Directive056 April2014
Directive056 April2014
Directive056 April2014
whether the activity would also be located within the boundaries of a designated
conservation area, a provincial park, a provincial recreation area, or public land area
for recreation and tourism and, if so, whether the mineral rights associated with the
activity are subject to cancellation;
II) whether the activity is consistent with the land uses established in the applicable
regional plan or with any of the outcomes, objectives, and strategies in that same
plan; and
III) how the activity is consistent and complies with any regional trigger or limit
established under the management frameworks detailed under the applicable
regional plan or any notices issued in response to the exceedance of a regional
trigger or limit.
B) The applicant must retain the information for requirement A at all times and provide it on
request unless otherwise indicated below. The information must be sufficient to allow the
AER to assess an application under the applicable regional plan.
C) The applicant must submit the information from requirement A if the proposed activity to
be located within the boundary of an approved regional plan
I)
II) is inconsistent with the land uses established in the applicable regional plan or any
of the outcomes, objectives, and strategies in that same plan;
III) may result in the exceedance of a trigger or limit or contravene a notice issued in
response to an exceedance of a trigger or limit; or
IV) is incidental to previously approved and existing activities.
D) If any of the criteria in requirement C are met, the application must be submitted as
nonroutine. The applicant may do this by responding no to the question of whether the
AERs environmental requirements have been met on the Directive 056 application form.
E) If the applicant believes that its proposed activity is permitted under the applicable
regional plan because it is incidental to previously approved and existing activities, the
applicant must provide information to support its position.
The AER has no authority to waive compliance with or vary any restriction, limitation, or
requirement regarding a land area or land use under a regional plan. Applicants that wish to
seek this type of relief must apply directly to Albertas Land Use Secretariat established
under the Alberta Land Stewardship Act. The stewardship minister may, on application and
by order, vary the requirements of a regional plan. For more information, contact Albertas
Land Use Secretariat by phone at 780-664-7972 or by e-mail to LUF@gov.ab.ca.
For more information on the requirements above, refer to Bulletin 2014-28: Application
Requirements for Activities within the Boundary of a Regional Plan or e-mail
regional.plans@aer.ca. This bulletin rescinds and replaces Bulletin 2012-22: Application
Procedures for Approval of Activities Located In or Near the Boundaries of the Lower
Athabasca Regional Plan, which is an earlier bulletin that was issued regarding the AERs
compliance with approved regional plans under the Alberta Land Stewardship Act.
Directive 056
Revised edition September 1, 2011
Effective September 26, 2011
Contents
1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.1 Purpose of This Directive ............................................................................................................. 1-1
1.2 Whats New in Directive 056 ....................................................................................................... 1-1
1.2.1 For the Electronic User .................................................................................................... 1-1
1.2.2 Electronic Application Submission.................................................................................. 1-1
1.3 How to Use This Directive ........................................................................................................... 1-1
1.4 Requirements, Enforcement, and Expectations ............................................................................ 1-2
1.5 Continuous Improvement.............................................................................................................. 1-3
1.6 Directive 056 Help ........................................................................................................................ 1-3
2 Participant Involvement ......................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Planning a Participant Involvement Program ............................................................................... 2-2
2.2.1 Who to Include................................................................................................................. 2-2
2.2.2 What Information to Disclose .......................................................................................... 2-3
2.2.3 Personal Information........................................................................................................ 2-5
2.3 Implementing the Participant Involvement Program .................................................................... 2-5
2.3.1 Personal Consultation and Confirmation of Nonobjection .............................................. 2-6
2.3.2 Notification ...................................................................................................................... 2-7
2.3.3 Addressing Concerns/Objections and Appropriate Dispute Resolution .......................... 2-9
2.4 Documenting the Participant Involvement Program................................................................... 2-10
2.5 Expiry of the Personal Consultation and Notification Program.................................................. 2-10
3 Energy Development Licence Applications (Schedule 1) ..................................................................... 3-1
3.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.2 Considerations Prior to Filing a Licence Application ................................................................... 3-1
3.2.1 Business Associate Codes ................................................................................................ 3-2
3.2.2 Prelicensing Approvals/Waivers...................................................................................... 3-3
3.3 Applicant Responsibilities ............................................................................................................ 3-3
3.4 Submission Procedures ................................................................................................................. 3-4
3.5 Licence Amendments.................................................................................................................... 3-4
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) i
3.6
3.7
3.8
5.10
5.11
5.12
5.13
iii
6.9
iv ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
vii
Section 1
1.1
Introduction
Purpose of This Directive
The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) Directive 056: Energy Development
Applications and Schedules presents the requirements and procedures for filing a licence
application to construct or operate any petroleum industry energy development that
includes facilities, pipelines, or wells.
Directive 056 is incorporated by reference into the Oil and Gas Conservation Regulations
(OGCR) and serves as an extensive reference document about the rules that govern
energy development in Alberta. This directive is not all encompassing and may not cover
all situations. Operators, licensees, and applicants must be familiar with all provincial and
federal legislation related to energy development. If a unique situation arises for an
energy development proposal not covered in this directive, contact ERCB Facilities
Applications for further direction.
When an applicant files a licence application with the ERCBs Facilities Applications
group, it makes a commitment that it understands and will follow the appropriate
participant involvement, audit, and technical requirements for energy developments as
described throughout Directive 056.
Directive 056 is both a procedural manual on how to file a licence application and a
regulatory document on the licence application process. While Directive 056
encompasses the legal requirements of all licensees under the OGCR, the Pipeline
Regulation, and other regulations stipulated by the ERCB, approvals, or licences from
other government agencies may be required outside the Directive 056 licensing process.
1.2
Directive 056 is formatted with electronic links to assist users in moving quickly from
one section to another, as well as linking to applicable regulations, Web sites, and
publications recommended in the directive.
1.2.2
The Facilities Applications EAS system is able to accept applications for wells, surface
facilities, pipelines, and oilfield waste management facilities.
1.3
1-1
1.4
Regulatory requirements are those rules that industry has an obligation to meet and
against which Facilities Applications may take enforcement action in cases of
noncompliance. Regulatory requirements are identified as must statements in the
text.
Directive 056. Individual unsatisfactory items and related enforcement are not identified
elsewhere in the text.
1.5
Continuous Improvement
Facilities Applications gathers information on the efficiency and effectiveness of
Directive 056 and the licence application process through application auditing and data
retention activities, as well as by soliciting feedback from stakeholders.
As part of this commitment to continuous improvement, Facilities Applications
anticipates the evolution of the procedures described in Directive 056 in order to meet
and exceed the needs of all stakeholders.
1.6
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
1-3
Section 2
2.1
Participant Involvement
Overview
Participant involvement is an umbrella term encompassing all aspects of public,
industry, and regulator interactions and communications. While the three main participant
groups in energy development are industry, the public, and the ERCB, it is recognized
that other groups also have a stake in energy development.
While the outcomes of most participant involvement programs are successful, Directive
056 provides the energy industry with requirements and expectations to assist industry in
its participant involvement efforts. Applicants must consider requirements and
expectations both in advance of submitting an application for energy development and
throughout the life of that development.
Most land in Alberta carries two titles and two sets of rights. The surface title gives the
landowner control of the lands surface and the right to work it. The mineral title gives
the company or the person who owns the minerals under the land the right to explore for
oil and gas.
Industry is required to develop an effective participant involvement program that includes
parties whose rights may be directly and adversely affected by the nature and extent of a
proposed application. The development and implementation of this program must occur
prior to the filing of an application to Facilities Applications and include distributing the
applicants information package and the required ERCB publications, responding to
questions and concerns, discussing options, alternatives, and mitigating measures, and
seeking confirmation of nonobjection through cooperative efforts. Industry is also
expected to be sensitive to the timing constraints on the public (e.g., trapper, planting,
harvesting, and calving seasons and statutory holidays).
The public is strongly encouraged to participate in ongoing issue identification, problem
solving, and planning with respect to local energy developments. Early involvement in
informal discussions with industry may lead to greater influence on project planning and
mitigation of impacts. The public is also expected to be sensitive to the timing constraints
on the applicant.
Participant involvement does not end with the issuance of a licence; it must continue
throughout the life of a project. The development and creation of synergy groups at an
early stage of the participant involvement program, especially in highly developed areas,
will assist in fostering a collective and amenable approach to energy developments in the
area.
All requirements and expectations detailed in this section apply to personal consultation
and notification with all potentially directly and adversely affected persons, including
First Nations and Mtis. These requirements and expectations apply to the licensing of all
new energy developments and all modifications to existing energy developments, as
covered in Directive 056.
The Alberta Government issued its First Nations Consultation Policy on Land
Management and Resource Development on May 16, 2005. Then in November 2007, to
address how consultation with First Nations should occur in relation to certain land
management and resource development activities, the government issued its First Nations
Consultation Guidelines on Land Management and Resource Development. The
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 2-1
Who to Include
2-2 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
6) The applicant is expected to communicate with local residents and other operators
and to develop an effective participant involvement program engaging parties at an
early stage of planning. The applicant is also encouraged to contact synergy groups.
7) The applicant is expected to consult with or to notify other parties that express an
interest in the proposed development, whether located inside or outside the radius
outlined in Tables 5.1, 5.4, 6.1, 6.2, and 7.1, and allow them the opportunity to obtain
information specific to the proposed energy development and to understand its
possible impacts.
8) The applicant is expected to document commitments made and have a process in
place to monitor and follow up on commitments.
9) The applicant is expected to have consideration for the timing constraints on the
public (e.g., planting, harvesting, and calving seasons and statutory holidays).
10) The applicant is expected to minimize the cumulative impacts of energy development
and to show that they have applied good planning practices with respect to the public
and the environment.
11) If the proposed development is part of a larger project, the applicant is expected to
discuss the entire project and explain how it complements other energy development
in the area.
12) During the planning of its participant involvement program, the applicant will have
assessed its need to reach the broader public and may determine that an information
session or public open house meeting is required. When holding broader public
meetings or open houses, the applicant must disclose the same project-specific
information as it would to those involved in personal consultation and notification.
However, information sessions or public open houses may not be a substitute for
meeting consultation requirements. Contact the ERCB for advice on how to best
proceed.
In situations where it is intended to test a proposed well by flaring or incinerating gas, the
applicants should consider expanding the resident notification to the distances specified
in Directive 060: Upstream Petroleum Industry Flaring, Incinerating, and Venting for
well test flaring:
1.5 km for gas wells containing less than 10.0 moles per kilomole (mol/kmol) of
hydrogen sulphide (H 2 S), and
3.0 km for gas wells where the gas contains greater than or equal to 10.0 mol/kmol
H 2 S.
2.2.2
13) Information packages must be developed and distributed to all parties included in the
participant involvement program. Information packages are not required for
consultation or notification with Alberta Sustainable Resource Development unless
requested.
The ERCB public information documents include
the ERCB publication EnerFAQs No. 7: Proposed Oil and Gas Development: A
Landowners Guide,
14) The applicants project-specific information package must provide the specific details
of the proposed energy development.
15) The applicant must use appropriate language and terminology in the written materials
so that the participants can clearly understand the details of the proposed
development and the impact(s) it may have upon them.
