In the oil and gas context, a well is a hole drilled into the earth to extract petroleum or natural gas from underground reservoirs. Wells may be vertical, directional, or horizontal depending on reservoir characteristics and surface constraints. Well drilling involves specialized equipment and expertise, proceeding through geological formations to reach hydrocarbon-bearing zones. Wells are cased with steel pipe and cemented to prevent fluid migration between formations and protect groundwater. Well completion prepares wells for production, including perforating casing and sometimes hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to enhance flow. Provincial regulators oversee well drilling, operation, and eventual abandonment. Municipalities near oil and gas development may experience impacts from well activity including truck traffic, noise, and potential environmental concerns.