All Directives

Directive 055

Jennifer.Senk@aer.ca — Mon, 06 May 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Directive 055

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Jennifer.Senk@aer.ca Mon, 05/06/2024 - 05:00

Storage Requirements for the Upstream Petroleum Industry

Effective date: May 6, 2024
Replaces previous edition issued September 1, 2022
See section 1.3 of the directive for what’s new.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive identifies requirements for the storage of materials produced, generated (including wastes), or used by the upstream petroleum and geothermal resource development industries that, if released into the environment, may cause an adverse effect. The purpose is to prevent soil, groundwater, and surface water contamination. The implementation of appropriate storage practices should reduce the long-term costs associated with decontamination activities and make it easier for upstream petroleum and geothermal resource development sites to be reclaimed to conditions suitable for the next intended land use.

Checklists

High-Level Shutdown System Risk Assessment Checklist

Designated Information Submission System

Applications	Designated system
Alternative storage	Digital data submission (DDS) system

Directive 088

Jennifer.Senk@aer.ca — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 12:42:32 +0000

Directive 088

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Jennifer.Senk@aer.ca Tue, 04/09/2024 - 06:42

Licensee Life-Cycle Management

Effective date: April 9, 2024
Replaces the previous edition released on February 13, 2023
Released with Bulletin 2024-11.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive:

introduces a holistic assessment of a licensee’s capabilities and performance across the energy development life cycle, which will be supported by the licensee capability assessment (LCA);
introduces the Licensee Management Program, which determines how licensees will be managed throughout the energy development life cycle;
introduces the Inventory Reduction Program, which includes closure quotas and closure nomination;
updates application requirements related to the licence transfer process; and
describes security collection under this directive.

It outlines how information, particularly financial, reserves, closure, and compliance information, will be used to enable the AER to assess the capabilities of licensees to meet their regulatory and liability obligations throughout the energy development life cycle; administer our liability management programs; and ensure the safe, orderly, and environmentally responsible development of energy resources in Alberta throughout their life cycle.

Attachments

Directive 038

Jennifer.Senk@aer.ca — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Directive 038

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Jennifer.Senk@aer.ca Tue, 04/02/2024 - 05:00

Noise Control

Effective Date: April 2, 2024
Replaces the previous edition released on April 17, 2023
See section 1.3 of the directive for what’s new.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive sets out the requirements for noise control as they apply to all operations and facilities under the jurisdiction of the AER. It also provides background information and describes an approach to deal with noise problems. These requirements address environmental noise, not health-related impacts, such as noise-induced hearing loss.

Alberta Labour regulates matters related to occupational noise. Non-energy facility noise issues are the jurisdiction of Alberta Environment and Parks or the local municipality.

Forms

Directive 038 Forms

Directive 040

sitesuper — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Directive 040

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sitesuper Mon, 03/25/2024 - 05:00

Pressure and Deliverability Testing Oil and Gas Wells

Effective date: March 25, 2024
Replaces previous edition issued August 24, 2022
See section 1.2 of the directive for what’s new.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive sets out requirements for pressure and deliverability tests, drill stem tests, fluid sampling and analysis. It is intended to serve as a handbook for anyone testing oil and gas wells, regardless of their experience. However, test quality will improve if licensees/operators use properly trained personnel, and take care in designing, conducting, analyzing, and reporting their tests.

Note that the well testing requirements defined in this directive are minimum requirements, and the AER may require testing that exceeds these requirements. In addition, for specific geological zones within a defined area, the AER may adapt subsurface directive requirements through a subsurface order to better suit the resource development practices being used.

Attachments

PAS file formats (updated July 10, 2023) [PDF] [XLS]

Directive 067

Jennifer.Senk@aer.ca — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Directive 067

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Jennifer.Senk@aer.ca Fri, 03/15/2024 - 05:00

Eligibility Requirements for Acquiring and Holding Energy Licences and Approvals

Effective Date: March 15, 2024
Replaces the previous edition released on April 13, 2023.

Purpose of this Directive

Acquiring and holding a licence or approval for energy development in Alberta is a privilege, not a right. This directive ensures that this privilege is only granted to responsible parties. It sets out requirements for applying for, maintaining, and amending licence eligibility. It also identifies the circumstances in which the AER may revoke or restrict licence eligibility.

Oil and Gas Conservation Act - Section 106 Named Individuals (updated March 12, 2021)

ST104: Business Associate (BA) codes for all registered licensees and agents (updated monthly)

Attachments

Draft Directive 067: Stakeholder Feedback and AER Response (April 2021)

Forms

Directive 067 Forms

Directive 091

Jennifer.Senk@aer.ca — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 16:52:40 +0000

Directive 091

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Jennifer.Senk@aer.ca Thu, 02/29/2024 - 09:52

Rock-Hosted Mineral Resource Development

Effective date: March 15, 2024
Released with Bulletin 2024-03

Purpose of this Directive

This directive sets out the Alberta Energy Regulator requirements for developing rock-hosted mineral resources. This directive is made under the Mineral Resource Development Act and forms part of the Rock-Hosted Mineral Resource Development Rules. The directive requirements apply to the entire life cycle of rock-hosted mineral resource development: initiation, construction, operation, and closure.

This directive identifies requirements for rock-hosted mineral resource development

permits, licences, and approvals and
data filing, measurement, records, and reporting requirements.

Attachments

What We Heard

Directive 023

sitesuper — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 16:32:55 +0000

Directive 023

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sitesuper Thu, 02/08/2024 - 09:32

Oil Sands Project Applications

Effective date: February 8, 2024
Replaces previous draft edition issued March 28, 2023
Released with Bulletin 2024-01

Purpose of this Directive

This directive sets out the requirements for filing an application with the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) under sections 10 and 11 of the Oil Sands Conservation Act (OSCA). Section 10 governs the approval of a scheme or operation to recover oil sands or crude bitumen and covers in situ and surface or underground mining operations. Section 11 governs the approval of oil sands processing plants and covers bitumen extraction facilities, refineries and upgraders, and certain gas processing facilities. Directive 023 also sets out the requirements for filing an application under section 13 of OSCA to amend a previously approved scheme or processing plant.

This directive does not address the application requirements for primary, enhanced recovery, or experimental schemes for the recovery of oil sands or crude bitumen or the requirements to suspend or abandon a scheme or a processing plant.

Form

Thermal Compatibilty of Wells [XLSX]

Supplemental Information

Application Processes
- Mining Application Process
- In Situ Application Process
Flow Charts
- Application Process Flow Chart [PDF]
- Environmental Requirements Process Flow Chart [PDF]
What We Heard – And Our Response [PDF]

Directive 056

sitesuper — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Directive 056

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(4.06 MB)

sitesuper Thu, 02/08/2024 - 08:00

Energy Development Applications and Schedules

Effective Date: February 8, 2024
Replaces previous edition issued November 15, 2023
See section 1.3 of the directive for what’s new.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive contains the technical requirements for applying to construct or operate facilities, pipelines, or wells. Procedural instructions and forms can be found in Manual 012: Energy Development Applications; Procedures and Schedules, which now include geothermal and brine-hosted mineral resource applications using OneStop.

Although Directive 056 encompasses the legal requirements of all licensees under the Oil and Gas Conservation Rules (OGCR), the Geothermal Resource Development Rules (GRDR), the Brine-Hosted Mineral Resource Development Rules (BMR), the Pipeline Rules, and other regulations stipulated by the AER, additional approvals or licences from other government agencies may be required.

This directive is incorporated by reference into the OGCR and the BMR. If a situation arises that is not covered in this directive, contact the AER's Customer Contact Centre for further direction.

The directive has been revised to incorporate revisions to the Pipeline Rules. For more information, see section 1.3, “What’s New in This Edition."

Change Log

What's New
Febraury 8, 2024	With the rescission of Directive 026: Setback Requirements for Oil Effluent Pipelines and related documents, references were updated, including changes to table 3. References to Directive 023: Oil Sands Project Applications have also been updated now that the directive has been finalized.
November 15, 2023	Updated to align with the latest edition of the Pipeline Rules and Directive 077.
March 16, 2023	Further updates relating to geothermal and brine-hosted mineral resource development, including application process via OneStop. Also, changes relating to carbon capture sequestration and administrative changes.
March 2, 2023	Updated to include well, facility, and pipeline licensing requirements for brine-hosted mineral resource development and some updates relating to geothermal resource development.
March 25, 2021	Well licence applications, amendments, cancellations, and information updates are now done within OneStop. Applicants can also apply to cancel approvals through OneStop. It is now possible to amend certain licence details before or immediately after drilling occurs and to correct certain licence details after a well is drilled (see sections 7.5.1 and 7.5.2). Resumption approvals, requests to deepen wells, and extensions to licence terms have been simplified (section 7.6).
February 4, 2021	As part of its contributions towards the Government of Alberta's Red Tape Reduction Act, the AER made the administrative changes outlined in the directive's "What's New" section. Additionally, requirements 16(g)(i) and 18 in section 7 involving survey plans were rescinded as a result of changes to the Oil and Gas Conservation Rules.
October 3, 2019	The Lahee classification has been replaced with a new system that distinguishes between exploration and exploitation activity while taking into account other unique well types drilled in Alberta. Also, the applicability of the "confidential below" designation will now only be assessed after a well is drilled.
October 18, 2018	The directive has been restructured. Procedural instructions and forms have been extracted and published in Manual 012: Energy Development Applications; Procedures and Schedules. The directive now only contains the technical requirements. In addition, the participant involvement requirements and audit requirements were consolidated into their own sections. This directive is formatted with electronic links to assist users in moving quickly from one section to another, as well as linking to applicable regulations, websites, and publications recommended in the directive.
October 24, 2017	Addition of an Emissions section and update to the Pop Tank section of the FAQs - Facilities Technical
June 8, 2016	The following three documents have been removed from the Directive 056 webpage under Supplemental Information > Directive 056 Tools: (1) Process Clarification for Surface Facility Licensing Issues, (2) Reference Tool for Directive 056: Instructions for Increasing H₂S Partial Pressure of Existing Oil Effluent Pipelines, and (3) Process Clarification for Licensing Pipeline Amendments.
June 8, 2016	To align Directive 056 with the Integrated Compliance Assurance Framework, references to Directive 019, voluntary self-disclosure, and records correction have been removed from the directive. These changes include the removal of the "self-disclosure" check box on the Directive 56 application forms. Voluntary self-disclosures should be directed to the appropriate contact using the Voluntary Self-Disclosure Form. For more information, see Bulletin 2016-01 and the Directive 056FAQs on compliance assurance. Questions can be directed to Directive 056.Help@aer.ca.
March 10, 2016	New FAQs on Application Audit Submissions added to Facilities Technical, Pipelines Technical, Wells Technical, and Participation Involvement
January 19, 2016	New FAQ on licence extension added to Facilities Technical, Pipelines Technical, and Wells Technical FAQs.
March 13, 2015	New FAQ, "When applying for the installation of a free-standing liner and filling out Schedule 3.1, do I identify the pipe specifications of the existing pipeline or the proposed liner?", added to Pipelines Technical FAQs
January 29, 2015	New FAQ's have been added regarding ABSA, Pop Tank, Spacing, and Tank Heater.
May 1, 2014	Requirements for the Peace River area have been added to section 8.
June 17, 2013	All documents have been, or are in the process of being, rebranded under the Alberta Energy Regulator.
March 26, 2013	New Tool – Energy Development Category Type Calculator for Surface Equipment Helps identify which category type should be used when applying for a Facility application based on surface equipment and inlet information.