16) The following details must be included in the applicants project-specific information
package:
a) applicant name and contact numbers for further information,
b) emergency contact number of the applicant/operator,
c) location of proposed energy development,
d) a description (category type) of the proposed energy development (e.g., well with
no H 2 S, coalbed methane well, oil satellite with less than 1 tonne per day sulphur
inlet),
e) need for the proposed development and explanation of how it fits with existing
and future plans,
f) type of substance(s) that will be processed, transported, or drilled for,
g) discussion of the presence of H 2 S and associated setbacks as detailed in Interim
Directive (ID) 97-06: Sour Well Licensing and Drilling Requirements and Tables
5.5, 6.3, and 7.5,
h) discussion of the potential restrictions regarding developing lands adjacent to the
proposed development, such as setbacks (OGCR 2.110 and Subdivision and
Development Regulation, AR 43/2002, Sections 10 and 11) (e.g., future surface
improvements within 100 m of the wellhead may be subject to county/municipal
development restrictions),
i)
j)
a description of the continuous flaring, incinerating, and/or venting that meets the
information requirements of Directive 060,
2-4 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
all current ERCB EnerFAQs publications, as set out on the ERCB Web site
www.ercb.ca under Public Zone : ERCB Process : Enerfaqs.
17) If any of the above project details are not applicable to the proposed energy
development, the applicants project-specific information letter must explain why the
detail is not applicable.
18) The applicant is expected to include any other information that would assist the
participant in understanding the proposed development (e.g., soil information, water
well testing, maps).
2.2.3
Personal Information
Applicants are reminded of their obligations under the Personal Information Protection
Act (PIPA). That includes disclosing the need and purpose for collecting any personal
information, the circumstances under which this information will be disclosed, and
details regarding the security, retention, and ultimately the destruction of this
information. The name of the person to be contacted regarding personal information
collection and the companys privacy policy should also be provided, and all of these
details should be consistent with the applicants established privacy policy.
2.3
20) The applicant must always close the participant involvement loop, even if the
application is withdrawn. This means that all parties included in the participant
involvement program must continue to be included in all correspondence and
information updates during the development, implementation, and outcome of the
proposed project.
a) If the scope of the project changes, such as a change to the surface location, the
applicant must notify all parties included in the initial consultation program of
the proposed change.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 2-5
i)
If the project change results in the inclusion of new participants, the applicant
must meet all participant involvement requirements in regard to the new
participants as well.
b) The applicant must advise all parties (public and industry) if it has decided not to
proceed with the proposed project after having initiated a participant involvement
program.
c) The applicant must provide notification to all participants (public, industry, and
regulatory) when a change in circumstances does not allow previous
commitments to be met.
2.3.1
Personal consultation is intended to inform parties of the nature and extent of the
proposed application. Questions raised during the discussion of the proposed energy
development should alert the applicant to potential concerns/objections. Through
discussions, the applicant may be able to confirm nonobjection; if not, the applicant must
file a nonroutine application.
21) The applicant must fulfill the requirements for the radius of personal consultation and
confirmation of nonobjection set out in Tables 5.1, 6.1, 6.2, and 7.1. It is the
applicants responsibility to determine if the recommended radius needs to be
expanded for the proposed development.
22) The applicant must conduct face-to-face visits or telephone conversations with all
identified parties.
23) A company representative with full knowledge of the overall plans and direction of
future development options must be available to answer questions either in person or
by telephone.
24) The applicant must use appropriate language and terminology both in conversations
and written materials so that the participants can clearly understand the details of the
proposed development and the impact it may have upon them.
25) The applicant must provide information packages to those persons set out in Tables
5.1, 6.1, 6.2, and 7.1 and be prepared to discuss the project as necessary.
26) The applicant must provide the following information when personal consultation is
required:
a) the applicants project-specific information package,
b) the letter from the Chairman of the ERCB,
c) the ERCB brochure Understanding Oil and Gas Development in Alberta,
d) the ERCB publication EnerFAQs No. 7: Proposed Oil and Gas Development: A
Landowners Guide, and
e) the ERCB publication EnerFAQs No. 15: Objecting to an Energy Resource
Project and the form Objecting to an Energy Resource Project.
27) The applicant must offer the participants copies of other ERCB EnerFAQs
publications that relate to the proposed energy development and document its
distribution for audit purposes.
2-6 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
28) The required information packages may be distributed during the personal
consultation meeting or forwarded later as follow-up to the personal consultation
phone call/meeting. Packages may be forwarded by courier, mail, fax, e-mail, or
other means as agreed upon by the parties.
29) If the participant does not want a copy of the required information package(s), the
applicant must document the refusal for audit purposes. The refusal of an information
package does not require a nonroutine application to be submitted.
30) When confirmation of nonobjection is required, the applicant must ensure that there
are no outstanding concerns/objections by obtaining written or verbal confirmation
from the participant that they have no objection to the ERCB issuing a licence for the
proposed energy development.
31) The applicant must keep a log of the dates that personal consultation and
confirmation of nonobjection occurred, when materials were distributed/received,
and to whom.
32) The applicant is accountable for the outcomes of personal consultation completed on
its behalf by contracted personnel. Therefore, the applicant must ensure that
individuals conducting personal consultation on its behalf
a) possess a sound understanding of regulatory requirements and expectations for
participant involvement, and
b) use appropriate language and terminology in the written materials so that the
participants can clearly understand the details of the proposed development and
the impact it may have upon them.
2.3.2
Notification
Notification differs from personal consultation in that the initial communication may take
place through written correspondence rather than face to face or in telephone
conversations.
Determining that participants have received information packages will reduce the
possibility of late (postapproval) concerns/objections and requests for review under the
Energy Resources Conservation Act, Sections 39 or 40. Applicants may choose to use
registered mail or courier to ensure that the participants receive the information packages
or to document attempts made to involve the participants.
33) The applicant must fulfill the notification requirements for the radius of notification
set out in Tables 5.1, 5.4, 6.1, 6.2, and 7.1. It is the applicants responsibility to
determine if the recommended radius of notification needs to be expanded for the
proposed development.
Notification to Crown disposition holders within the proposed facility site, well
site, access road, or pipeline right-of-way is required. The applicant may exclude
Crown disposition holders such as oil and gas industry participants, provided that
they are not impacted by setback requirements.
34) If the notified party indicates it would prefer personal consultation, a company
representative with full knowledge of the overall plans and direction of future
development options must be available to answer questions either in person or by
telephone.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 2-7
35) The applicant must use appropriate language and terminology in conversations and
written materials so that the participants can clearly understand the details of the
proposed development and the impact it may have upon them.
36) The applicant must provide a copy of its project-specific information package and the
letter from the Chairman of the ERCB and offer the participants copies of
a) the ERCB brochure Understanding Oil and Gas Development in Alberta,
b) the ERCB publication EnerFAQs No. 7: Proposed Oil and Gas Development: A
Landowners Guide,
c) the ERCB publication EnerFAQs No. 15: Objecting to an Energy Resource
Project and the form Objecting to an Energy Resource Project, and
d) all current ERCB EnerFAQs publications as set out on the ERCB Web site.
37) The applicant must allow a minimum of 14 calendar days for the participants to
receive, consider, and respond to the notification and be prepared to discuss the
project as necessary before submitting an application. This applies to any project
updates that may have been forwarded since the original package was distributed.
a) If the applicant has fulfilled the personal consultation and confirmation of
nonobjection requirements in lieu of the notification requirements, the applicant
may file the energy development application once it has completed personal
consultation and acquired confirmation of nonobjection.
b) If the applicant is aware that an information package was not received by a
required party, the applicant must file a nonroutine application and demonstrate
its efforts to contact the party.
38) The applicant is accountable for the outcome of notification completed on its behalf
by contracted personnel. Therefore, the applicant must ensure that individuals
conducting notification on its behalf
a) possess a sound understanding of regulatory requirements and expectations for
participant involvement, and
b) use appropriate language and terminology in the written materials so that the
participants can clearly understand the details of the proposed development and
the impact it may have upon them.
2.3.2.1
Extended Absences
In some instances, landowners and residents who are part of the participant involvement
program may be away for extended periods, such as on vacation, or they may reside out
of the province.
39) When the applicant must personally consult with participants and is unable to do so,
the applicant is expected to use courier or registered mail to send letters and
information packages.
40) If the applicant is unable to fulfill all Directive 056 participant involvement
requirements, it must file a nonroutine application and demonstrate the efforts made
to engage the participants.
2-8 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
2.3.3
Directive 056 recommends that all applicants address and attempt to resolve outstanding
concerns/objections prior to filing the application with ERCB Facilities Applications.
41) At any time during the planning, construction, and operation of a project, the
applicant must attempt to address outstanding concerns/objections raised by
potentially affected or interested parties
a) to reconcile differences where possible, and
b) to obtain confirmation of nonobjection.
42) The applicant must attempt to address all questions and concerns/objections
regarding the proposed development prior to filing and during the review of the
energy development application, regardless of whether the party involved is inside or
outside the radius of Tables 5.1, 5.4, 6.1, 6.2, and 7.1.
To address outstanding concerns/objections, the applicant may choose to
meet with objectors and attempt to resolve issues through informal kitchen table
discussions,
engage the ERCB Appropriate Dispute Resolution (ADR) program and contact the
ERCBs Facilitation Team to request staff facilitation,
Compensation
Matters of compensation are not within the ERCBs jurisdiction. If a surface rights
agreement is unobtainable from the landowner solely due to compensation issues, the
applicant may request that the ERCB issue the licence to allow the applicant to apply to
the Surface Rights Board (SRB) for a right-of-entry order.
45) The applicant may file a routine licence application if the landowner confirms in
writing that compensation is the only issue and there are no concerns/objections to
the ERCB issuing a licence, so that the parties may proceed to the SRB.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 2-9
46) If landowner confirmation as described above cannot be obtained, the applicant must
file a nonroutine application.
47) The applicant must file a nonroutine application if there are unresolved compensation
issues identified by participants other than the surface landowner.
2.4
2.5
2-10 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
If the ERCB determines that the initial communication was incomplete or that the
consultation is no longer current, the applicant may be directed to fulfill participant
involvement requirements.
55) In cases where concerns/objections have been expressed, the applicant is expected to
close the participant involvement loop by explaining the outcome of the application
to those parties included in the participant involvement program. This should include
what will be done next and an explanation of how the applicant will meet any
commitments made during the participant involvement process, with an emphasis on
ongoing information sharing.
56) The applicant must attempt to address concerns/objections and answer questions
raised by members of the public, industry, government representatives, First Nations,
Mtis, and other interested parties throughout the life of a project.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 2-11
Section 3
3.1
3.2
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 3-1
3-2 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
3.2.2
Prelicensing Approvals/Waivers
An applicant may seek a prelicensing ruling from the ERCB for the following
components of a well licence application:
Prelicensing approvals/waivers
ERCB contact
Further information
Geology, Environmental
Science & Economics
Branch, Reserves and PoreSpace Management
Other types of waivers for well, facility, and pipeline requirements (e.g., equipment
spacing, measurement) are captured through the nonroutine licence application process
(Section 3.8.2).
2) When filing an application that has a prelicensing approval/waiver for surface casing,
the applicant must file a nonroutine application and include a copy of the
approval/waiver issued.
