purchase and use of materials such as bentonite, chlorine, gravel, or clay from third-party vendors for the decommissioning process.
- Sealing and capping of water wells by registered well drillers.
- In-kind labor at a rate of $22 per hour, capped at a rebate of $250 per project.
- Use of machinery and equipment needed for the project, as per the rates outlined in the Farm Machinery Custom Rate and Rental Guide.
Ineligible Projects and Expenses
While the program is comprehensive, certain activities and expenses do not qualify for reimbursement. These include:
- Projects or expenses incurred before October 1, 2022.
- Invoices not issued in the applicant’s name.
- In-kind freight/mileage or materials.
- Used materials and materials from inventory.
- Removal and disposal of above-ground structures.
- Purchase of land/property or easements.
- Administrative costs and fees related to third-party application support.
Application Process
Prospective applicants are advised to review the program eligibility criteria and rebate details. As pre-approval is no longer required for well decommissioning projects, applicants must familiarize themselves with the Water Security Agency’s Decommissioning Abandoned Water Wells Fact Sheet to ensure compliance with the decommissioning protocols.
Steps to apply include:
- Ensure that the project is aligned with the WSA’s recommended practices for well decommissioning.
- Complete the FRWIP Well Decommissioning Rebate Application Form.
- Prepare all necessary documentation, including the WSA Well Decommissioning Worksheet and proof of payment for all invoices.
- Submit the application package to the Ministry of Agriculture either via email to agprograms@gov.sk.ca or by mail to:
- Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program
- Ministry of Agriculture, Programs Branch
- 329 – 3085 Albert Street
- Regina, SK, S4S 0B1
Support and Assistance
For those who require further guidance, the program offers support through several avenues:
- Regional agri-environmental specialists can assist with completing the application and verifying the thoroughness of the decommissioning process.
- First Nation producers, who might face unique regulatory and cultural challenges, can seek support from the Building and Strengthening Indigenous Supports (BASIS) specialists or the Agriculture Knowledge Centre.
Environmental Sensitivity Considerations
Projects located in environmentally sensitive areas may require special permissions and authorizations. Such designations include:
- Lands under The Wildlife Habitat Protection Act.
- Private lands with a Crown Conservation Easement.
- Designated critical habitats under the Species at Risk Act.
Applicants must ensure they have the relevant approvals before commencing their projects to avoid any eligibility issues.
Conclusion
The FRWIP Well Decommissioning Rebate is a well-structured initiative designed to address the critical need for safe and effective water management in Saskatchewan's agricultural sector. By offering substantial financial support and clear guidelines, the program not only promotes environmental stewardship but also ensures that decommissioned wells do not become a source of contamination. Prospective applicants are encouraged to leverage this opportunity to enhance public safety and maintain the integrity of Saskatchewan's water resources.