Attachments

What We Heard

Supplemental Information

Participant Involvement information requirements, and other related documents that are linked below have been issued in conjunction with Directive 056 (formerly Guide 56). These links will be updated as more documents become available.

I. Directive 056 Tools

H₂S Conversion Calculator [XLS]
This simple Excel spreadsheet allows the user to convert H₂S concentrations between units of percentage (%), parts per million (ppm) and moles per kilomole (mol/kmol).

Energy Development Category Type Calculator for Surface Equipment [XLS]
This simple Excel spreadsheet helps identify which category type should be used when applying for a Facility application based on surface equipment and inlet information.

Recommended Practices for Sour Gas Development Planning and Proliferation Assessment [PDF]
This document sets out recommended practices for planning wells, pipelines, and facilities involving sour gas.

CAPP Guideline 2012-0008, H₂S Release Rate Assessment and Audit Forms [PDF]
This guide provides a methodology and standard to calculate the potential H₂S release rate of a well.

Pipelines

Process for Pipeline Applications of Fiberspar, Flexpipe, Flexcord or Flexsteel Composite Pipes

II. Participant Involvement Information

EnerFAQs: A series of documents dealing with topics about the energy industry

AER Brochure: Understanding Oil and Gas Development in Alberta

Letter from the CEO of the AER

III. Other Supporting Documents

Integrated Application Registry (IAR)
Access this system to check the status of applications.

Forms

Directive 056 Forms
Liability Management Forms

Frequently Asked Questions

Compliance Assurance

Facilities
Facility Applications
Facilities Technical

Pop Tank
Tank Heater
Spacing

Wells
Wells Technical

Participant Involvement
Participant Involvement Technical

Designated Information Submission System

The table below sets out the designated information submission system to use when submitting applications under Directive 056.

Applications	Designated information submission system
All pipeline licence applications	OneStop
All well licence applications, amendments, information updates, and cancellations	OneStop
All facility licence applications	DDS system

Directive 086

sitesuper — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Directive 086 sitesuper Thu, 02/08/2024 - 06:00

Reservoir Containment Application Requirements for Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage Projects in the Shallow Athabasca Oil Sands Area [rescinded by Directive 023: Oil Sands Project Applications]

Effective Date: July 7, 2020
Replaces the previous edition released on December 16, 2016.
Released with Bulletin 2020-07.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive provides application requirements (in addition to those in Draft Directive 023: Oil Sands Project Applications) for new scheme approvals and amendments to existing scheme approvals for steam-assisted gravity drainage projects within a specific area of shallow bitumen deposits (see figure 1 in this directive).

These additional application requirements relate to assessment of caprock integrity for containment of injected steam and heated reservoir fluids within the target reservoir. This directive does not deal with the wellbore aspects of fluid containment since these are addressed in

Attachments

Directive 086: Stakeholder Feedback and AER Response [PDF]

Figure 1: Shallow Area (Shape file) [ZIP]

Feedback and documentation from Draft version of this Directive

Technical Documents [ZIP]

External Feedback [ZIP]

AER Responses to External Feedback [ZIP]

All Documents [ZIP]

Directive 008

sitesuper — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Directive 008

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sitesuper Thu, 02/08/2024 - 06:00

Surface Casing Depth Requirements

Effective Date: February 8, 2024
Replaces the previous edition released on august 22, 2022.
See section 1.2 of the directive for what’s new.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive sets out requirements for designing appropriate depths of surface casing to assist with well control and groundwater protection.

Surface casing is an integral part of the well control system. It provides sufficient pressure integrity to facilitate the drilling of a well to total depth or to an intermediate casing point, as well as primary support for the wellhead and the landing loads of subsequent casing and tubing strings. It may also be used to cover zones of caving, sloughing, and lost circulation, as well as other weak zones.

Surface casing is a permanent structure of the wellbore that effectively protects in-use aquifers that supply domestic water wells.

Forms

Directive 008 Forms

Directive 077

Jennifer.Senk@aer.ca — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 077

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(2.35 MB)

Jennifer.Senk@aer.ca Wed, 11/15/2023 - 05:00

Pipelines – Requirements and Reference Tools

Effective Date: November 15, 2023
Replaces the previous edition released on December 22, 2011.
Released with Bulletin 2023-40.

Note: The November 15, 2023, edition of the directive has been changed:

Revised some requirements to be clear that notification to the AER via OneStop is by submitting a form
Revised the acceptable digital file type examples for submission of TSPW route maps

Purpose of this Directive

This directive integrates several AER directives, informational letters, interpretive documents, and reference tools related to pipelines into one document, and supplements the Pipeline Act, Pipeline Rules and CSA standard Z662: Oil and gas pipeline systems. The directive provides a single source of information.

The directive has been revised to incorporate revisions to the Pipeline Rules. For more information, see section 1.3, “What’s New in This Edition."

See the Directive 077 What We Heard and the Pipeline Rules What We Heard for a summary of the feedback we received.

TSPW Log of Incidents, Near Misses, and Identified Hazards

Directive 042

Jennifer.Senk@aer.ca — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 042

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Jennifer.Senk@aer.ca Thu, 09/28/2023 - 06:00

Measurement, Accounting, and Reporting Plan (MARP) Requirements for Thermal Bitumen Schemes

Effective date: September 28, 2023
Replaces the previous edition issued September 6, 2006.
Released with Bulletin 2006-31.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive sets out submission requirements for applications for thermal bitumen schemes, as required under the Oil Sands Conservation Act. In addition to the current AER application requirements, which require applicants to submit a conceptual measurement plan as part of the scheme application, a measurement, accounting, and reporting plan (MARP) must also be submitted for these types of schemes and approved by the AER before submitting licence applications under Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules for the associated surface facilities. This directive also sets out MARP requirements for existing or amendment schemes.

This change has been made to clarify existing AER requirements and improve compliance. It is also expected to better allow the AER to work collaboratively with applicants and licensees to identify potential problems and develop appropriate solutions during the scheme’s life.

Directive 020

sitesuper — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Directive 020

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sitesuper Tue, 09/05/2023 - 05:00

Well Abandonment

Effective date: September 05, 2023
Replaces previous edition issued October 19, 2022
Released with Bulletin 2023-32.

See section 1.3 of the directive for what’s new.

Purpose of this Directive

The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) Directive 020: Well Abandonment details the minimum requirements for abandonments, casing removal, zonal abandonments, and plug backs as required under section 3.013 of the Oil and Gas Conservation Rules.

The objective of a well abandonment is to cover all nonsaline groundwater (water with total dissolved solids less than 4000 milligrams per litre [mg/l]) and to isolate or cover all porous zones.

All open-hole and cased-hole abandonments must be conducted in accordance with the requirements in this directive.

Notes:

Well status (set through Petrinex) and licence status (set through the Digital Data Submission system) should align. For a list of valid combinations, refer to the well/licence status matrix link under Attachments below.

Attachments

Well / Licence Status Matrix (updated April 2012)

What We Heard

Designated Information Submission System

The table below sets out the designated information submission system to use when submitting information under Directive 020. In addition to using the designated information submission system indicated below, nonroutine requests and the required supporting information must also be submitted to @email.

Item (section of directive)	Designated Information Submission System
Obtaining approval for nonroutine abandonment operations (section 2.1)	DDS > AER > Submissions > Licence Abandonment > Non-routine Well Abandonment
AER notification (section 2.2)	DDS > AER > Notifications > Field Surveillance
AER reporting requirements – surface casing vent flow/ gas migration (section 2.3)	DDS > AER > Incidents > Surface Casing Vent Flow/Gas Migration
AER reporting requirements – casing failure (section 2.3)	DDS > AER > Incidents > Casing Failure
AER reporting requirements – surface abandonments (section 2.3)	OneStop > Close > Abandonment > Wells
Leaking wells/Lowering casing stubs (section 3.3)	OneStop > Close > Abandonment > Wells
Gas migration testing for open- and cased-hole wells (section 7.1)	DDS > AER > Incidents > Surface Casing Vent Flow/Gas Migration
Fluid level test for open-hole wells (section 7.2)	DDS > AER > Submissions > Licence Abandonment > Non-routine Well Abandonment
Surface casing vent flow test for cased-hole wells (section 7.3)	DDS > AER > Incidents > Surface Casing Vent Flow/Gas Migration
Surface abandonment (section 8)	OneStop > Close > Abandonment > Wells

Forms

Directive 020 Forms

Routine Commingled Abandonment Regions

Routine Commingled Abandonment Regions (updated February 2021)

Directive 065

sitesuper — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 065

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sitesuper Thu, 07/27/2023 - 06:00

Resources Applications for Oil and Gas Reservoirs

Effective date: July 27, 2023
Replaces previous edition issued March 27, 2023.
Released with Bulletin 2023-29.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive details the process to apply to the AER for all necessary approvals to implement a strategy and plan to deplete a pool or portion of a pool using one resource application. Previously, the requirements were mainly found in Part 15 of the Oil and Gas Conservation Rules.

This directive sets out the application requirements and provides explanations for those requirements for most conventional oil and gas reservoir topics considered in an application for AER approval.