3.3
Applicant Responsibilities
An applicant is responsible for all aspects of application development, including planning
the energy development, planning and conducting participant involvement, retaining
supporting documents, and submitting the application. Once a licence application is
approved by the ERCB, the company becomes a licensee and bears responsibility for the
construction, installation, and safe operation of the facility, pipeline, and/or well. The
licensee is also responsible for decommissioning, dismantling, abandonment, and
reclamation.
3) An applicant must obtain the appropriate ERCB licence(s) prior to commencing any
site preparation, construction, or operation.
Applicants are not permitted to initiate prelease construction prior to acquiring an
ERCB licence. Part 6, Sections 11 and 12 of the Oil and Gas Conservation Act
(OGCA) and Part 4, Section 6 of the Pipeline Act prohibit any preparatory or
incidental operations on private or public lands prior to the applicant receiving a well,
facility, or pipeline licence or approval. This includes work such as access road
construction, pipe stringing, bending, and welding, and facility equipment
installation. Applicants must limit prelease activities to surveying and obtaining soil
samples through shovel digs or auger samples no more than 5 to 8 centimetres (cm)
in diameter.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 3-3
Submission Procedures
The ERCB accepts electronic submissions for well licence applications, surface facility
applications, pipeline/pipeline installation applications, and oilfield waste management
facility applications through the ERCBs Electronic Applications Submission (EAS)
system.
6) Well, facility, and pipeline audit submissions must be submitted electronically to
BOS.Admin@ercb.ca.
Copies of all schedules that apply to energy development applications are in the
applicable sections of Directive 056.
7) For data retention purposes, the applicant must ensure that schedules are printed on
one side only.
3.5
Licence Amendments
A licence amendment application is a change to a current licence. This includes the
correction of inadvertent data errors and number transpositions. Additional details for
licence amendments for each licence application type are in Sections 5, 6, and 7.
There is now a self-disclosure process available to licensees when pipeline/pipeline
installation and facility licence details are incorrectly identified on the licence or if a
company wishes to disclose an existing unlicensed facility or pipeline/pipeline
installation (see Section 3.9).
3.6
3-4 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
fails to respond to an ERCB request for additional information within the specified
time,
has submitted its application on vendor forms that do not match ERCB format and
content,
If the applicant designates a consultant to prepare and file an application on its behalf,
Facilities Applications staff may communicate with the consultant during the processing
of the application.
3.7
3.8
Routine Applications
Figure 3.2 shows ERCB Facilities Applications routine application licensing process. An
applicant files a routine application when
the landowner agrees (in writing) to proceed to the Surface Rights Board, or
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 3-5
Industry preparation
LEGEND
Submit
ERCB completeness
check
NO
Deficiency
resolved?
NO
YES
Pass?
YES
ERCB application
review
Application closure
NO
Deficiency
resolved?
YES
NO
Pass?
YES
ERCB disposition
Audit process
(Fig. 4.1)
3-6 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Registration
Data capture and computer processing
Corporate compliance check
Completeness check
Validation check for nonroutine
responses
Validation check for registered
objections in IAR
Nonroutine Applications
NonroutineParticipant Involvement
NonroutineTechnical
NonroutineERCB Designated
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 3-7
3-8 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
If this occurs, the applicant is advised, given the reasons for the nonroutine designation,
and directed to address the issues. If the application was submitted routinely through the
EAS system, the application will be closed and the applicant will be required to resubmit
the application as nonroutine if it intends to proceed with the project.
3.9
Voluntary Self-Disclosure
As stated in Directive 019: Compliance Assurance, the ERCBs self-disclosure policy is
intended to encourage licensees to proactively identify, report, and correct
noncompliance. The Facilities Applications group has formalized a self-disclosure
process on Schedule 1 in Directive 056, which provides applicants the opportunity to
disclose incorrect facility or pipeline/pipeline installation licence details. This process
may also be used where a company wishes to disclose an existing unlicensed facility or
pipeline/pipeline installation and submit an application for the required licence. These
types of applications will be considered routine except where a nonroutine issue as
defined in Sections 3.8.2.2 and/or 3.8.2.3 is associated with the application.
New licence or licence amendment applications that do not involve a self-disclosure, may
not be submitted under the same Schedule 1 with a self-disclosure application. An
application to change licence details is considered a licence amendment application. An
application for a previously unlicensed facility or pipeline/pipeline installation is
considered to be an application for a new facility or for new pipeline/pipeline installation
construction.
13) If a self-disclosure from a company requires a new facility or pipeline/pipeline
installation licence to address the matter, a letter must be submitted with the
associated application. The letter must include the following:
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 3-9
an explanation of the need for the amendment and supporting details, and
Applicants may submit multiple self-disclosure applications under a single Schedule 1 for
this process, and if circumstances are similar for all the applications, one letter of
explanation is acceptable.
3.9.1 Self-Disclosure Applications and Participant Involvement Requirements
The self-disclosure process provides applicants the opportunity to disclose incorrect
pipeline and facility licence details and to disclose and acquire licences for existing
unlicensed facilities and pipelines/pipeline installations. This process must not be used to
identify any participant involvement oversights related to an application. Applicants that
have identified a participant involvement failure after application submission must
contact the Facilities Applications Audit section directly to self-disclose participant
involvement issues and obtain direction on how to proceed.
Self-disclosure applications for facilities or pipeline/pipeline installations that have been
in existence and operating for several years without public concerns may not be required
to fulfill all participant involvement requirements. Applicants should contact the
Facilities Application Audit section for advice on how to proceed with the required
application.
If there is no evidence that an initial participant involvement program was conducted
prior to the construction of the facility or pipeline/pipeline installation, the applicant must
indicate on the application schedules (Schedule 2 or Schedule 3) that public and/or
industry consultation and notification requirements have not been met. If there is
evidence that participant involvement work was completed prior to construction, the
facility or pipeline/pipeline installation application may be submitted routinely. The
applicant must keep the details of the participant involvement documentation on file and
available should the file be selected for audit.
3.9.2 Self-Disclosure Application Processing Time
Applications submitted through this process are subject to the same processing
procedures and validation checks as other applications and are required to meet standard
application requirements. If the application is deficient, the applicant will be contacted
and required to resubmit the application (see Section 3.6). Additional action may be taken
by the ERCB to ensure that the licensing issue is resolved once it has been disclosed
through this process.
3-10 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Application Disposition
The disposition of an application may occur through the application licensing process, as
a result of a Board hearing, or because of the applicants decision not to proceed with the
energy development. Application disposition includes
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 3-11
MONTH
YEAR
APPLICANTS REFERENCE
The applicant certifies that the information here and in all supporting documentation is correct and that the facility, pipeline, pipeline installation, or well
will be drilled, constructed, operated, amended, and abandoned in accordance with all regulatory requirements or as directed by the Energy Resources
Conservation Board.
1. APPLICANT INFORMATION
Applicant Name
Applicant BA Code
Company Contact
Telephone
Fax
E-Mail Address
Consultant BA Code
Consultant Name
Consultant Contact
Telephone
Fax
E-Mail Address
Pipeline(s)
Pipeline Installation(s)
Well(s)
3. COMPLETENESS CHECK
Enter the number of schedules, diagrams, maps, and survey plans attached.
__ Schedule 2: Facility Licence Application
__ Process Flow Diagrams and Plot Plans (facilities and pipeline installations)
Application Number
Reviewed by
Routine Nonroutine
Entered By
Licence Number
FAC-06-2008-10A
Date
Energy Resources Conservation Board Facilities Applications, Suite 1000, 250 5 Street SW, Calgary Alberta T2P 0R4
Enter the date on which you will submit this schedule to the ERCB in the
upper left corner (e.g., 15 Jan 2011).
Applicants Reference
Enter the full corporate name of the applicant associated with the business
associate (BA) code.
Applicant BA Code
Company Contact
Telephone/Fax/
E-mail Address
Enter the telephone number, fax number, and e-mail address of the contact
person, including area codes where applicable.
Consultant Name
Consultant BA Code
Enter the 4-digit BA code issued to the consultant company by the ERCB.
Consultant Contact
Enter the name of the person at the consulting company be responsible for
the application.
Telephone/Fax
E-mail Address
Enter the telephone number, fax number, and e-mail address of the contact
person at the consulting company, including area codes where applicable.
Check all boxes that apply to the type of application you are submitting.
Self-Disclosure
Section 4
4.1
postlicensing review, which requires the applicant to demonstrate how it met and
planned for regulatory requirements as set out by the ERCB prior to filing the
energy development licence application.
provide industry with feedback regarding compliant applications and/or areas for
future improvement in application submissions,
measure the effectiveness of the application process and provide benchmarks for
future improvements,
4-1
Audit Selection
All routine and nonroutine applications are potential audit candidates. An application
may be randomly selected by computer or judgementally selected by ERCB Facilities
Applications based on factors such as category type, public risk, location, and recent
applicant compliance history.
4-2 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
4.2.1
ERCB Facilities Applications may select an application for a postlicensing audit review
and may undertake a full or partial audit of the supporting material.
Numbered statements represent requirements and expectations (see Section 1.4).
1) When subject to a full audit, the licensee must submit all supporting documentation
associated with the application. The licensee must provide additional information to
support the audit upon ERCB request.
2) When subject to a partial audit, the licensee must submit audit materials as requested by
Facilities Applications to demonstrate compliance with the portion of the application
under review.
4.2.2
Immediate Audit
Facilities Applications normally allows 14 calendar days for a licensee to submit the
requested audit documentation. However, in certain instances Facilities Applications may
proceed to an immediate audit and request the materials in support of the audit (e.g., if
participant involvement, mineral rights, or wellbore rights are in question).
3) If an immediate audit is conducted, the applicant/licensee must submit the requested
audit material within the time set by Facilities Applications. This is usually within the
same day, but Facilities Applications may require the information within hours.
4.2.3
In a prelicensing audit review, Facilities Applications reviews all or part of the audit
materials before a disposition of the application occurs.
4) The applicant must submit audit materials for prelicensing review if the
a) application is for a new Category C and D gas plant or any Category E energy
development,
b) application is being considered by the ERCB Board,
c) potential for an environmental, safety, or compliance risk exists, or
d) ERCB believes it is otherwise appropriate.
4.2.4
Based on the findings of an application audit review, Facilities Applications staff may
refer an application to the Field Surveillance Branch for a field inspection to confirm that
the materials, operations, and commitments match those indicated in the application.
4.3
Audit Documentation
An applicant must retain copies of all applications and supporting data in the event of an
audit. Refer to Sections 5.10, 5.11, 5.12, 5.13, 6.10, 6.11, 7.12, and 7.13 for a list of the
required audit documentation for facility, pipeline, and well applications respectively.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
4-3
5) The applicant must retain on file all records and audit documentation relating to an
application for one year from the date of issue of the corresponding licence.
The ERCB recommends that all records and audit documentation be kept on file for
the life of the project, since exceptional circumstances may require that a review be
conducted later in the life of the project.
6) The documentation must demonstrate that the supporting materials were developed
and compiled during the project planning stage prior to filing the licence application.
7) The applicant must submit the required documentation to Facilities Applications
within 14 calendar days of a request or as directed by Facilities Applications.
4.4
Voluntary Self-Disclosure
4-4 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
4-5
The substance of the connecting pipeline is not compatible with the proposed substance.
Designing the pipeline to transport a corrosive substance without including proper internal corrosion measures.
Failure to obtain consent from Alberta Infrastructure prior to filing the application.
Failure to meet Alberta Environment requirements prior to filing the application.
Failure to provide a correct pipeline H 2 S release volume calculation that results in a higher level designation.
Failure to provide a correct pipeline H 2 S release volume calculation that results in no change to the level designation.
Failure to submit a pipeline/pipeline installation licence application as pipelines/pipeline installations-technical
nonroutine when required.
High
Not completing an acceptable noise impact assessment prior to application.
High
Not meeting the permissible sound levels at the nearest or most impacted residence.
Low
Failure to meet the spacing requirements in the facility design.
High
Designing/constructing a facility with storage systems that have no secondary containment as required by Directive 055.
Low
Designing/constructing a facility with storage systems that do not meet the applicable Low Risk requirements of
Directive 055.
Low
Failure to meet process flow diagram requirements.
Low
Failure to submit the requested audit documentation.
WELLSTECHNICAL
High
Failure to acquire the necessary well licence prior to commencing site preparation, construction, and/or operation.
High
Failure to prepare an H 2 S release rate assessment when information in the public domain demonstrates the potential to
encounter H 2 S in the proposed well.
Low
Filing an application when the applicant is not a working interest participant.
Low
Failure to apply for the correct category/type of well.
Low
Failure to submit a survey plan that meets all applicable requirements.
Low
Failure to design to meet the pressure testing requirements for well re-entry licence application.
High
Failure to design the surface casing to meet all applicable requirements.
High
Failure to provide adequate groundwater protection.
High
Failure to acquire a mineral lease continuation (no agreement with DOE).
High
Failure to have permission from the mineral rights owner or lessee to exceed the 15 m maximum overhole depth prior to
filing the application.
High
Failure to acquire the rights to the intended formation(s).
High
Incomplete DSU for the intended formation(s).
High
No rights to substance(s) for the intended formation(s).
High
Failure to acquire the abandoned wellbore rights.
High
Failure to meet or address the water body setback requirement prior to filing the application.
High
Failure to meet the surface improvement requirements prior to filing the application.
High
Failure to meet ERCB Directive 056 environmental requirements prior to filing the application.
High
Failure to obtain approval from Alberta Culture and Community Spirit for sites with Historic Resource Value of 1, 2, or 3
prior to filing the application.
Low
Failure to notify Alberta Culture and Community Spirit for sites with a Historic Resource Value of 4 and 5 prior to filing
the application.
Low
Low
Low
Low
Failure to provide a geological prognosis and discussion regarding the potential to encounter H 2 S in all prospective
formations.
Failure to provide geological mapping for the primary and secondary formations, as indicated in Schedule 4: Well
Purpose.
Failure to provide an engineering discussion of the H 2 S prospective formations.
Failure to include the 15 m overhole zone evaluation in the H 2 S release rate assessment.
(continued)
4-6 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Failure to meet the map or schematic cross-section requirements for the H 2 S release rate assessment prior to filing the
application.
Failure to provide all basic elements, including the AOF test type, in the H 2 S release rate assessment prior to filing the
application.
Failure to tabulate the results of the AOF and H 2 S information in the manner required prior to filing the application.
Failure to submit a well licence application as wells-technical nonroutine when required.
Failure to file a licence amendment application when required.
Failure to submit the requested audit documentation.
Low
Low
High
Low
Low
4.4.2
Acquisitions
Audit/Inspection Categories
The application requirements of Directive 056 have been sorted into the following four
audit/inspection categories, as reflected in Table 4.1:
Participant Involvement
FacilitiesTechnical
Pipelines/Pipeline InstallationsTechnical
WellsTechnical
4.4.4
Compliance Records
Audit results from Directive 056 application audits are managed by Facilities
Applications. A company wishing information on its compliance record pertaining to
Directive 056 applications must contact Facilities Applications. The request must be
submitted in writing on company stationary.
4.4.5
Licensees may request a review of the enforcement and that further consideration of the
enforcement action occur if it has new information that was not initially provided or there
were unusual circumstances contributing to the noncompliance event. See Directive 019
for further details.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
4-7
Section 5
5.1
5.2
Project Submissions
A project is defined as a network of facilities, pipelines, and/or wells that connect to a
common facility. A project submission may consist of the consecutive submissions of
related single licence applications or the single submission of multiple licence
applications for related facilities, pipelines, and wells. The ERCB encourages applicants
to identify related applications that are part of the same project through the use of a
common reference number in the Applicants Reference section.
Numbered statements represent requirements and expectations (see Section 1.4).
1)
5.3
Licence Expiry
New facility licences expire one year from the date of issue if the licence has not been
acted on (i.e., construction has not started). After one year, the ERCB will cancel the
expired licence from the active records. It is the licensees responsibility to ensure that
the facility licence is still valid and has not expired prior to initiating any activity
associated with the licence. Companies are asked to provide a courtesy notification to the
applicable ERCB Field Centre using the ERCB electronic notification process (FIS)
advising that construction has commenced on the licensed facility.
2)
If an applicant intends to proceed with a project for which a licence has expired, it
must cancel that previous licence and also fulfill all applicable regulatory
requirements, including all participant involvement requirements (Section 2),
before filing a new application.
3)
If an applicant does not intend to proceed with the licence, it must notify Facilities
Applications in writing and request that the licence be cancelled.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 5-1
Due to the complexity of some developments, it is possible that the applicant may not be
able to act on a permanent facility licence or complete operations at a temporary facility
before the expiry date. Applicants can file a licence amendment application to extend the
expiry date of a facility licence or a temporary facility licence for up to 6 additional
months.
4)
Prior to initiating new construction when a licence is nearing licence expiry, the
applicant must conduct a new resident/landowner search and determine if any new
issues may have arisen since the licence was granted.
5)
A facility licence that has been acted on cannot be cancelled and needs to be abandoned
(see Section 5.9.2). Licensees that do not intend to act on a facility licence may request
that the licence be cancelled by contacting the Facilities Applications Audit Team
Leader.
5.3.1
Licence Extensions
The ERCB issues a licence for a term of one year. An applicant may make a request to
extend the expiry date of an applied-for licence at the time of application. Requests for
extensions will be considered on a case-by-case basis, but the date of expiry will
normally not extend beyond two years from the date the licence was issued.
The ERCB may extend the expiry date of a licence that has already been issued with a
one-year term upon request of the licensee. However, a licence that was originally issued
with a term greater than one year will not be extended.
5.4
6)
To get an extended expiry date for an applied-for licence, the applicant must
confirm at the time of application that it will update the associated participant
involvement program before it acts on the licence.
7)
To get an extended expiry date for an existing licence, the licensee must submit
documentation to Facilities Applications confirming that it will update the
associated participant involvement program before it acts on the licence.
5-2 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
8)
The applicant must identify the correct category type for the proposed facility
project and perform all associated consultations and notifications.
9)
The applicant must file an application for a multiwell battery or satellite when the
surface equipment on site meets the requirements for licensing and when
a) a single well has segregated production from more than one zone (i.e., not
commingled in the wellbore) producing to the battery or satellite;
b) a new inlet, which includes, as a minimum, measurement for the production
from a second well, is added to an existing single-well battery or satellite; or
c) multiple single-well batteries or satellites are operating within one surface
lease.
If the applicant has both oil and gas production from separate wells or segregated zones
within the same well at the same surface location, the surface facility should be licensed
for the most significant operation at the site.
10) If the processing of solution gas or nonassociated gas is implemented at an existing
licensed oil battery, the gas processing equipment must be licensed as a separate
facility.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 5-3
Table 5.1. Facility category type and consultation and notification requirements
Personal consultation and
confirmation of
Category Name
Type Description
nonobjection
B
001
Notification
Local authority
Crown disposition holders
010
011
020
030
031
040
070
071
080
090
Injection/disposal facilitywater
091
Injection/disposal facilityEOR
200
Straddle plant
300
301
302
310
311
320
321
330
331
340
350
351
(continued)
5-4 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Table 5.1 Facility category type and consultation and notification requirements (concluded)
Category Name
Type Description
Personal consultation
and confirmation of
nonobjection
D
Sulphur recovery
facilities
5.5
400
401
410
411
420
421
430
431
440
450
451
600
Notification
Exemptions
11) Although no application is required under Directive 056 for the following exempted
activities and facilities (Sections 5.5.1 and 5.5.3), the company must provide a
project-specific information package to landowners, occupants, and residents who
may be directly and adversely affected by the activity.
12) If a concern/objection to the proposal is received, the company must advise the
ERCB of the concern/objection. The ERCB may require that a nonroutine
application be submitted. Should an application be required, it will be designated
nonroutine by the ERCB and will undergo a full review before disposition of the
application.
13) Even though applications may not be required for activities and facilities in
Sections 5.5.1 and 5.5.3 under Directive 056, a company must meet all applicable
regulatory requirements.
If the company is unable to meet all the regulatory requirements, it must obtain a
waiver from the requirement from the appropriate ERCB group.
5.5.1
An application is not required under Directive 056 if the facility is a single-well site (oil,
bitumen, or gas) where the H 2 S content is less than 0.01 mol/kmol and
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 5-5
An application is not required under Directive 056 if the facility is a single-well gas site
where the H 2 S content is greater than 0.01 mol/kmol and
Appendix 8 contains a stepped approach to licensing gas facilities to further clarify the
licensing process for gas facilities.
5.5.2
Other Facilities
The licensing of the following facilities does not occur under Directive 056:
5.5.2.1
On-site power generation is managed and approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission
(AUC). Although the facility licence should include emissions and noise impact from all
sources on-site, power generation equipment is not licensed through Directive 056. For
more information, contact the AUC.
5.5.2.2
Oil sands scheme approvals for in situ operations continue to be issued under Directive
023 and Directive 078: Regulatory Application Process for Modifications to Commercial
In Situ Oil Sands Projects through the ERCB Oil Sands and Coal Branch. Licences for
surface facilities associated with oil sands mine approvals are not issued under Directive
056.
Surface facilities associated with approved in situ schemes require a Directive 056
facility licence. Applications for in situ oil sands central processing units should be
applied for using the category type multiwell bitumen batteries.
Stakeholder notification that has been completed as part of a Directive 023 application
for a new in situ oil sands project or an amendment to an existing project satisfies the
participant involvement requirements for any related Directive 056 application for
facilities within the ERCB-approved in situ oil sands project area.
5.5.2.3
Applications for oilfield waste management facilities (i.e., requests to construct and
operate new facilities or modify existing facilities and notifications of minor
modifications to existing facilities) required under Directive 058: Oilfield Waste
Management Requirements for the Upstream Petroleum Industry and Directive 058
Addendum 2008-12-23: Oilfield Waste Management Facility Approvals Notification
and Amendment Procedures are processed in the ERCB Applications Branch by
Facilities Applications. Applications for one-time approvals and pilot projects, pursuant
to Section 4 of Directive 058Addendum 2008-12-23, are processed by the ERCB Waste
and Storage Section.
If a facility currently licensed under Directive 056 becomes a waste management facility,
a Directive 058 approval is required and the previously issued Directive 056 licence will
5-6 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
be cancelled. Operators are reminded that the receipt of oilfield waste from outside of a
facilitys production system for consolidation and transfer or for on-site storage or
management is not permitted unless the facility is approved as an oilfield waste
management facility.