If after careful study, you have a specific question not covered in Directive 065 or covered as a Frequently Asked Question below, please contact Resources Applications Helpline at

Phone: 403-476-4967
Email: @email

Industry Session Questions & Answers

Question 1: Is notification to be made to all licensees of abandoned wells in the relevant area, or only to licensees of wells that penetrate the zone or pool for which injection activity is proposed
Answer 1: Notifications are only to be made to the licensees of abandoned wells that penetrate the zone or pool under review for injection activity.

Question 2: Is it the AER that will initiate amendments to enhanced recovery approvals to reflect the maximum wellhead injection pressure (MWHIP) changes to Directive 065, or will that responsibility fall to the approval holder?
Answer 2: The AER will update the enhanced recovery (ER) approval documents with the approved MWHIPs for schemes that have come under review because of amendment requests. A project to expedite this process by updating all ER scheme approvals to include MWHIP is under consideration.

Question 3: As approval transfer applications are no longer necessary, will the AER amend current approvals where the approval holder is no longer current or valid?
Answer 3: Yes, the AER has started amending approvals for conventional as well as oil sands schemes. Where the approval holder is no longer a valid operator, the AER has rescinded the approval. This process only applies to disposal approvals; approval transfer applications are still required for ER approvals.

Question 4: Is there a requirement to include an MWHIP for all injectors in a scheme, or just for the injectors proposed to be added to the scheme?
Answer 4: The information should be included in the application if its available. Where the information is not available, a statement should be included as to what the MWHIP should be and the reason why.

Question 5: Does that mean that wells without an MWHIP will not be grandfathered?
Answer 5: All approved injectors are required to be assigned an MWHIP before the start of injection operations.

Question 6: Is there going to be a radius for the notification of abandoned well licensees? If the owner of an abandoned well does not have information on how the well was abandoned, where does that leave the applicant?
Answer 6: A radius of notification is defined for each notification type in the notification guidelines section of Directive 065. These guidelines, however, only set out the minimum requirements.

The expectation is that applicants will apply due diligence in seeking out the well licensee and the relevant wellbore information. Applications should clearly state what was done to identify the licensee of abandoned wells and what was done to obtain the information about the wells. The AER will review applications on a case-by-case basis.

Question 7: In a scenario where the applicant has no data, where the tour reports have no data, and where it appears the necessary information about the abandonment of a well is not available, who would be responsible for monitoring to ensure that there is no gas migration? How do we mitigate this risk?
Answer 7: The AER will determine the risk potential of planned injection activity to neighbouring wells. If it turns out that the potential risks are real, then the applicant should present a plan to mitigate them.

Question 8: Is there a potential for applications to be denied if the neighbouring wellbores are not abandoned properly?
Answer 8: All abandoned wells that do not meet the Directive 020 specifications and have not been so grandfathered should be referred to the AER for action. In all other cases, the AER requires that the applicant submit a mitigation plan that addresses the risks posed to the abandoned wells. The application may be denied if the applicant cannot come up with an acceptable risk mitigation plan for the abandoned wells.

Question 9: Is this not the same as whistleblowing?
Answer 9: Yes it is. The AER cannot have known risks ignored.

Question 10: Does proper abandonment mean that the well was abandoned to the current requirements or to the requirements at the time it was abandoned?
Answer 10: Proper abandonment means that the well was abandoned in accordance with the requirements at the time the well was abandoned. However, the AER expects an applicant to review, and will itself review, such a well to assess the residual risks to the proposed injection activity.

Question 11: Who bears the cost of re-entry to upgrade the abandonment condition for a well that is deemed to have been properly abandoned but that still poses a high risk to injection operations?
Answer 11: The expectation is that the operator who wants to conduct the injection activity will be responsible for that cost. An explanation of the risk should be presented to the AER with the mitigation plan.

Question 12: Who is responsible in a situation where an adjacent well-to-injection activity was deemed by the AER to present no risks, but where it ultimately results in fluid migration out of zone?
Answer 12: The licensee of the abandoned well and the operator of the injection activity bear obvious liabilities. However, each case will be reviewed on its merits to determine liability.

Question 13: What is the expected turnaround time for waterflood applications, now that MWHIP applications will be through Directive 065 and given the added notification requirement layer?
Answer 13: The turnaround time is not expected to change.

Question 14: According to Directive 065, fracture stimulation data will not be accepted for MWHIP. What are the applicant's options for wells that have already been stimulated?
Answer 14: The AER will review each application. Fracture stimulation treatment reports may be acceptable where the falloff period was long enough to capture the formation closure pressure and where the reports were interpreted by a qualified professional in that field. Alternatively, a step-rate injectivity can be carried out on the stimulated interval.

Question 15: Is mini-frac data acceptable?
Answer 15: Yes

Question 16: What about gas storage do the same requirements for MWHIP and the notification of abandoned well licensees apply?
Answer 16: All injection wells are required to operate with an MWHIP. Injectors in a storage scheme are assessed and assigned MWHIPs. Notification is required in accordance with notification guidelines.

Question 17: What the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) paper is referenced to establish the accepted step-rate test procedure and the analysis of the test results?
Answer 17: SPE 16798: System Design and Analysis of Step-Rate Tests to Determine Formation Parting Pressure, by P.K. Singh, R.G. Agarwal, and L.D Krose, Amoco Production Co.

Question 18: When will Directive 051 be released in its amended form?
Answer 18: It is currently parked because of feedback indicating that more work needs to be done to get it ready for release.

Question 19: Can MWHIP be applied for an entire pool, or does it have to be by individual unique well identifier?
Answer 19: An analogue well can be used to make a case for all wells in a pool.

Question 20: The current Directive 051 still has the MWHIP requirements; do we still need to submit a Directive 051 application?
Answer 20: Directive 051 still has the MWHIP requirements because it has not been released in its amended form. Directive 065 now supersedes Directive 051 in all matters relating to the MWHIP requirements until the latter is released in its amended form. A Directive 051 application is still required for the validation of the well integrity aspects of a proposed injection well.

Question 21: How long does a water disposal application take considering all the new changes going on at the AER?
Answer 21: A project is underway to look at publishing service standards. With the transition to new and expanded notification guidelines, there may be some delays. The current service standard is 60–90 days.

Question 22: Will the AER review the historical applications of the older schemes in a bid to determine the MWHIP requests made by industry?
Answer 22: All relevant sources of data and information are explored in the process of determining the approved MWHIP for each injector on each scheme approval. Where the Directive 051 approval cannot be found, the historical Directive 065 applications will be reviewed for information on the original MWHIP requests. MWHIP will be prescribed from the default table if the search does not yield the requisite evidence of the assignment.

A Directive 065 application is expected for cases where the approval holder either has the Directive 051 approval document or has a technical justification for an alternative, higher MWHIP. There is a plan for a project to review and amend all historical approvals.

Question 23: Is it the intent to notify the surrounding abandoned well licensees, or is it the intent to seek understanding of the abandonment program for their wells?
Answer 23: The intent is to assess the risk that the planned injection activity may pose in and around an abandoned well. The expected dialogue with the abandoned well licensee will contribute to a common understanding of the potential risks that may need to be mitigated. This should result in a risk mitigation plan.

Question 24: Is a letter of consent required from the licensee of the abandoned well?
Answer 24: A letter of consent is not required.

Question 25: What if the licensee of the abandoned well does not agree to the operation under notification?
Answer 25: Section 32 of the Responsible Energy Development Act states that any person who believes that they may be adversely affected by an application may file a statement of concern (SOC) with the regulator in accordance with the rules. The AER will, in all cases, apply the existing protocols to establish the technical relevance of the SOC.

Question 26: Will acoustic well sounds (AWS) be acceptable in the monitoring process to ensure compliance with the maximum operating pressure constraint on fluid disposal activities in hydrocarbon bearing pools or their associated aquifers?
Answer 26: This will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, based on the risk associated with the disposal fluid and on the complexity of the conversion of surface pressures to reservoir pressures. When using AWS, the surveys must meet Directive 040 requirements.

Attachments

Directive 065 FAQs (April 2014) [PDF]
Directive 065 Rules and Procedures for Wells FAQs (April 2014) [PDF]

Forms

Directive 065 Forms

Directive 001

sitesuper — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 001

View PDF

(247.02 KB)

sitesuper Tue, 07/04/2023 - 06:00

Requirements for Site-Specific Liability Assessments

Effective date: July 4, 2023
Replaces the previous edition released on June 6, 20012.
Released with Bulletin 2023-27
See section 1.3 of the directive for what’s new.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive sets out the requirements for site-specific liability assessments. These requirements are to be applied for all liability management programs administered by the AER. This directive also contains specific requirements for site-specific liability assessments acceptable for the Large Facility Liability Management Program.

The approach and documentation specified in this directive are introduced to improve the consistency and accuracy of liability cost estimates submitted to the AER. They do not modify requirements concerning how suspension, abandonment, and reclamation activities are to be conducted.

Forms and Attachments

Directive 047

sitesuper — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 047

View PDF

(827.11 KB)

sitesuper Tue, 06/27/2023 - 06:00

Waste Reporting Requirements for Oilfield Waste Management Facilities

Effective Date: June 27, 2023
Replaces the previous edition released on June 1, 2022
See section 1.3 for what's new.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive sets out waste reporting requirements for oilfield waste management facilities (OWMF). Under the Oil and Gas Conservation Regulations, oilfield waste must be managed in accordance with Directive 058: Oilfield Waste Management Requirements for the Upstream Petroleum Industry, which requires approval holders of specific types of OWMF to submit monthly reports on receipts and dispositions of oilfield waste and nonoilfield waste.

These reports allow the AER to track and monitor the receipt, processing, and disposal of oilfield and nonoilfield wastes. They also allow the AER to track and monitor the disposal of by-products, including recovered oil and residuals generated by an OWMF’s process, and their transfer to AER and non-AER-regulated facilities. Directive 047 supports the process by detailing requirements for how to submit these reports to the AER via Petrinex.

Directive 051

sitesuper — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Directive 051

View PDF

(1.35 MB)

sitesuper Fri, 04/28/2023 - 05:00

Injection and Disposal Wells – Well Classifications, Completions, Logging, and Testing Requirements

Effective Date: April 28, 2023
Replaces the previous edition released on March 1, 1994.
Released with Bulletin 2023-23.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive sets out requirements for wellbore design, wellbore integrity logging, operational monitoring, and reporting requirements of injection wells for the purposes of enhanced recovery, hydrocarbon storage, and disposal.