5.5.3
Exempt Activities
Applications are not required for the following activities under Directive 056 provided
that the activity does not change the category type of the facility:
5.6
replacing a compressor or injection/disposal pump with the same type and size or a
smaller one, such that total emissions do not increase;
adding one compressor less than 75 kW to an existing licensed facility, provided that
the landowner has been notified and has no concerns and that the facility will meet
the nitrogen oxides (NO x ) and the noise requirements at the nearest residence (this
does not apply to acid gas injection compressors regardless of size); compressors
less than 75 kW that were installed previously as an exempt activity should be
captured on Schedule 2.4 the next time an amendment application for the facility is
required;
adding storage tanks to an existing licensed facility. If additional storage tanks are
added, the licensee must ensure that all Directive 055 requirements have been met,
including secondary containment. If the requirements will not be met, the licensee
must contact ERCB Operations for assistance.
Records Correction
Applications to correct licence records should follow the self-disclosure process (see
Section 3.9) for licence amendments.
5.7
Licence Amendments
Only facilities that have an existing ERCB facility licence number can be amended.
Licensees may use the licence amendment (LA) applications process based on the criteria
in Table 5.2.
Applicants may apply for multiple types of licence amendments on one Schedule 2;
however, note that licence amendment types 10 and 11 cannot be done in combination
with any other amendment type. Not all types of licence amendments are available for all
category types (see Table 5.3).
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 5-7
LA 2
Install and/or remove compression at existing licensed facilities (except standalone injection/disposal facilities)
LA 3
Change the maximum licensed inlet rates (design rates) of existing licensed facilities
LA 4
Change the licensed H 2 S content of raw inlet gas at any existing licensed Category C, D, or E facility
LA 5
LA 6
Change the types of products recovered and/or the rates of recovery at an existing licensed gas processing plant
LA 7
LA 8
LA 9
Change the maximum continuous sulphur emissions rate at an existing licensed Category C, D, or E facility
LA 10
Extend the expiry date of a temporary facility or permanent facility for up to an additional 6 months
LA 11
LA 12
Add a new flare/incinerator stack (a new source of emissions) at an existing licensed facility
LA 13
Increase the sulphur recovery efficiency at an existing licensed sulphur recovery plant or acid gas injection facility
LA 14
Decrease the sulphur recovery efficiency at an existing licensed sulphur recovery plant or acid gas injection facility
LA 15
Change the method of acid gas disposal at an existing licensed Category C, D, or E gas processing plant
LA 16
Degrandfather an existing licensed sulphur recovery plant in accordance with the sulphur recovery requirements of ID 2001-03
14) When filing a licence amendment application, the applicant must retain the original
facility type (e.g., gas battery, oil battery) unless
a) additional equipment proposed for installation will cause the gas facility to
become a gas processing plant (e.g., the addition of a refrigeration skid will
change an existing compressor station to a gas processing plant); or
b) equipment proposed for removal will cause the facility type to change (e.g., the
removal of the refrigeration process will change an existing gas processing
plant to a gas battery).
15) Applicants must file licence amendment applications when the proposed activity
will result in an increase to emissions, risk, and/or public impact.
16) Participant involvement requirements for licence amendment applications are based
on the category type of facility being amended (see Table 5.1).
New facility licence applications for C, D, and E gas processing plants and licence
amendment applications for E category gas processing plants are designated nonroutine
and require that all supporting audit documentation be submitted with the application
schedules. Licence amendment applications for C and D gas processing plants may be
submitted routine unless there is a nonroutine participant involvement or technical issue.
Table 5.2 provides a reference for the licence amendment types in Step 4 of Schedule 2.
5.8
5-8 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
19) The applicant must provide information packages to those persons set out in Table
5.1 and be prepared to discuss the project, if requested, with any person to whom an
information package was sent.
a) If personal consultation is required, the applicant must
i)
ii) the ERCB publication EnerFAQs No. 7: Proposed Oil and Gas
Development: A Landowners Guide;
iii) the ERCB publication EnerFAQs No. 15: Objecting to an Energy Resource
Project and the form Objecting to an Energy Resource Project, and
iv) all other current ERCB EnerFAQs publications as set out on the ERCB
Web site.
20) Applicants must meet the requirements in Section 8.3 when planning sour gas
activity where residents are located within the EPZ.
21) For category C, D, and E facilities listed in Table 5.4, the applicant must identify
and notify all mineral reserve owners and licensees of existing similar facilities
within the recommended radius.
a) The applicant must provide all mineral reserve owners and licensees with a
written overview of the proposed facility, including location, type, and design
capacities and the anticipated timing for application submission. The onus is
then on these parties to raise any concerns/objections to the proposal with the
applicant and the ERCB.
22) For facilities not listed in Table 5.4, the ERCB does not prescribe a radius for
industry notification. Applicants are expected to determine what is a reasonable
geographic area for industry notification.
a) The ERCB does not prescribe the area the applicant must investigate. However,
the applicant is expected to consider investigation parameters similar to those in
Table 5.4 and to discuss the proposal with licensees of similar facilities.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 5-9
CATEGORY TYPE
1
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
2
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
3
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
5
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
11
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
12
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
13
14
15
16
x
x
x
x
x
* Only certain licence amendment types are acceptable based on the category type of the facility. Acceptable licence amendment
types are indicated with an x in this table.
Facility licensees
15.0 km
15.0 km
2.0 km
23) When the applicant notifies other licensees, it must continue to include these
licensees in updates during the licensing process (i.e., close the participant
involvement loop; see Section 2.3).
24) The applicant must indicate any outstanding concerns/objections by checking the
appropriate bold response on Schedule 2 to indicate a nonroutine application.
a) The applicant must also include a written summary of the outstanding issues
for ERCB review and consideration (Section 3.8.2), including a discussion as
to how the applicant intends to mitigate the issues raised.
5-10 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
b) The applicant and the objector are expected to consider using the ERCBs
Appropriate Dispute Resolution (ADR) program to mitigate outstanding
concerns/objections (Section 2).
5.9
Technical Requirements
The following subsections under facility technical requirements discuss various fields on
Schedules 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4.
5.9.1
The emergency planning zone (EPZ) for a Category C, D, or E facility is based on the
largest EPZ of any pipeline entering or leaving the facility. Applicants are cautioned that
it is a violation of privacy legislation to disclose in the public portion of a facility,
pipeline, or well licence application any personal information that was obtained for
emergency response planning purposes. Such information must be provided in
confidence to the ERCB in connection with the emergency response planning
requirements set out in Directive 071
5.9.2
The Licensee Liability Rating (LLR) program assesses a licensees ability to address its
abandonment and reclamation liabilities based on a comparison of its deemed asset to its
deemed liability. The licensees deemed asset is considered to be its cash flow derived
from wells for which it is the licensee. Its deemed liability is considered to be the cost to
abandon and reclaim wells and facilities for which it is the licensee.
The liability assigned to active facilities is less than that of an inactive facility. A facility
is considered active if it has reported production or injection within a specified period
(see Directive 006: Licensee Liability Rating (LLR) Program and Licence Transfer
Process).
Because some facilities do not report production to the ERCB, a facilitys active/inactive
status cannot be determined. To allow an active nonreporting facility to benefit from the
reduced liability associated with an active status, the licensee can link its facility to the
first downstream production reporting facility to which it delivers product and use that
facilitys active/inactive status. Licensees of compressor stations that produce directly to
a sales gas pipeline should contact the ERCB Liability Management Group for
information on how this affects their LLRs.
Licensees of abandoned facilities can change the facility status to abandoned through
the ERCBs Digital Data Submission (DDS) system. This change is not made through
Directive 056.
25) The applicant of a nonreporting facility (e.g., compressor station, satellite) must
record the facility licence number of the reporting facility when filing a facility
licence application or, for Category B and C compressors, indicate on the
application schedule that the production goes direct to sales. If a linking number is
not recorded for a nonreporting facility, the facility status will be considered
inactive for liability management purposes. For a gas system, the reporting facility
must be a gas facility, and for an oil facility, the reporting facility must be an oil
facility.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 5-11
26) The applicant of new and/or amended sulphur recovery plants, straddle plants, or
bitumen central processing facilities with a bitumen inlet rate greater than 5000
m3/d must have the liability assessment completed in accordance with the Large
Facility Liability Management Program (see Directive 024) prior to submitting an
application under Directive 056.
5.9.3
Proliferation
As the proponent of a new oil or gas facility or pipeline, the applicant has already
determined that the proposed project will meet its business needs. The ERCB, as the
approving authority, is required to evaluate the need for the proposed project in the
broader public interest. The ERCB considers this interest in terms of economic, orderly,
and efficient development of Albertas oil and gas resources.
The ERCB continues to receive strong input from the public, which is aware of the
growth of resource development. The ERCB accepts the publics view that there is a need
to avoid facility proliferation when possible and practical.
The ERCB sour gas proliferation requirements are set out in ID 2001-03: Sulphur
Recovery Guidelines for the Province of Alberta and are summarized below.
27) Prior to filing an application for a new Category C, D, or E gas processing plant, the
applicant must
a) evaluate all existing sour gas plants and pipelines that offer viable alternatives
within a 15 km radius of the proposed new sour gas plant, regardless of
ownership or interest:
i) the applicant must evaluate the feasibility of upgrading an existing facility
and of forging commercial partnerships with existing licensees;
ii) the applicant must obtain an accurate assessment of the capabilities of
existing sour gas plants, including design parameters (e.g., operating
pressures and limitations on H 2 S content) and capacity available; and
iii) the applicant must demonstrate that feasibility of modifying the facilities
was evaluated with the licensee if existing plants are not designed to
handle the applicants gas or if there are capacity limitations;
b) assess the areas future production potential to ensure that the proposed facility
is designed to meet the regional long-term processing needs;
c) contact other sour gas reserve owners within 5 km of a proposed new sour gas
plant with a view to inviting these well licensees to participate in the new
facility in some manner; and
d) include information on its assessment as part of the application audit package
submitted to Facilities Applications with the application schedules.
28) The applicant of a new Category C, D, or E gas processing plant must formally
contact licensees of existing facilities for required information and be able to
document related responses.
5-12 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
a) The ERCB expects the parties to share information in a timely manner. If the
applicant is unable to obtain the information necessary to conduct an
assessment, it should contact Facilities Applications.
29) To preclude the unnecessary development of new Category C and D facilities, the
applicant is expected to investigate the feasibility of using existing facilities and/or
pipelines before submitting an application to the ERCB.
5.9.4
30) The inlet and recovered product rates must represent the total design rates
associated with all on-site equipment at the surface location based on a daily
maximum.
31) For facility licence amendments, the inlet and recovered product rates for the
facility must represent the total on-site design rate, not only the design rates of the
additional equipment.
For facilities with a sulphur inlet greater than 1 tonne per day (t/d), the raw gas inlet rate
and sulphur inlet rate represent the maximum operating limits for the facility. These rates
are monitored by the ERCB Operations Group.
Heavy oil/oil sands batteries and satellites are also subject to the regulatory requirements
detailed in ID 91-03: Heavy Oil/Oil Sands Operations and IRP Volume 3: Heavy Oil and
Oil Sands Operations.
32) The applicant must ensure that an oil analysis is available to demonstrate that the
gravity of the inlet stream matches the category applied for and that the facility will
meet the requirements of these documents for heavy oil facilities.
5.9.5
Sulphur Recovery
Both the ERCB and Alberta Environment (AENV) have regulatory responsibilities for
sulphur recovery. The applicant must be aware of the regulatory requirements of both
agencies. (See the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act: Approvals and
Registrations Procedure Regulation, Applications for Sour Gas Processing Plants and
Heavy Oil Processing Plants: A Guide to Content, September 1999.)
ERCB ID 2001-03: Sulphur Recovery Guidelines for the Province of Alberta sets out the
basis for sulphur recovery and emissions reduction from
other types of upstream petroleum industry operations licensed under Directive 056
where continuous flaring or incineration of gas containing H 2 S occurs (e.g.,
production batteries, dehydration facilities, and compressor stations where the bulk
gas stream is not sweetened).
Sulphur production
35) For other upstream petroleum industry facilities where sulphur recovery
requirements apply, the applicant must
a) comply with the calendar quarter-year sulphur recovery of ID 2001-03, and
b) determine the sulphur recovery requirements based on the sulphur content of
flared or incinerated gas streams (not on the sulphur inlet of the facility), in
addition to the sulphur recovery unit tail gas incinerator stack emissions.
36) If an applicant is filing a licence amendment application to modify a grandfathered
gas plant, the applicant must meet the special provisions set out in ID 2001-03.
37) For facilities where subsurface injection is the method of acid gas disposal, a
separate ERCB approval is required for the injection scheme, in accordance with
the requirements of Directive 065: Resources Applications for Conventional Oil
and Gas Reservoirs. Additional information may be obtained from ERCB Resource
Applications.
5.9.6
38) The applicant must attach a process flow diagram (PFD) for each facility
application.
a) The PFD must identify all existing and proposed equipment at the facility.
i) For licence amendments, the applicant must identify the new equipment
proposed for installation on a full-site PFD; a partial PFD is not acceptable.
process equipment
5-14 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
39) The applicant must include the volume of gas from all sources on site that is
disposed of by burning in a flare or incinerator. This does not include fuel gas used
for header purge, pilot fuel, make-up gas to achieve effective combustion, sulphur
recovery unit tail gas, or volumes attributed to emergency conditions or
maintenance operations.
a) Applicants proposing to flare and/or incinerate gas must comply with the
requirements of Directive 060.
40) The applicant must include the volume of gas vented from all sources on site,
including any volumes of CO 2 associated with a sweetening process.
a) Applicants proposing to vent gas must comply with Directive 060 and Section
8.080 of the Oil and Gas Conservation Regulations (OGCR).
41) The applicant must evaluate the conservation of continuous flared, incinerated, and
vented volumes in accordance with Directive 060.
If NO x emissions are present, it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that the facility
meets the Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives (AAAQO) for NO 2 . It is possible that
facilities exempt from registration with AENV could exceed the AAAQO. It is in the
companys best interest to conduct modelling to ensure that its facility will meet the
AAAQO. In order to demonstrate that the facility meets the AAAQO, the ERCB may
require that the applicant provide NO x modelling.
42) In designing its compression needs, the applicant must design the facility to meet
the requirements set out by IL 88-05: Application for Approval of Natural Gas
Driven Compressors and AENVs Code of Practice for Compressor and Pumping
Stations and Sweet Gas Processing Plants.
43) The applicant must register all compressor stations, pumping stations, and Category
B gas processing facilities with AENV before commencing operation if the total
NO x emissions are greater than 16 kilograms per hour (kg/h).
44) New and additional natural gas-driven reciprocating engines greater than 600 kW at
full load must not emit more than 6 grams of NO x per kilowatt-hour (g/kWh).
45) The applicant must meet the following requirements when NO x emissions are
present at facilities that require registration or approval with AENV:
a) Dispersion modelling must be conducted in accordance with AENVs Air
Quality Model Guideline (http://environment.gov.ab.ca/info/library/6709.pdf).
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 5-15
Temporary compressors in use for less than 21 consecutive days to test new gas well
production as an alternative to flaring do not require a licence under Directive 056,
provided that
the compressor will meet all regulatory requirements, including noise and NO x
requirements.
46) If there are any outstanding concerns/objections, the applicant must file a
nonroutine application.
47) The use of temporary compressors is limited to a one-time-per-site occurrence. For
further information on temporary compressors, see Directive 060. Licensees/
operators must notify the ERCB Field Centre prior to operation.
48) Licensees are not required to submit a licence amendment application for the
purpose of adding one compressor or pump less than 75 kW to an existing licensed
facility. In these instances, the licensee must
a) provide the landowner with a written description of the project,
b) ensure that there are no outstanding concerns/objections, and
c) ensure that the facility will meet the NO x and noise requirements.
5-16 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
This exemption does not apply to acid gas injection compressors, regardless of size, and
does not apply to the use of temporary compression greater that 75 kW for any period of
time for the purpose of determining permanent compression requirements.
Compressors less than 75 kW that were installed previously as an exempt activity should
be captured on Schedule 2.4 the next time an amendment application for the facility is
required.
All compressors at a site are to be licensed as part of the facility unless the equipment is
used to provide instrument air.
Applications are required for all compressor installations at new facilities regardless of
the kW rating if the H 2 S content of the inlet gas is greater than 0.01 mol/kmol (not
including temporary compressors used for new gas well testing less than 21 consecutive
days).
Applications are not required for the installation of process pumps that are not related to
the injection/disposal of water or for EOR purposes (e.g., glycol or chemical injection
pumps, oil or water transfer pumps, recycle pumps, injection booster pumps).
49) The applicant must apply for the installation of the pumps associated with the
injection/disposal component of a facility, regardless of pump size.
a) The applicant must amend the existing facility licence, retaining the original
category type, to add an injection/disposal component to an existing licensed
facility.
b) Third-party injection/disposal facilities must be licensed as waste disposal
facilities under Directive 058.
A Schedule 2 application is for the purpose of licensing upstream surface facilities. For
licensing of compressors or pump stations on transmission pipelines (sales products), see
Section 6.
Facility licences issued under Directive 056 do not include the installation of generators
whose purpose is to generate power as part of a solution gas conservation process. In
such cases, Directive 056 remains the licensing point for the battery portion of the
operations, while the generators require licensing with the AUC.
5.9.9
Setback Requirements
There are specific setback distances between Category C, D, and E facilities and
permanent dwellings, unrestricted country developments, urban centres, or public
facilities.
50) The applicant must meet the applicable setback requirements in Table 5.5 based on
the calculated H 2 S release volume for pipeline(s) associated with the proposed
facility.
51) The applicant must consider the level designation of inlet/outlet pipelines and use
the highest level designation to determine the facility setback requirement.
52) Release volumes from on-site equipment must not be totalled to determine the
setback requirements of the facility.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 5-17
53) The applicant must address the issue of the setback restrictions of Table 5.5 during
its participant involvement process (see Section 2).
Table 5.5. Setback requirements for Category C, D, or E facilities with pipelines containing H 2 S
Level
1
2
H 2 S release
volume (m3)
< 300
>300 to <2000
Minimum distance
Lease boundary
0.1 km to individual permanent dwellings and unrestricted country developments
>2000 to <6000
>6000
The flare, incinerator, and enclosed burner spacing must comply with the
requirements defined in the current Forest and Prairie Protection Regulations.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 5-19
licensee must submit an application to change the category type of the facility to
Category C, D, or E.
Applicants are not required to file a licence amendment application for the purpose of
installing a vapour recovery unit at an existing Category C, D, or E facility, provided that
the landowner has been provided with a written description of the project and has no
concerns and the facility meets the NO x requirements and the noise requirements at the
nearest residence.
59) The applicant must file a nonroutine application and include an explanation of the
proposed method of vapour control when the maximum inlet H 2 S content of the gas
is greater than 10 mol/kmol and a vapour recovery unit will not be installed.
5.9.12 Noise Requirements
All facilities under the ERCBs jurisdiction must meet the requirements of Directive 038:
Noise Control.
A noise impact assessment (NIA) ensures that the applicant has considered possible noise
impacts before a facility is constructed or operated. The NIA predicts the expected design
sound level from the facility at the nearest or most affected residence.
60) Applicants must discuss noise matters with area residents during the design,
construction, and operating phases of the facility.
61) An NIA must be completed prior to submission of a facility application for any new
permanent facility or for modifications to existing permanent facilities if there is a
reasonable expectation of a continuous or intermittent noise source.
a) For the purpose of an NIA, a permanent facility is a facility in operation for
more than 2 months.
62) If the NIA indicates that the permissible sound level will be exceeded, the applicant
must consider further mitigative measures.
a) If mitigative measures are not practical, the applicant must file a nonroutine
licence application and explain why mitigative measures are not practical.
63) The ERCB expects the applicant to use a reasonable technical basis for the values
presented in the NIA, such as computer modelling, field measurements of similar
equipment, accepted acoustical engineering examples from literature, and
calculations.
64) If the applicant is using manufacturers specifications, the sound level ratings must
represent free or far field conditions.
a) Sound level ratings at 1 m are not acceptable for inverse square law
calculations.
See Directive 038 for further discussion.
5-20 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
clearance prior to filing a licence application. This list outlines when a Historical
Resources Act clearance is required and provides instructions. See also ERCB
IL 82-11: Preservation of Archaeological, Palaeontological, and Historical
Resources.
a) If the proposed new or expanded lease is located on land identified in the list,
the applicant must
i) obtain Historical Resources Act clearance prior to submitting a licence
application, or
ii) submit the licence application as nonroutine if Alberta Culture and
Community Spirit has not granted clearance, and include a detailed
explanation.
5.9.16 ERCB Environmental Requirements
In 1993, the ERCB issued IL 93-09: Oil and Gas Developments Eastern Slopes (Southern
Portion), setting guidelines and expectations for oil and gas development in this region.
72) If the proposed facility is located within the Eastern Slopes (Southern Portion), the
applicant must meet the General Expectations described in IL 93-09 by
a) preparing development plans beyond the initial exploration stage, taking into
consideration current stages, such as
i)
5-22 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
77) For new Category C and D gas plants and all Category E applications, the applicant
must submit the applicable audit documentation with the application for review.
The detailed list of audit documents below corresponds to the steps found in Schedule 2.
For licence amendment applications, the licensee may submit only that audit
documentation applicable to the amendment activity.
5.10.1 Step 1: Identification
No documentation required.
5.10.2 Step 2: Participant Involvement Requirements
5.10.2.1 Participant Involvement Map Requirements
78) The licensee must submit map(s) that illustrate
a) the location of the facility,
b) the location of all parties included in the participant involvement program (e.g.,
residents, similar facilities),
c) the area of investigation used in the personal consultation and notification
program,
d) the location of the nearest surface development,
e) the EPZ and location of residents within the calculated EPZ (if applicable),
and
f) the area of investigation used in the industry notification program (if
applicable).