A system of classifying injection and disposal wells has been developed on the basis of injected or disposed fluid such that design, operating, and monitoring requirements are consistent with the type of the fluids injected.

Directive 051 has been rebranded and placed in the AER’s current format for directives. This directive now also applies to geothermal resource development. For more information, see section 1.3, “What’s New in This Edition."

Forms

Directive 051 Forms

Directive 083

sitesuper — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 083

View PDF

(548.18 KB)

sitesuper Mon, 04/24/2023 - 06:00

Hydraulic Fracturing – Subsurface Integrity

Effective Date: April 24, 2023
Replaces the previous edition released on May 21, 2021
See section 1.3 of the directive for what’s new.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive sets out the requirements for managing subsurface integrity associated with hydraulic fracturing subsurface operations, including requirements to prevent loss of wellbore integrity, manage well control at an offset well, and prevent surface impacts and impacts to nonsaline aquifers and water wells.

Directive 083 has been rebranded and placed in the AER’s current format for directives. This directive now also applies to geothermal resource development.

Forms

Directive 083 Forms

Attachments

Frequently Asked Questions (October 2023) [PDF]

Hydraulic Fracturing Notification Submission Procedure

Effective August 21, 2013, industry is required, under Directive 083 to submit the hydraulic fracturing notification form. Save a copy of the submission form provided in the link below, complete it, and email it to the appropriate AER field operations email address (see contact us for addresses).

Please note: Industry is also required to submit hydraulic fracturing notifications through the AER DDS system using the field surveillance notification option.

Hydraulic fracturing notification submission form [XLSX]

Hydraulic Fracturing Communication Event Procedure

Subject well licensees must immediately notify the appropriate AER field centre of a communication event (including pressure pulses) with an offset well, a non-saline aquifer, or a water well.

Each well and facility licensee involved (the subject well and any impacted wells and/or facilities) must complete the hydraulic fracturing inter-wellbore communication event spreadsheet. The spreadsheet must be emailed to the Hydraulic Fracturing Administrator at @email. Questions about the spreadsheet are to be directed to the Hydraulic Fracturing Administrator.

Hydraulic Fracturing Communication Event Form [XLS]

Directive 080

sitesuper — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 080

View PDF

(146.82 KB)

sitesuper Mon, 03/27/2023 - 06:00

Well Logging

Effective Date: March 27, 2023
Replaces the previous edition released on July 08, 2021.
See section 1.4 of the directive for what's new.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive sets out the requirements for well logging, but does not change the casing integrity logging requirements set out in Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules, the wellbore integrity logging requirements set out in Directive 051: Wellbore Injection Requirements, or the cement evaluation logging requirements or plug logging requirements set out in Directive 020: Well Abandonment.

Designated Information Submission System

To submit well logs, use OneStop.
To submit waivers and notifications of incomplete well logging, use the Digital Data Submission system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (July 2021) [PDF]

Directive 007

sitesuper — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Directive 007

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(111.03 KB)

sitesuper Mon, 03/27/2023 - 05:00

Volumetric and Infrastructure Requirements

Effective Date: March 27, 2023
Replaces the previous edition released on April 8, 2021.
Released with Bulletin 2023-13.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive sets out requirements for reporting volumetric data for wells, pipelines, and facilities and well status changes using Petrinex. Under Part 12 of the Oil and Gas Conservation Rules and Part 4 of the Geothermal Resource Development Rules, each oil, gas, or geothermal licensee or operator in Alberta must keep and file with the AER a record of the monthly activities at a well, facility, or pipeline in accordance with Directive 007.

Gathering this data allows the AER to track production from wellhead to market so that we can maintain an accurate historical record of each well's hydrocarbon and by-product production and temperature data for geothermal wells, heat and power data for geothermal facilities, and well status changes. The data collected are used in various ways, such as for calculating and verifying royalties, assessing production operations, and preparing statistical reports on supply and market demand for the production of oil, gas, and other energy products.

Note: Well status (set through Petrinex) and licence status (set through the Digital Data Submission system) should align. For a list of valid combinations, refer to the well/licence status matrix linked below.

Attachments

Water Source Code Table (February 2015)
Manual 011: How to Submit Volumetric Data to the AER (March 2023)
Well / Licence Status Matrix (updated April 2012)

Forms

Production Accounting (S-Forms) Volumetric Reporting (S-Forms) is now submitted through the Petrinex (formerly the Petroleum Registry of Alberta)
Facility Licence Linking Template (see Bulletin 2023-34)

Directive 059

sitesuper — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 059

View PDF

(3.1 MB)

sitesuper Fri, 03/17/2023 - 06:00

Well Drilling and Completion Data Filing Requirements

Effective Date: March 17, 2023
Replaces the previous edition released on November 4, 2021.
Related bulletin: Bulletin 2023-10

Purpose of this Directive

This directive has been developed to assist industry in completing and submitting daily operations records and well data in a timely manner.

The AER collects well drilling, completion, reconditioning (i.e., servicing), and abandonment data in order to maintain an accurate record of each well drilled in the province, both for its own use and for the use of the oil and gas industry in performing drilling, completion, and servicing operations in a safe and efficient manner.

Any questions related to Directive 059 can be addressed via e-mail to @email.

Designated Information Submission System

To submit daily tour reports, use OneStop.
To submit surface abandonment data for wells, use OneStop (Close > Abandonment > Wells).
To submit directional survey data for wells, use OneStop (Construct > Submission).
For all other submissions, use the Digital Data Submission system.

Directive 090

Shelley.Barter@aer.ca — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 14:15:38 +0000

Directive 090

View PDF

(811.42 KB)

Shelley.Barter… Wed, 03/15/2023 - 08:15

Brine-Hosted Mineral Resource Development

Effective date: March 15, 2023

Purpose of this Directive

This directive sets out the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) requirements for brine-hosted mineral resource development.

This directive:

defines the types of mineral developments, including brine-hosted mineral schemes;
identifies the licences and authorizations for wells, facilities, pipelines, and schemes;
extends the existing Licensee Management Program (i.e., holistic licensee assessment, estimates of liability, and security deposits) to include brine-hosted mineral developments;
identifies the requirements for converting oil, gas, or geothermal wells to a brine-hosted minerals well;
identifies risk assessment requirements related to hazards for brine-hosted mineral wells; and
identifies data filing, measurement, and reporting requirements specific to brine-hosted mineral wells.

Many of the AER’s requirements for oil and gas development apply to the development of brine-hosted minerals. Consequently, this directive refers to other AER directives with applicable requirements.

Attachments

What We Heard

Directive 050

sitesuper — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Directive 050

View PDF

(1.64 MB)

sitesuper Mon, 03/06/2023 - 06:00

Drilling Waste Management

Effective Date: March 06, 2023
Replaces previous edition issued January 12, 2023

Purpose of this Directive

This directive sets out requirements for the treatment and disposal of drilling waste. It contains information on sampling requirements, analytical requirements and procedures, disposal criteria, and documentation related to drilling waste management and disposal.

It is designed to ensure that methods used to manage drilling waste are protective of the environment, sites used to manage drilling waste can be restored to equivalent land capability, and drilling waste management practices meet AER requirements and environmental outcomes.

Attachments

Information for Landowners on Consent for the Disposal, Treatment, or Storage of Drilling Wastes - April 2022 [PDF]

Directive 071

Shelley.Barter@aer.ca — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 071

View PDF

(1.1 MB)

Shelley.Barter… Wed, 02/08/2023 - 05:00

Emergency Preparedness and Response

Effective Date: February 08, 2023
Replaces the previous edition released on February 2, 2017.
Released with Bulletin 2023-03.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive sets out the planning requirements and contents for emergency response plans (ERP) applicable to resource developments, including geothermal developments. The directive specifies the conditions where a duty holder must obtain AER approval for its ERP or when a corporate ERP is acceptable. The directive also identifies the actions a duty holder must take to prepare for and respond to an incident.

See also Manual 026: Emergency Preparedness and Response Guide for additional information.

If more information is required after reviewing the directive and associated frequently asked questions, contact the AER's Customer Contact Centre.

Supplemental Information

Forms

Directive 071 Forms

Frequently Asked Questions

Directive 071 FAQs [PDF] (January 2011)

ERCBH₂S FAQs [PDF] (January 2011)

ERCBH2S Model

ERCBH₂S Model - Calculating Emergency Response and Planning Zones for Sour Wells and Sour Pipelines

Directive 007-1

sitesuper — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 007-1

View PDF

(797.15 KB)

sitesuper Mon, 02/06/2023 - 05:00

Allowables Handbook

Effective Date: February 6, 2023
Replaces the previous edition released on February 17, 2016.
Released with Bulletin 2023-02.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive explains the AER’s procedures for determining monthly allowables for a production entity (well or block).

Allowables or maximum rate limitations (MRLs) are rate controls applied primarily to oil entities in accordance with an AER order. MRLs are assigned to new oil pools when conservation is or could potentially be an issue. MRLs help minimize depletion impacts on oil pools and ensure that enhanced oil recovery is addressed. MRLs also serve to maintain intrapool equity.

Forms

Directive 007-1 Forms
Application for a New Well Base MRL (O38)

Supplemental Information

Application Process

Refer to the AER Order System to determine if the entirety of the well falls within an AER pool order. If any portion of the well falls outside of an AER pool order, then an O-38 application must be submitted.

Directive 073

sitesuper — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 073

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(341.12 KB)

sitesuper Fri, 11/18/2022 - 05:00

Requirements for Inspection and Compliance of Oil Sands Mining and Processing Plant Operations in the Oil Sands Mining Area

Effective Date: November 18, 2022
Replaces the previous edition released on December 17, 2008.
See section 1.4 for what’s new in this edition.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive is designed to ensure that oil sands mining and processing plant operations are inspected by AER staff in a consistent manner. This directive and its inspection program are also intended to inform industry personnel about what is required to achieve a satisfactory AER inspection result.

Directive 087

Shelley.Barter@aer.ca — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 13:41:38 +0000

Directive 087

View PDF

(484.25 KB)

Shelley.Barter… Wed, 10/19/2022 - 07:41

Well Integrity Management

Effective Date: October 19, 2022
Replaces the previous edition released on May 11, 2022.
Released with Bulletin 2022-32

Purpose of this Directive

This directive contains testing, reporting, and repair requirements for isolation packers, surface casing vent flows (SCVFs), gas migration, and casing failures.

Forms

Directive 087 Forms

Directive 013

sitesuper — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Directive 013

View PDF

(812.77 KB)

sitesuper Wed, 10/19/2022 - 05:00

Suspension Requirements for Wells

Effective date: October 19, 2022
Replaces previous edition issued December 1, 2021.
Released with Bulletin 2022-32.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive sets out suspension, inspection, and reactivation requirements for wells, as required under section 3.020 of the Oil and Gas Conservation Rules.

Designated Information Submission System

The table below sets out the designated information submission system to use when submitting information under Directive 013.

Item	Designated Information Submission System
BGWP depth for a well	DDS > AER > Reports > Base Groundwater Protection
Surface abandonments	OneStop > Close > Abandonment > Wells
Inactive well licence list	DDS > AER > Reports > Licence > View/Download Inactive Well Licence List
Well suspension submissions	OneStop > Operate > Reporting > Well Suspension > Initial Suspension
Industry well inspection submissions	OneStop > Operate > Reporting > Well Suspension > Industry Inspections
Well reactivation submissions	OneStop > Operate > Reporting > Well Suspension > Reactivation

As of February 18, 2018, all system issues related to submitting well suspension reports have been fixed and functionality has been fully restored in OneStop. The bulk uploading function for well suspension reports, including initial suspension reports and ongoing inspection reports, has also been enabled in OneStop. Deadlines for submitting initial well suspension reports and initial and ongoing inspection reports have been extended until March 31, 2019.

Supplemental Information

Any questions related to Directive 013, the Inactive Well Compliance Program, the Inactive Well Licence List, and suspension submissions on the AER Digital Data Submission (DDS) system can be sent to the welloperations inbox (@email). Please read Directive 013, Bulletin 2014-19, and related FAQs and make sure that your questions are not already answered in one of these documents since they will be deemed lower priority due to the high volume of emails received on a daily basis.

Inactive Well Compliance Program

The Inactive Well Compliance Program (IWCP) is a five-year program that was implemented in April 2015. The objective of the program was to bring into compliance a backlog of noncompliant inactive wells that did not meet the requirements of Directive 013. The compliance deadline for the fifth and final year of the program was deferred from April 1, 2020 to September 1, 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, per Ministerial Order 219/2020 and AER Bulletin 2020-10: Relief for Industry During COVID-19 Pandemic Response.

The IWCP Year Five and Program Summary Report summarizes the progress of program through year five to its conclusion in March 2021. The IWCP Year One Final Report, IWCP Year Two Final Report, and IWCP Year Three and Four Final Report are also available.

Licensee-specific compliances for each year of the program and the results at program conclusion are available in spreadsheet form in the IWCP Annual Target Quota and Progress Report.

Attachments

Digital Data Submission (DDS) system reporting

Inactive Well Licence List [XLS] (updated daily)*
*The Inactive Well Licence List has been updated to include all inactive wells in the province comprising of wells that are excluded for Directive 013 suspension requirements as well. The update also includes a column that helps users identify Medium Risk Type 6 Wells (low risk wells inactive longer than 10 years).

Well / Licence Status Matrix [XLS] (updated April 2012)

Directive 013 and Inactive Well Compliance Program FAQs [PDF] (updated March 11, 2016)

Directive 058

sitesuper — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Directive 058

View PDF

(837.19 KB)

sitesuper Fri, 10/07/2022 - 05:00

Oilfield Waste Management Requirements for the Upstream Petroleum Industry

Effective date: October 07, 2022
Replaces previous edition issued March 28, 2022
See section 1.5 of the directive for what’s new.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive sets out the requirements for the handling, treatment, reuse, and disposal of oilfield waste produced by the upstream petroleum and geothermal resource development industries. This includes waste management responsibilities, activities, methods, and documentation.

Forms

Directive 058 Forms

Designated Information Submission System

Applications	Designated system
Alternative waste management (e.g., pilots)	Digital data submission (DDS) system
New oilfield waste management facility	DDS system
New oilfield waste management component	DDS system
Modification to existing oilfield waste management facility (notification or amendment)	DDS system
Modification to existing oilfield waste management component (notification or amendment)	DDS system

Directive 068

sitesuper — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 068

View PDF

(301.99 KB)

sitesuper Mon, 10/03/2022 - 06:00

Security Deposits

Effective Date: October 3, 2022
Replaces previous edition issued on September 17, 2010
Released with Bulletin 2022-30

Purpose of this Directive

Directive 068 provides information and direction regarding the cash and letters of credit (LOCs) provided to the AER to satisfy security deposit requirements under the energy resource enactments, including their form, use, and refund. This directive does not apply to security programs administered under the specified enactments (e.g., the Mine Financial Security Program, which is a liability management program under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act).

Forms

Security Deposit Submission Form [PDF]

Directive 079

Jennifer.Senk@aer.ca — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Directive 079

View PDF

(162.22 KB)

Jennifer.Senk@aer.ca Tue, 09/06/2022 - 05:00

Surface Development in Proximity to Abandoned Wells

Effective Date: September 6, 2022
Replaces the previous edition released on November 28, 2014.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive has been prepared in support of the Subdivision and Development Regulation, which requires developers and property owners applying for a subdivision or development permit to identify the location of abandoned wells during planning and to appropriately address them in the proposed development.

Directive 079 sets out requirements specific to abandoned wells, such as setback distances and testing; provides guidance to ensure that abandoned wells are identified and appropriately located within subdivisions and developments; and details the protocol for locating and testing abandoned wells.

If after careful review of Directive 079, you have a specific question about abandoned well setback requirements, the responsibility of the licensee of abandoned wells, or the abandoned well locating and testing protocol, please email @email or contact the AER's Customer Contact Centre. If your question is about the Subdivision and Development Regulation amendment pertaining to abandoned wells or the responsibility of the proponent of a subdivision or development or the municipal approving authority, please contact your local municipality or Alberta Municipal Affairs.

Forms

Directive 079 Forms

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ for Directive 079 (July 2008) [PDF]

Directive 009

sitesuper — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 009

View PDF

(1.17 MB)

sitesuper Wed, 08/24/2022 - 06:00

Casing Cementing Minimum Requirements

Effective Date: August 24, 2022
Replaces previous edition issued April 8, 2020
See section 1.3 of the directive for what’s new.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive sets out casing cementing requirements in accordance with sections 6.080 and 6.090 of the Oil and Gas Conservation Rules and sections 24 and 28 of the Geothermal Resource Development Rules.

This directive outlines

the method for determining the required cement tops when cementing casing,
cementing requirements for casing, and
AER requirements for the use of special cements such as foam and thermal cements.

Figure 1: Guide to Cement Top Requirements for Intermediate and Production Casing [PDF 6510 KB]

Directive 076

sitesuper — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 076

View PDF

(89.15 KB)

sitesuper Tue, 08/23/2022 - 06:00

Operator Declaration Regarding Measurement and Reporting Requirements

Effective date: August 23, 2022
Replaces the previous edition released on April 4, 2016.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive applies to all operators subject to AER measurement and reporting requirements and reporting to Petrinex and pertains to conventional oil, heavy oil, crude bitumen, and natural gas facilities, as well as geothermal wells and facilities. It does not apply to mineable oil sands.

It sets out requirements according to which companies are to declare the degree to which they have infrastructure in place to ensure compliance with AER measurement and reporting requirements. It does not include instructions on how the volumes are to be measured or reported to the AER; those topics are included in other AER documents.

If requirements in previously issued AER documents conflict with the requirements in this directive, the requirements in this directive supersede the prior requirements.

Directive 036

sitesuper — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 036

View PDF

(3.16 MB)

sitesuper Mon, 08/22/2022 - 06:00

Drilling Blowout Prevention Requirements and Procedures

Effective Date: August 22, 2022
Replaces the previous edition released on March 14, 2019.
See the “What’s New in This Directive” section.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive details the minimum equipment and procedure requirements that the licensee must follow when drilling wells in Alberta. It also describes the role of AER field centre inspectors and includes and explains the AER Drilling Inspection Report, which AER field inspectors complete during site inspections. Inspectors can also use this directive as a reference when completing inspection reports.

Directive 010

sitesuper — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Directive 010

View PDF

(217.04 KB)

sitesuper Mon, 08/22/2022 - 05:00

Minimum Casing Design Requirements

Effective Date: August 22, 2022
Replaces the previous edition released on December 16, 2021.
See section 1.3 of the directive for what's new.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive sets out the minimum requirements for casing design, developed with input from a technical subcommittee of the Drilling and Completions Committee and the AER’s predecessor (the Energy Resources Conservation Board), which reviewed various technical documents containing information on casing design for sweet, sour, and critical sour wells in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin.

Directive 089

Ian.Harker@aer.ca — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 15:58:45 +0000

Directive 089

View PDF

(886.91 KB)

Ian.Harker@aer.ca Mon, 08/15/2022 - 09:58

Geothermal Resource Development

Effective Date: August 15, 2022
Released with Bulletin 2022-25

Purpose of this Directive

This directive sets out the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) requirements for geothermal resource development below the base of groundwater protection.

This directive:

defines the types of geothermal developments and systems;
identifies the licences and authorizations for wells, facilities, and pipelines;
extends the existing Licensee Management Program (i.e., holistic licensee assessment, estimates of liability, and security deposits) to include geothermal developments;
identifies the requirements for converting an oil and gas well to geothermal; and
identifies risk assessment requirements related to hazards for geothermal wells.

Many of the AER's requirements for oil and gas development apply to geothermal resource development. Consequently, this directive refers to other AER directives with applicable requirements.

Attachments

What We Heard

Directive 085

sitesuper — Thu, 19 May 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 085

View PDF

(808.6 KB)

sitesuper Thu, 05/19/2022 - 06:00

Fluid Tailings Management for Oil Sands Mining Projects

Effective Date: May 19, 2022
Replaces the previous edition released on October 12, 2017.
See section 1.2 for what's new.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive, under the Oil Sands Conservation Act, sets out requirements for managing fluid tailings volumes for oil sands mining projects, including application information requirements, the application review process, fluid tailing management reporting, and the performance evaluation and compliance and enforcement processes. Fluid tailings dam or impoundment requirements, applications, and performance reports are managed through Part 6 of the Water Act.