5.10.2.2 Industry Notification Requirements
79) The licensee must submit a record of contact with other industry parties that
includes
a) name, address, and telephone number of all parties contacted,
b) copies of all related correspondence received,
c) disclosure meeting minutes, including
i)
date of meeting,
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 5-23
The licensee must submit a copy of the agreement that confirms the parties
involved, the date of agreement, and the location of land involved.
the title page (including the details of the expiry date, company
name, and area of operation)
ii) For all other Crown dispositions, the licensee must submit a copy of the
agreement that confirms the parties involved, the execution of the
agreement (signature), the date of the agreement, and the location of the
land involved.
c) Signed document that identifies the details of the proposal (e.g., signatory page
from the applicants information package)
83) If confirmation of nonobjection is verbal, the licensee must document (log) the
name of the party providing verbal nonobjection and the date on which verbal
nonobjection was obtained.
5-24 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 5-25
91) For facilities with sources of NO x and CO 2 emissions, the licensee must submit
a) a breakdown and total of NO x and CO 2 emissions for all sources in t/d and
kg/h respectively,
b) manufacturer specifications to confirm NO x and CO 2 emissions, and
c) diagrams to demonstrate that the exhaust stack height requirements of IL 88-05
are met if the total NO x emissions are less than 16 kg/h.
92) For facilities with continuous flaring, venting, or incineration, the licensee must
submit
a) a list of all sources, and
b) the results of the ground level radiant heat intensity calculation.
5.10.6 Step 6: Technical Information
5.10.6.1 Equipment Spacing Requirements
93) The licensee must submit a site-specific plot plan showing
a) equipment placement,
b) the distances between equipment, and
c) the distance from equipment to surface improvements, vegetation, water
bodies, and roads (within 100 m of the lease boundary).
94) The licensee must state whether ESD valves are automated or manual control.
95) For heavy oil facilities, the licensee must submit a representative oil analysis.
5.10.6.2 Engineering and Safety Requirements
No documentation required.
5.10.6.3 Gas Conservation
96) For facilities with combined continuous flaring, venting, and incineration greater
than 900 m3/d recorded in Step 5, the licensee must submit the Directive 060
economic evaluation and decision tree analysis. If it is not feasible to complete the
conservation evaluation until the well test is completed, the licensee must submit an
explanation of related reasons and a description of plans to complete the
evaluations after initial production.
97) For gas processing plants with continuous flaring/incineration, the licensee must
submit documentation indicating that the requirements of Directive 060, Section
5.1, have been met.
5.10.6.4 Noise Guidelines
98) For all facilities with noise-generating equipment, the licensee must submit a copy
of the noise impact assessment prepared in accordance with Directive 038.
5-26 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 5-27
5-28 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
a) a plant material balance for design conditions that matches the streams and
equipment shown on the PFD and includes
i)
maximum H 2 S content for both the inlet rate and the acid gas rate,
116) For facilities with continuous sulphur emissions, the licensee must submit a
breakdown of all sources that contribute to the total value (e.g., flare, produced
water tanks).
117) For facilities where the sulphur inlet is greater than 1 t/d, the licensee must submit
an explanation of how the facility meets the current sulphur recovery guidelines.
5.12.3 Step 3: Technical InformationSetback Requirements
5.12.3.1 Setback Requirements
118) The licensee must submit
a) the input parameters used to calculate the potential H 2 S release volume of the
highest level of pipeline associated with the facility (inlet or outlet streams),
b) a pipeline map showing ESD and check valve locations, and
c) the pipeline licence and line number for the highest level of pipeline associated
with the facility.
5.12.3.2 Vapour Recovery
119) For facilities where the inlet H 2 S is greater than 10 mol/kmol, the licensee must
submit a description of the method proposed to control odours from storage tanks
and other sources of vented gas, including the type of system.
120) For facilities where a product containing greater than 0.01 mol/kmol of H 2 S will be
transported, the licensee must submit documentation that confirms that a method to
control off-lease odours during the transport of fluids containing H 2 S gas is in
place.
5.12.3.3 SO 2 Emissions and Stack Design
121) For facilities with continuous flaring/incineration where the inlet H 2 S is less than
10 mol/kmol, the licensee must submit the heating value of the gas stream for the
flare/incinerator.
122) For facilities where the inlet H 2 S is greater than 10 mol/kmol, the licensee must
submit
a) a schematic diagram or description of the flare/incinerator that must show a
continuous pilot and/or automatic igniter, flame arrestor, and stack height,
b) for incinerators, the residence time and exit temperature, and
c) documentation that demonstrates that the AAAQO will be met for SO 2
emissions from continuous sources and from nonroutine events. The
documentation must clearly show that dispersion modelling was conducted in
accordance with the Alberta Air Quality Model Guideline and Directive 060
and should include (but not be limited to) the following:
i)
the source parameters, locations, elevations, and SO 2 emission rates for all
sources,
5-30 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 5-31
N/A
Audit Documents
Date of meeting
Invitation list
5.10.3
5.10.4
Statement confirming that a corporate or specific plan will be in place prior to operation
For Category B facilities, a representative gas analysis
5.10.5
5-32 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
N/A
Audit Documents
Breakdown of the sources of NO x and CO 2 emissions
Manufacturer specifications to confirm NO x and CO 2 emissions
Diagrams to demonstrate that stack height requirements have been met
List of all sources of continuous flaring, incineration, and venting
The results of the ground-level radiant heat intensity calculation for the flare/incinerator
5.10.6
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 5-33
N/A
Audit Documents
5.11.3
5.12.3
5-34 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
N/A
Audit Documents
The source parameters, locations, elevations, and SO 2 emission rates for all sources
Predicted maximum ground-level SO 2 concentrations
Name of the dispersion model used
Description of meteorological data used
Terrain map of the study area
For incinerators, the residence time and exit temperature
For facilities with less than 10 mol/kmol H 2 S, the heating value of the gas stream for the
flare/incinerator
N/A
Nonroutine Submissions
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 5-35
N/A
Nonroutine Submissions
Copy of the written concern/objection (or summary of issues if not available)
A chronology of the participant involvement program conducted with the party
A discussion of steps taken to mitigate the outstanding concerns/objection
Copy of the applicants project-specific information package
List of other documents distributed
Documentation in support of the Battle Lake application requirements (Section 8)
Explanation of how you want the ERCB to proceed with your application
If there are residents within the EPZ, you must also attach
5-36 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
N/A
Nonroutine Submissions
Question 9: NO x air emissions meet the Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives
Explanation of why the Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives will not be met
Documents confirming that dispersion modelling was conducted in accordance with
the Alberta Air Quality Model Guideline, including
- the source parameters, locations, elevations, and NOx emission rates for all
sources
- predicted normal and maximum ground-level NO 2 concentrations
- the name of the dispersion model used
- a description of meteorological data used
- a terrain map of the study area
Question 14a: If YES, clearance has been granted for the facility site
Explanation as to why Alberta Culture and Community Spirit has not provided
clearance
Question 16: The proposed facility meets the ERCB environmental requirements
A detailed explanation of why the facility does not meet ERCB environmental
requirements and what measures will be in place to ensure the facility will not have a
negative impact on the environment
SCHEDULE 2.2: Gas PlantsFacilities
Step 3: Technical Information
Question 1: A sour gas proliferation review has been conducted in accordance with ID 2001-03
A detailed explanation as to why the requirements cannot be met
SCHEDULE 2.3: H 2 S InformationFacilities
Step 2: Gas Treating and Processing Information
Acid gas disposal method: Other
Description of the proposed alternative acid gas disposal process and supporting
technical documents/papers discussing the method
Sulphur recovery process: Other
Description of the proposed process, including a supporting process flow diagram
and material balance
Technical documents/papers discussing the process
Explanation of how the proposed process will meet the sulphur recovery
requirements
Available correspondence from Alberta Environment related to the process
Results and description of the process in operation at another facility
Step 3: Technical Information
Question 1: Sour setback requirements have been met
Detailed explanation of why the setbacks cannot be met
Question 2: A method to recover vapours will be implemented
Detailed explanation of why vapour recovery will not be installed
Discussion of mitigative measures to ensure that off-lease odours do not occur
Question 3: SO 2 air emissions meet the Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives
Schematic diagram or description of the flare/incinerator
The source parameters, locations, elevations, and SO 2 emission rates for all sources
Predicted maximum ground-level SO 2 concentrations
(continued)
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 5-37
N/A
Nonroutine Submissions
Name of the dispersion model used
Description of meteorological data used
Terrain map of the study area
For facilities with less than 10 mol/kmol H 2 S, the heating value of the gas stream for
the flare/incinerator
Description of the magnitude and frequency of potential SO 2 exceedance and
information on situations leading to SO 2 exceedance (operational scenarios,
meteorological conditions)
5-38 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
MONTH
YEAR
APPLICANTS REFERENCE
1. IDENTIFICATION
Applicant BA Code
Applicant Name
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
4. APPLICATION TYPE
Category Type: ________________________
New Licence
Description: ________________________________________
Licence Amendment
Temporary Facility
_________________ mol/kmol
_____________________%
2-Install/remove compression
LSD
SEC
TWP RGE
Direct to Sales
DAY
MONTH YEAR
FAC-06-2008-10A
Energy Resources Conservation Board Facilities Applications, Suite 1000, 250 5 Street SW, Calgary Alberta T2P 0R4
Schedule 2, page 2
Applicant Name
Applicants Reference
5. DESIGN CRITERIA
Raw Gas
Oil/Bitumen
103 m3/d
Total Continuous
Emissions Rates
NOx
Condensate
m3/d
CO2
kg/h
Water
m3/d
Flaring/Incineration
t/d
103 m3/d
Sulphur
m3/d
t/d
Venting
103 m3/d
6. TECHNICAL INFORMATION
1. The proposed facility is part of an experimental, primary, or commercial crude bitumen scheme....................................................... YES
NO
NO
3. The facility will meet all current and applicable engineering and safety standards .............................................................................. YES
NO
NO
4a. If YES, the gas flaring, incinerating, or venting will comply with the requirements of Directive 060................................................... YES
NO
5. The facility meets the ERCB Noise Control requirements (Directive 038)............................................................................................ YES
NO
NO
7. ERCB oilfield waste management requirements will be met (Directive 058)........................................................................................ YES
8. ERCB production measurement requirements will be met ................................................................................................................... YES
NO
9. NOx air emissions meet the Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives .................................................................................................... YES
NO
NO
NO
12. The proposed facility will include compressors (new licence only). If Yes, attach completed Schedule 2.4. .................................... YES
NO
13. The proposed facility will include pumps (new licence only). If Yes, attach completed Schedule 2.4................................................ YES
NO
14. The proposed facility site requires Historical Resources Act clearance (Freehold land only) ............................................................ YES
NO
14a. If YES, clearance has been granted for the facility site ................................................................................................................... YES
NO
15. The licensee is the only working interest participant. If NO, attach a completed Schedule 2.1 ......................................................... YES
NO
16. The facility meets the ERCB environmental requirements ................................................................................................................. YES
NO
FAC-06-2008-10A
Energy Resources Conservation Board Facilities Applications, Suite 1000, 250 5 Street SW, Calgary Alberta T2P 0R4
Enter the date on which you will submit this schedule to the ERCB in the
upper left corner (e.g., 15 Jan 2011).
Applicants Reference
Step 1: Identification
Applicant BA Code
Enter the 4-digit business associate (BA) code issued to your company.