Attachments

Tailings Regulatory Management Initiative - Engagement Summary [PDF]

What Was Heard Report - AER Multistakeholder Fluid Tailings Regulatory Management Technical Advisory Committee [PDF]

Directive 030

sitesuper — Tue, 10 May 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Directive 030

View PDF

(111.55 KB)

sitesuper Tue, 05/10/2022 - 05:00

Digital Data Submission of the Annual Oilfield Waste Disposition Report

Effective Date: May 10, 2022
Replaces the previous edition released February 1, 2006.
See section 1.1 of the directive for what’s new.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive details updates to the way licensee/approval holders must submit their annual oilfield waste disposition reports to the AER. These updates reflect changes to the oilfield waste tracking requirements and changes to the format for submitting oilfield waste reports through the Digital Data Submission (DDS) system set out in Directive 058: Oilfield Waste Management Requirements for the Upstream Petroleum Industry.

Directive 060

Jennifer.Senk@aer.ca — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 060

View PDF

(4.91 MB)

Jennifer.Senk@aer.ca Wed, 04/06/2022 - 06:00

Upstream Petroleum Industry Flaring, Incinerating, and Venting

Effective Date: April 6, 2022
Replaces the previous edition released on April 21, 2021.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive sets out requirements for flaring, incinerating, and venting in Alberta at all upstream petroleum industry wells and facilities.

These requirements also apply to pipeline installations that convey gas (e.g., compressor stations, line heaters) licensed by the AER in accordance with the Pipeline Act. With the exception of oil sands mining schemes and operations, Directive 060 applies to all schemes and operations approved under section 10 of the Oil Sands Conservation Act.

These requirements ensure that public safety concerns and environmental impacts are addressed before beginning to flare, incinerate, or vent. Requirements in this directive are aligned to ensure compliance with Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives and Guidelines.

Summary of Gas Limits and Fugitive Emissions Management Requirements - updated May 2020

Effective July 6, 2023, application documents for Directive 060: Upstream Petroleum Industry Flaring, Incinerating and Venting will be available for download through the OneStop Application Query Tool. The application process remains the same. Please send any questions to @email.

Alternative FEMP Overview

Dispersion Models

Directive 060 requires the use of AERflare-incin to model SO₂dispersion from flares and incinerators. Several programming bugs were fixed in the previously released version based on comments that were received. The dispersion model predictions for flares remain the same, but the predictions for incinerators increase slightly. For complete details on what's changed, see the What's New document in the zip file. All submissions must use the new versions within one month of the version date.

ABflare_v102 [ZIP] (April 15, 2014)

AERflare-incin.v203.141010 [ZIP] (October 10, 2014)

AERflare - User Guide Version 2.01 [PDF] (April 15, 2014)

Forms

Directive 060 Forms

Directive 017

sitesuper — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 017

View PDF

(6.03 MB)

sitesuper Thu, 03/17/2022 - 06:00

Measurement Requirements for Oil and Gas Operations

Effective Date: March 17, 2022
Replaces the previous edition released on May 12, 2020.
Released with Bulletin 2022-05

Purpose of this Directive

This directive consolidates, clarifies, and updates AER requirements for measurement points used for AER accounting and reporting purposes, as well as those measurement points required for upstream petroleum facilities and some downstream pipeline operations under existing regulations. This directive specifies

what and how volumes must be measured;
what, where, and how volumes may be estimated;
if accounting procedures must be performed on the determined volumes and what they are;
what data must be kept for audit purposes; and
what resultant volumes must be reported to the AER.

Directive 035

sitesuper — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 035

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sitesuper Tue, 03/15/2022 - 06:00

Baseline Water Well Testing Requirement for Coalbed Methane Wells Completed Above the Base of Groundwater Protection

Effective Date: March 15, 2022
Replaces the previous edition released on March 8, 2006.
See section 1.2 of the directive for what’s new.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive details updates to well licence and recompletion requirements to help applicants and licensees meet requirements in the Alberta Environment and Parks’ (AEP) Standard for Baseline Water Well Testing for Coalbed Methane/Natural Gas in Coal Operations, which came into effect on May 1, 2006. Baseline water well testing is mandatory for companies wanting to drill a new well or complete or recomplete wells for the purpose of producing coalbed methane (CBM) above the base of groundwater protection (BGWP). The test data and analyses must be submitted to AEP and the landowner/occupant. The AEP standard currently only applies to the development of CBM above the BGWP.

Further inquiries can be directed to the Facilities Applications Directive 056 Help System.

Directive 056 Help line phone: 403-297-4369
Email: @email

Directive 006

sitesuper — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 006

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sitesuper Wed, 12/01/2021 - 05:00

Licensee Liability Rating (LLR) Program

Effective date: December 1, 2021
Replaces the previous edition released on February 17, 2016.
Released with Bulletin 2021-45

Purpose of this Directive

This directive sets out the methodology for calculating deemed assets and liabilities within the LLR program. The purpose of the program is to prevent the costs to suspend, abandon, remediate, and reclaim a well, facility, or pipeline in the LLR program from being borne by Albertans should a licensee become defunct, and to minimize the risk to the Orphan Fund posed by the unfunded liability of licences in the program.

Forms

Directive 006 Forms

Directive 062

sitesuper — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 062

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sitesuper Wed, 07/28/2021 - 06:00

Coalbed Methane Control Well Requirements and Related Matters [Rescinded by Bulletin 2021-29]

Released with Bulletin 2010-12.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive details requirements and issues specific to the control well process and supersedes any previous AER publication on coalbed methane control well requirements.

A control well is established for the purpose of collecting pressure, productivity, and gas content information to allow for an understanding of gas resources in coals.

Note: For specific geological zones within a defined area, the AER may adapt subsurface directive requirements through a subsurface order to better suit the resource development practices being used.

Attachments

Stakeholder Feedback and ERCB Comments for the April 2010 revision of Directive 062 (January 2010) [PDF]

Directive 044

sitesuper — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 044

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sitesuper Tue, 07/14/2020 - 06:00

Requirements for Surveillance of Water Production in Hydrocarbon Wells Completed Above the Base of Groundwater Protection

Effective date: July 14, 2020
Replaces previous edition issued March 15, 2016.
Released with Bulletin 2020-07.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive details surveillance, sampling, and analysis of water production requirements and processes related to all hydrocarbon wells with completions above the base of groundwater protection.

In this directive, hydrocarbon wells refer to conventional and unconventional wells (including oil sands wells) that are not part of water recycle program.

Directive 078

sitesuper — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 19:24:49 +0000

Directive 078 sitesuper Wed, 04/08/2020 - 13:24

Regulatory Application Process for Modifications to Commercial In Situ Oil Sands Projects [Rescinded by Bulletin 2020-09]

Directive 037 (Addendum)

sitesuper — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 037 (Addendum) sitesuper Wed, 04/08/2020 - 06:00

Well Control and Well Blowout Prevention Training [Rescinded by Bulletin 2020-07]

Directive 061

sitesuper — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 061 sitesuper Wed, 04/08/2020 - 06:00

How to Apply for Government Approval of Coal Projects in Alberta [Rescinded by Bulletin 2020-07]

Directive 037

sitesuper — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 037

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sitesuper Wed, 04/08/2020 - 06:00

Service Rig Inspection Manual

Effective Date: April 8, 2020
Replaces the previous edition released February 16, 2006.

Purpose of this Directive

This manual details the procedures used and items checked by AER staff when inspecting service rigs. It is designed to assist AER employees and others who inspect service rigs and should be used as a reference during inspections. The manual is divided into three main sections:

AER policy related to inspections.
Detailed instructions and criteria for conducting the inspection.
Detailed instructions explaining each item on the inspection report.

Directive 054

sitesuper — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 054

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sitesuper Fri, 04/03/2020 - 06:00

Performance Reporting and Surveillance of In Situ Oil Sands Schemes

Replaces the previous edition released on October 11, 2018.
Released with Bulletin 2020-08.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive contains performance report content, frequency, and formatting requirements for all thermal in situ oil sands schemes in the Athabasca, Cold Lake, and Peace River Oil Sands Areas. It applies only to activities governed by the Oil Sands Conservation Act and the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.

Performance reports provide a public-facing, annual summary of operations over a 12-month period. The primary purpose of performance reports is monitoring and evaluating scheme performance. This directive may additionally be used as a regulatory tool to assess risk, monitor incident rates, support approval conditions, and respond to the successes and challenges of in situ operations.

Directive 081

sitesuper — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 081

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sitesuper Tue, 11/05/2019 - 05:00

Water Disposal Limits and Reporting Requirements for Thermal In Situ Oil Sands Schemes

Effective Date: November 5, 2019
Replaces previous edition issued November 21, 2012
Released with Bulletin 2019-26

Purpose of this Directive

This directive consolidates various aspects of water management requirements for thermal in situ oil sands operations. It sets water disposal limits and includes guidance for reporting facility water streams to Petrinex. The goal is that operators minimize the use of high-quality nonsaline make-up water by recycling produced water efficiently and using alternative water sources where possible. Efficient water treatment, recycle, and disposal at thermal operations will optimize overall water use and energy efficiency.

In addition to limiting disposal, this directive provides formulas for water make-up, water productivity ratios, and produced-water recycle used for monitoring and comparing thermal operations in Alberta. Scheme volumetric data are published on the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) website in the Thermal In Situ (TIS) Water Publication.

Supplemental Information

Stakeholder Feedback Submissions (November 2012) [PDF]

Stakeholder Feedback and ERCB Responses to Directive 081 (November 2012) [PDF]

Stakeholder Feedback and AER Responses to Directive 081 (November 2019) [PDF]

Thermal In Situ (TIS) Water Publication

Directive 084

sitesuper — Tue, 11 Sep 2018 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 084

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sitesuper Tue, 09/11/2018 - 06:00

Requirements for Hydrocarbon Emission Controls and Gas Conservation in the Peace River Area

Effective Date: September 27, 2018
Released with Bulletin 2018-25.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive sets out requirements for addressing odours and emissions generated by heavy oil and bitumen operations in the Peace River area of Alberta.

This directive applies to all AER-regulated wells and facilities associated with heavy oil and bitumen operations in the Peace River area regardless of whether the facility is exempt from Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules licensing requirements. Where a conflict arises between the requirements in this directive and any other AER directive, the requirements in this directive prevail unless otherwise directed by the AER. Licensees are advised that requirements in other AER directives continue to apply to heavy oil and bitumen operations in the Peace River area.

This directive does not apply to AER-approved waste disposal facilities located in the Peace River area. For these, see the applicable odour and emission requirements in Directive 060: Upstream Petroleum Industry Flaring, Incinerating, and Venting and Directive 058: Oilfield Waste Management Requirements for the Upstream Petroleum Industry.

Designated Information Submission System

Use OneStop to submit the monthly leak report, annual survey report, and annual performance report. For all other submissions, contact the AER via @email.

Directive 039

sitesuper — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 039

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sitesuper Tue, 06/19/2018 - 06:00

Revised Program to Reduce Benzene Emissions from Glycol Dehydrators

Replaces the previous edition released on January 22, 2013.
Released with Bulletin 2018-14.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive updates the requirements for managing reductions in benzene emissions from glycol dehydrators and for reporting these emissions.

This directive ensures continued reductions in benzene emissions to reduce potential impacts on the public and the environment. Modelling results show that to consistently meet the Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives for the benzene one-hour average, the upstream oil and gas industry must reduce current emission targets.

Forms

Directive 039 Forms

Attachments

Directive 039: Stakeholder Feedback and AER Response [PDF]

Directive 074

sitesuper — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 074 sitesuper Thu, 07/14/2016 - 06:00

Tailings Performance Criteria and Requirements for Oil Sands Mining Schemes [Rescinded by Directive 085: Fluid Tailings Management for Oil Sands Mining Projects]

Directive 082

sitesuper — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 082

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sitesuper Mon, 04/11/2016 - 06:00

Operating Criteria: Resource Recovery Requirements for Oil Sands Mine and Processing Plant Operations

Replaces the previous edition released on February 13, 2013.
Released with Bulletin 2016-01.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive identifies the operating criteria used by the AER to identify the oil sands that an operator is required to mine as part of its operation and specifies the volume of bitumen that an operator is required to recover from its mining and processing operations.

These criteria allow industry greater operational flexibility, while at the same time conserving and preventing waste of oil sands resources.

Although the criteria define minimum requirements, industry has committed to a program of continuous improvement. This directive applies to all oil sands mine and processing plant operations.

Directive 075

sitesuper — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 075

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sitesuper Mon, 04/11/2016 - 06:00

Oilfield Waste Liability (OWL) Program

Replaces the previous edition released on September 15, 2009.
Released with Bulletin 2016-01.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive describes the Oilfield Waste Liability (OWL) Program, whose purpose is to prevent the costs to suspend, abandon, remediate, and reclaim an AER-approved oilfield waste management facility from being borne by Albertans if a licensee becomes defunct, and to minimize the risk to the Orphan Fund posed by the unfunded liability of facilities, wells, and pipelines included in the program.

Forms

Directive 075 Forms

Directive 031

sitesuper — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 031

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sitesuper Wed, 02/24/2016 - 05:00

REDA Energy Cost Claims

Replaces the previous edition released on November 30, 2013.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive is intended to direct participants who wish to apply to the AER for an advance of funds or an award of costs in relation to their participation in a hearing. This directive addresses questions such as the following:

Who is eligible to claim costs?
Is advance funding available?
What are interim awards?
What are the considerations for awarding costs?
What costs may be claimed by a participant, lawyer, consultant, or expert?
How and when should a costs claim be filed?
What happens if an applicant or approval holder fails to pay costs?
Can a costs order be appealed?

Forms

Directive 031 Forms

Directive 024

sitesuper — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 024

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(502.73 KB)

sitesuper Wed, 02/24/2016 - 05:00

Large Facility Liability Management Program

Replaces previous edition issued March 31, 2015.
Released with Bulletin 2016-01.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive describes requirements under the Large Facility Liability Management Program (LFP), which applies to historical, current, and future licensed (new or amended) sulphur recovery gas plants, standalone straddle plants, and in situ oil sands central processing facilities with an AER-approved minimum production capacity of 5000 cubic metres per day of bitumen.

The purpose of this program is to prevent the costs to suspend, abandon, remediate, and reclaim a facility in the LFP from being borne by Albertans if a licensee becomes defunct, and to minimize the risk to the Orphan Fund posed by the unfunded liability of facilities in the program.

Forms

Directive 024 Forms

Directive 048

sitesuper — Tue, 26 May 2015 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 048 sitesuper Tue, 05/26/2015 - 06:00

Monthly Custom Treating Plant Statement [Rescinded by Manual 011: How to Submit Volumetric Data to the AER]

Directive 011

sitesuper — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 011

View PDF

(50.06 KB)

sitesuper Tue, 03/31/2015 - 06:00

Licensee Liability Rating (LLR) Program: Updated Industry Parameters and Liability Costs

Effective Date: August 01, 2015
Replaces the previous edition released on April 10, 2014.
Released with AER Bulletin 2015-13.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive provides updated industry parameters and regional abandonment and reclamation costs used in calculating liability under the Licensee Liability Program, as provided for in Directive 006: Licensee Liability Rating (LLR) Program and Licence Transfer Process.

Forms

Form 025: Licensee Liability Rating Program Well Declaration [DOC]
- Well Declaration Submission Instructions [DOC]
- Well Declaration Submission [XLSX]

Directive 058 (Addendum)

sitesuper — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 18:34:07 +0000

Directive 058 (Addendum)

View PDF

(163.15 KB)

sitesuper Wed, 01/14/2015 - 11:34

Oilfield Waste Management Facility Approvals—Notification and Amendment Procedures [Incorporated into Directive 058, March 2022 edition]

Effective Date: January 14, 2015
Replaces the previous edition released on December 23, 2008.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive, an addendum to Directive 058: Oilfield Waste Management Requirements for the Upstream Petroleum Industry, sets out information requirements for submitting an application for approval to construct and operate a new oilfield waste management facility (OWMF).

It does not address the information to be submitted to modify an existing OWMF, but it sets out the notification procedure for minor modifications to existing OWMFs and identifies those modifications that require an application to amend the approval.

This addendum also sets out the application process to obtain approval to conduct one-time operations or pilot projects on existing OWMFs.

Directive 070

sitesuper — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 070 sitesuper Tue, 01/01/2013 - 05:00

Drilling Waste Disposal Inspection Manual [Rescinded by Manual 002: Drilling Waste Inspections]

Directive 045

sitesuper — Tue, 01 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 045 sitesuper Tue, 05/01/2012 - 06:00

Digital Data Submission of Drilling Waste Disposal Notification [Rescinded by Directive 050: Drilling Waste Management]

Directive 055 (Addendum)

sitesuper — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 055 (Addendum)

View PDF

(133.9 KB)

sitesuper Mon, 10/10/2011 - 06:00

Interim Requirements for Aboveground Synthetically- Lined Wall Storage Systems, Updates to Liner Requirements, and Optional Diking Requirements for Single-Walled aboveground Storage Tanks [Incorporated into Directive 055, March 2022 edition]

Purpose of this Directive

This addendum to Directive 055 describes the minimum requirements for use of aboveground, synthetically-lined wall storage systems in the Alberta upstream petroleum industry, and it updates liner requirements and optional diking requirements for temporary single-walled aboveground storage tanks. The requirements are designed to provide acceptable storage practices that do not compromise public safety or environmental protection.

Checklists

High-Level Shutdown System Risk Assessment Checklist [PDF]

Checklist for Alternative Storage Applications [PDF]

Directive 046

sitesuper — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 046

View PDF

(1.06 MB)

sitesuper Wed, 06/01/2011 - 06:00

Production Audit Handbook

Replaces the previous edition released on January 01, 2003.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive defines the production audit protocols used by the AER when conducting production audits of oil and gas production facilities, gas plants, and injection systems. It is designed to ensure that AER auditors conduct these audits in a consistent manner throughout Alberta.

The directive is made available to industry to enhance understanding and communication between production accounting and operating personnel in industry and AER staff.

Changes made to this directive in June 2011 were to reflect changes made to the April 2011 edition of Directive 017. Sections no longer required have been grayed out.

Directive 025

sitesuper — Fri, 13 May 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 025 sitesuper Fri, 05/13/2011 - 06:00

Industrial Development Permit Applications to the ERCB - A Guide to Content [On May 13, 2011, the Energy Statutes Amendment Act, 2011 came into force. It repealed Sections 28 to 31 of the Coal Conservation Act, Section 43 of the Oil and Gas Conservation Act, and Section 12 of the Oil Sands Conservation Act. These sections deal with industrial development permits. As a result of these amendments, the ERCB will no longer issue industrial development permits. All existing industrial development permits and all applications for industrial development permits are cancelled, and Directive 025 is no longer in effect.]

Directive 004

sitesuper — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 004 sitesuper Mon, 04/18/2011 - 06:00

Termination of Water Production at Gas Wells [Rescinded by Directive 017: Measurement Requirements for Oil and Gas Operations]

Directive 041

sitesuper — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 19:50:56 +0000

Directive 041 sitesuper Mon, 03/21/2011 - 13:50

Adoption of CSA Z662-03, Annex N, as Mandatory [Rescinded by Directive 077: Pipelines – Requirements and Reference Tools]

Directive 066

sitesuper — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 066 sitesuper Wed, 03/09/2011 - 05:00

Requirements and Procedures for Pipelines [Rescinded by Manual 005: Pipeline Inspections]

Directive 057

sitesuper — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 057 sitesuper Wed, 02/23/2011 - 05:00

Fencing and Site Access Requirements for Oil and Gas [Rescinded by Bulletin 2011-04]

Directive 063

sitesuper — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 063 sitesuper Sat, 01/01/2011 - 05:00

Requirements and Procedures for Oilfield Waste Management Facilities [Rescinded by Manual 001: Facility and Well Site Inspections]

Directive 064

sitesuper — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 064 sitesuper Sat, 01/01/2011 - 05:00

Requirements and Procedures for Facilities [Rescinded by Manual 001: Facility and Well Site Inspections]

Directive 019

sitesuper — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 019 sitesuper Wed, 09/01/2010 - 06:00

Compliance Assurance [Rescinded by Manual 013: Compliance and Enforcement Program]

Directive 022

sitesuper — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 022 sitesuper Tue, 06/15/2010 - 06:00

Use of Bimodal High-Density Polyethylene Pipe in Oil and Gas Service [Rescinded by Directive 077: Pipelines – Requirements and Reference Tools]

Directive 049

sitesuper — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 049 sitesuper Thu, 10/22/2009 - 06:00

Gas Density Measurement Frequency (Orifice Meters) [Rescinded by Directive 017: Measurement Requirements for Oil and Gas Operations]

Directive 027

sitesuper — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 027 sitesuper Fri, 08/14/2009 - 06:00

Shallow Fracturing Operations-Restricted Operations [Rescinded & superseded by Directive 083: Hydraulic Fracturing – Subsurface Integrity]

Directive 072

sitesuper — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 072 sitesuper Tue, 12/16/2008 - 05:00

Well Abandonment Notification Requirements [Rescinded by Directive 020: Well Abandonment]

Directive 033

sitesuper — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 033

View PDF

(75.94 KB)

sitesuper Tue, 07/24/2007 - 06:00

Well Servicing and Completions Operations - Interim Requirement Regarding the Potential for Explosive Mixtures and Ignition in Wells

Released with Bulletin 2007-22.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive sets out interim requirements to ensure that licensees document and implement the necessary practices to safely manage the potential for explosive mixtures and ignition as part of their overall well control, blowout prevention, and crew training procedures.

Directive 043

sitesuper — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 043 sitesuper Wed, 11/01/2006 - 05:00

Well Logging Requirements-Surface Casing Interval [Rescinded by Directive 080: Well Logging]

Directive 026

sitesuper — Thu, 22 Sep 2005 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 026 sitesuper Thu, 09/22/2005 - 06:00

Setback Requirements for Oil Effluent Pipelines [rescinded by Bulletin 2024-02]

Released with Bulletin 2005-29.

Purpose of this Directive

This directive introduces setback requirements in ID 81-03: Minimum Distance Requirements Separating New Sour Gas Facilities from Residential and Other Developments and Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules to new and existing oil effluent pipelines containing greater than 10 moles of (hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) gas per kilomole of natural gas. Direction regarding H₂S release volume calculation and level determination is also provided.

This directive must be consulted when filing Directive 056 pipeline licence applications for new construction and for amending existing oil effluent pipelines that would result in the conveyance of oil effluent containing greater than 10 moles of H₂S gas per kilomole of natural gas. For Directive 056 application and participant involvement requirements, see Directive 056 Process Clarification for Oil Effluent Pipelines Containing Greater Than 10 Moles of H₂S Gas per Kilomole of Natural Gas.

Directive 029

sitesuper — Wed, 01 Jan 2003 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 029 sitesuper Wed, 01/01/2003 - 05:00

Energy and Utility Development Applications and the Hearing Process

ID 2000-04

sitesuper — Mon, 19 Jun 2000 12:00:00 +0000

ID 2000-04

View PDF

(176.42 KB)

sitesuper Mon, 06/19/2000 - 06:00

An Update to the Requirements for the Appropriate Management of Oilfield Wastes

The purpose of this interim directive is to communicate requirements specific to the management of oilfield wastes. Some of the requirements outlined here are a clarification or modification of the requirements detailed in EUB Guide 58: Oilfield Waste Management Requirements for the Upstream Petroleum Industry , while others are new. The Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) believes that these requirements complement EUB Interim Directive (ID) 2000-3: Harmonization of Waste Management and its attached memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the EUB and Alberta Environment (AENV).

To enhance protection of the environment and public safety and to reduce liability through appropriate waste management, the EUB requires oilfield waste generators to comply with all pertinent EUB requirements as referenced in Appendix 1, as well as the following additional requirements:

It is prohibited, with the exception of construction and demolition debris, garbage and domestic wastes, and scrap metal, to deposit oilfield wastes into any registered landfill or any landfill currently operating under an Alberta Public Health Permit that will qualify for registration under the Code of Practice for Landfills pursuant to the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA).
Oilfield wastes, with the exception of suitable cellulose materials (e.g., trees, and other vegetative material resulting from lease construction, decontamination, or decommissioning), must not be sent to compost facilities or managed by compost components at waste management facilities, including AENV-regulated landfills.
Oilfield wastes must not be sent to dedicated land treatment facilities, with the exception of petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated soils that are suitable for biodegradation, as outlined in Section 16.2 of EUB Guide 58.
Dangerous oilfield wastes being sent off site for collection, treatment, disposal, or recycling must only be sent to facilities approved for the management of hazardous wastes, hazardous recyclables, or dangerous oilfield wastes.
Provided the above requirements are not contravened, oilfield wastes may be sent to AENV regulated facilities. The oilfield wastes must be
- similar in characteristics and source to other wastes authorized by AENV,
- within all waste acceptance limitations specified by AENV, and
- only managed by activities that AENV has authorized for the facility.
For liability management and to complement Alberta's Expanded Orphan Program, only wastes generated within the same production system may be managed as one-time treatment or by an on-site waste management component.
Mobile treatment technologies (e.g., incinerators) may be used to manage oilfield wastes on EUB- approved or licensed sites provided that the technology is approved or registered, as required, under EPEA and the notification requirements in Section 17.5 of EUB Guide 58 are followed.

Refer to Appendix 2 for a list of definitions pertaining to waste management.

Currently, Section 6.0, Alternative Disposal Options, of EUB Guide 50: Drilling Waste Management , identifies that when drilling waste is disposed at an approved waste management facility, the generator must meet information requirements specific to the waste management facility.

To ensure a consistent level of tracking for drilling wastes disposed in this manner, effective July 1, 2000, the following additional requirements will be applied:

All drilling wastes sent to waste management facilities (EUB or AENV regulated) shall be considered trackable oilfield wastes under EUB Guide 58.
The waste codes for drilling sumps (gel chem, hydrocarbon, and KCL) in Table 7.4, Waste Management Table, of EUB Guide 58 shall be used to track the drilling wastes.

The EUB acknowledges that the publication of this interim directive, ID 2000-4, as well as other publications listed in Appendix 1 will necessitate the review and update of EUB Guide 58 . The EUB will undertake the timely completion of this review.

<original signed by>

Brian Bietz
Board Member
Alberta Energy and Utilities Board

ID 2000-03

sitesuper — Wed, 31 May 2000 12:00:00 +0000

ID 2000-03

View PDF

(334.09 KB)

sitesuper Wed, 05/31/2000 - 06:00

Harmonization of Waste Management and Memorandum of Understanding Between the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board and Alberta Environment. Rescinded but continues as a memorandum of understanding.

The Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) and Alberta Environment (AENV) have developed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the harmonization of waste management in Alberta. The MOU is intended to clarify the jurisdictional roles of the EUB and AENV, reduce regulatory duplication, promote an equivalent level of environmental protection and public safety, and reduce liability through appropriate waste management.

The MOU outlines guiding principles that the EUB and AENV have agreed to implement to harmonize requirements surrounding the management of oilfield and nonoilfield wastes. The harmonization agreements include the division of regulatory responsibilities based on the type of waste management facility or activity.

Questions regarding the MOU should be directed to either the EUB at (403) 297-6952 or AENV at (780) 427-5883.

<original signed by>

Brian Bietz
Alberta Energy and Utilities Board
Board Member

<original signed by>

Doug Tupper
Alberta Environment
Assistant Deputy Minister

ID 99-04

sitesuper — Thu, 22 Apr 1999 12:00:00 +0000

ID 99-04

View PDF

(217.86 KB)

sitesuper Thu, 04/22/1999 - 06:00

Deposition of Oilfield Waste into Landfills

Alberta Environmental Protection (AEP) and the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) have developed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on new hydrocarbon and chloride criteria for the disposal of a range of oilfield wastes into Class II landfills. A summary of these requirements (Appendix 1) is attached.

Oilfield wastes targeted by this MOU include drilling mud and cuttings, produced sand, tank and treater bottoms, oily sludges, and flare pit material. Large volumes of these oilfield wastes are produced by oilfield operations and the improper management of these waste streams can have significant environmental consequences. The disposal of these oilfield wastes into landfills is still considered an acceptable practice provided the wastes are compatible with the receiving landfill.

The attached MOU outlines oilfield waste quality criteria and landfill facility design requirements for the deposition of these and similar oilfield wastes into Alberta landfills. The MOU is intended to enhance protection of the environment and the public interest, and to reduce liability through appropriate waste management.

Questions regarding the MOU should be directed to either Ms. Susan Halla (EUB, (403) 297-3184) or Mr. Tony Fernandes (AEP, (780) 427-0636).

<original signed by>

Brian Bietz
Board Member
Alberta Energy and Utilities Board

<original signed by>

Doug Tupper
Assistant Deputy Minister
Alberta Environmental Protection

Directive 021

sitesuper — Sun, 01 Nov 1992 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 021 sitesuper Sun, 11/01/1992 - 05:00

Standards for the Submission of Digital Log Data to the EUB [Rescinded by Directive 080: Well Logging]

Directive 032

sitesuper — Tue, 01 Nov 1983 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 032 sitesuper Tue, 11/01/1983 - 05:00

Common Gas Purchaser and Related Matters, Board Policy and Views

Purpose of this Directive

This directive discusses the review of the declaratory provisions of Part 10 and section 23 of the Oil and Gas Conservation Act carried out by the predecessor of the AER (ERCB), with a view to speeding up the application process and solving related administrative problems. At the time, the petroleum industry’s view on problems and potential solutions was solicited.

The directive discusses matters where problems have been experienced or perceived by the industry, such as those relating to apportioning under a common-purchaser order, discrimination, retroactivity and method of adjustment, cross-dedication, areally extensive pools, and gas production spacing unit administration.

Directive 034

sitesuper — Sat, 01 Sep 1979 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 034

View PDF

(20.3 MB)

sitesuper Sat, 09/01/1979 - 06:00

Gas Well Testing, Theory and Practice

Purpose of this Directive

This directive discusses the principles and practice of gas well testing to analyze the performance and forecast the productivity of gas wells and to understand the behaviour of gas reservoirs.

Aspects of gas well testing discussed in this directive include theoretical principles; gas properties; design and interpretation of deliverability, drawdown, and build-up tests; estimation of reserve parameters and flow behaviour; field testing and reporting; and calculation of bottom-hole pressures from wellhead measures.

View PDF version of 3rd edition (1975, Imperial units)

Directive 005

sitesuper — Sun, 01 Jan 1978 12:00:00 +0000

Directive 005 sitesuper Sun, 01/01/1978 - 05:00

Calculating Subsurface Pressure via Fluid-Level Recorders [Rescinded]

Purpose of the Directive

This directive sets out recommendations on methods companies can use to calculate subsurface pressure via fluid-level recorders. It discusses the errors frequently made in determining subsurface pressure and presents graphs to help operators more accurately determine pressure.