Applicant Name
Enter the full corporate name of the applicant assigned the BA code.
YES means that all applicable requirements as outlined in Table 5.1, the
participant involvement requirements of Section 2, and Section 5.8 have
been met prior to application submission.
NO means that due to exceptional circumstances, all applicable
requirements as cited above have not been met. This includes being
unable to contact a party or receive confirmation of nonobjection, as
required.
If NO, you must attach
an explanation of how you would like the ERCB to proceed with this
application.
YES means that all operators of similar facilities and all licensees of
unconnected wells within your area of investigation have been notified in
accordance with the participant involvement requirements of Section 2,
Section 5.8, Table 5.4, and the proliferation requirements of Section 5.9.3
prior to application submission.
NO means that due to exceptional circumstances, all applicable
requirements cited above have not been met.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 5-41
an explanation of how you would like the ERCB to proceed with this
application.
a discussion of how you would like the ERCB to proceed with your
application.
If there are residents within the EPZ, you must also attach
YES also means the proposed facility is located within the Tier 1 area of
Battle Lake and the documentation required by Section 8 is attached.
The ERCB will review only the concern/objection identified and decide if
an exemption is warranted.
NO means there are no outstanding public and/or industry
concerns/objections.
5-42 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Enter the distance from the edge of the facility lease to the nearest surface
development in kilometres (km) to 2 decimal places.
If there is no surface development within the EPZ, a distance to the
nearest town, village, or urban centre may be used. Where there is no
EPZ, a search should be done to at least 1.5 km; if there is no surface
development within this distance, enter 1.5 km on the schedule.
Enter the distance from the edge of the facility lease to the nearest
residence in kilometres (km) to 2 decimal places.
If there are no residences within the EPZ, a distance to the nearest town,
village, or urban centre may be used. Where there is no EPZ, a search
should be done to at least 1.5 km; if there are no residences within this
distance, enter 1.5 km on the schedule.
For each Schedule 2 attached, enter the applicable category type from
Table 5.1.
Description
Temporary Facility
Check this box if you are applying for a facility that will operate for less
than 1 year or if you are filing a licence amendment application to extend
the licence expiry date of an existing temporary facility licence for up to
an additional 6 months from the original licensed date.
Maximum H 2 S Content of
Inlet Gas
Enter the maximum H 2 S content of the raw inlet gas in parts per million
(ppm), moles per kilomole (mol/kmol) to 3 decimal places, or percentage
(%) to 4 decimal places. For facilities with multiple inlet streams, record
the H 2 S value from the stream with the highest H 2 S content. The highest
H 2 S content must be based either on pipelines entering the facility or on
any well associated with the raw gas inlet.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 5-43
Use this section if you are amending an existing ERCB licensed facility.
From the following list you may check all that apply; however, only
certain amendment combinations will be permitted on one Schedule 2
application. Table 5.3: Category Type Amendment Combinations
describes the allowable licence amendment combinations.
For all licence amendments listed below, full participant involvement
requirements must be met or the application must be filed as nonroutine.
This includes those amendments described as being not mandatory.
Compressors less than 75 kW that were installed previously as an exempt
activity (Section 5.5.3) should be captured on Schedule 2.4 the next time
an amendment application for the facility is required.
Check this box if you are applying to change the category and/or type of
an existing licensed facility as described in Table 5.1. Depending on the
amended category/type applied for, you may be required to complete
Schedules 2.2, 2.3, and/or 2.4.
2 Install/Remove
Compression
Check this box if you are applying to install and/or remove compression at
an existing licensed facility. The removal of compression is not a
mandatory application but will be processed at the applicants request.
You must also complete Schedule 2.4.
Compressors less than 75 kW that were installed previously as an exempt
activity (Section 5.5.3) should be captured on Schedule 2.4 the next time
an amendment application for the facility is required.
Check this box if you are applying to change the maximum licensed inlet
rates of an existing licensed facility. The reduction of licensed inlet rates
is not a mandatory application but will be processed at the applicants
request.
Check this box if you are applying to change the maximum H2S content of
the inlet gas of an existing licensed Category C, D, or E facility without a
category and/or type change. You must also complete Schedule 2.3 for all
Category C, D, and E facilities. The reduction of licensed H2S content is
not a mandatory application but will be processed at the applicants
request.
5 Install/Remove
Injection/Disposal Pumps
6 Change Product/Product
Recovery Rates
Check this box if you are applying to change the product/product recovery
rates of an existing licensed gas processing plant. You must also complete
Schedule 2.2. The reduction of product recovery rates is not a mandatory
application but will be processed at the applicants request. Also, the
increase in product recovery rates at a Category B gas plant is not a
mandatory application but will be processed at the applicants request.
5-44 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
7 Add Regenerative
Sweetening
8 Add Nonregenerative
Sweetening
9 Change Maximum
Continuous Sulphur
Emissions
Check this box if you are applying to change the maximum continuous
sulphur emission rate of an existing licensed Category C, D, or E facility.
You must also complete Schedule 2.3. The reduction in sulphur emissions
is not a mandatory application but will be processed at the applicants
request.
Check this box if you are applying to extend the expiration date of a
temporary facility licence or a permanent facility licence where
construction has not commenced. A licence amendment application to
extend the expiry date may only be submitted once and may not be
combined with other types of licence amendment applications.
11 Change Status to
Permanent
Check this box if you are applying to change the status of an existing
temporary facility licence to become a permanent licensed facility.
Check this box if you are applying to add a new flare/incinerator stack at
an existing facility.
13 Increase Sulphur
Recovery Efficiency
Check this box if you are applying to increase only the sulphur recovery
efficiency at an existing sulphur recovery facility or acid gas injection
facility. You must also complete Schedule 2.3.
14 Decrease Sulphur
Recovery Efficiency
Check this box if you are applying to decrease the sulphur recovery
efficiency at an existing sulphur recovery facility or acid gas injection
facility. You must also complete Schedule 2.3.
Check this box if you are applying to change the acid gas disposal method
at an existing licensed Category C, D, or E gas plant. You must also
complete Schedule 2.3.
16 Degrandfather Sulphur
Recovery Facility
Location
Enter the surface location of the facility where construction will occur
using the Dominion Land Survey system.
If this is a licence amendment to a previously approved facility, enter the
location exception (LE) assigned on the previous licence. Leave LE blank
for all new facility applications.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 5-45
Enter the existing ERCB facility licence number for the facility being
amended.
If you are changing a temporary facility to permanent status, enter the
facility licence number issued for the temporary operation.
Enter the facility licence number for the facility that receives and reports
the production from this nonreporting facility. This also applies to
temporary nonreporting facilities. Do not indicate a linking facility
number if this site is a reporting facility.
Direct to Sales
Temporary/Extended Facility
Expiry
ERCB-Designated Field or
Strike Area
For new licence applications, this date must not be more than 1 year from
the date of application. You may file a licence amendment application to
extend the expiry date of a temporary licence or to extend the expiration
of a permanent facility licence up to an additional 6 months.
Enter the maximum daily design rates under normal operating conditions
for the facility inlet to 2 decimal places for raw gas and sulphur inlets, and
one decimal place for oil/bitumen, condensate, and water inlets. The total
sulphur inlet rate entered for Category C, D, or E facilities must be greater
than 0.00. If an inlet product is not applicable, enter 0.
Your answers should represent the total design amounts associated with
all on-site equipment for the location identified (Section 5.9.7).
NO x
Enter the total amount of NO x emissions from all sources at the facility
site in kilograms per hour (kg/h) to 2 decimal places. If less than 0.01
kg/h, enter 0.
This value should include NO x from internal combustion reciprocating
engines (gas or liquid fueled), gas/liquid fired turbines and combustion
heaters, boilers and steam generating units (gas, liquid or solid fueled),
and sulphur recovery unit incinerator stacks.
This value should not include NO x from flare stacks.
5-46 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Enter the total amount of CO 2 emissions from all sources at the facility
site in tonnes per day (t/d) to 2 decimal places. If less than 0.01 t/d, enter
0. For facilities operating a sweetening unit for the purpose of CO 2
removal, record the volume of CO 2 vented from that operation.
CO 2
Flaring/Incineration
This value should include all sources of flash gas and/or tank vapour
streams that are associated with continuous flaring/incineration during
normal operations.
This value should not include fuel gas used for header purge, flare
combustion management, or pilot fuel, volumes attributed to emergency
or maintenance flaring, or volumes associated with sulphur recovery tail
gas flaring/incineration.
Enter the maximum continuous venting rate in 103 m3/d to 2 decimal
places, including that from all sources on site where gas is vented. You
must enter 0.00 for facilities with no continuous venting.
Venting
2. Equipment spacing
requirements will be met.
(Section 5.9.10)
YES means that the facility design and construction will meet the
equipment spacing requirements detailed in the Oil and Gas Conservation
Regulations (OGCR), Part 8 (including proximity to a water body), and as
required by Directive 060.
If YES, enter the scheme approval number required in the space provided.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 5-47
a detailed survey plan that clearly identifies the facility location and
the distance to the associated water body; and either
YES means that the facility is covered by the current engineering and
safety standards and it will meet all applicable CSA, ASME, and ABSA
requirements.
NO means that due to exceptional circumstances, all applicable
engineering and safety requirements cited above have not been met in the
facility design.
If NO, you must attach a detailed explanation of nonconformance with
safety and engineering standards.
The ERCB will review the circumstances and decide if an exemption is
warranted.
5-48 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
YES means that gas produced at the facility will be continuously flared,
incinerated, or vented under normal operating conditions.
NO means that the gas produced at the facility will be conserved or that
this is a Category E facility.
YES means that a noise impact assessment has been conducted and used
in site selection and facility design, and it indicates that the facility will
operate within the guidelines in Directive 038 or that there is no
significant noise-generating equipment at this facility.
NO means that due to exceptional circumstances, all applicable
requirements cited above have not been met.
If NO, you must attach
YES means that the facility design and operation will meet the storage
requirements in IL 84-11, IL 94-06, and Directive 055. This also applies to
sulphur-forming, storage, and transportation facilities that are part of the
facility. YES also means that materials will not be stored at this facility or
that the materials stored are exempt from Directive 055 requirements.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 5-49
YES means that an oilfield waste management plan will be developed and
implemented to manage any wastes generated as a result of the facilitys
operations.
On-site waste management (one-time treatment or waste management
component) is limited to first-party oilfield wastes generated inside the
production system.
Facilities required for the disposal of Class 1a/1b fluids require approval
under Directive 058.
Standalone surface facilities that dispose of Class II fluids only but
maintain a Class 1a or 1b disposal scheme approval for the well require
approval under Directive 058.
An oilfield waste management system requires approval as an oilfield
waste management facility pursuant to the application requirements
detailed in Directive 058.
The requirements for the management of oilfield wastes are detailed in ID
96-03, Directive 058, ID 2000-04, ID 2000-03, ID 99-04, IL 99-02, and
IL 98-02.
8. ERCB production
measurement requirements
will be met.
(Section 5.9.13)
YES means that the facility design and operation will meet the production
measurement standards detailed in Directive 056, Section 5.9.13 and
Appendix 2, and in Directive 060.
NO means that due to exceptional circumstances, all applicable
requirements cited above have not been met.
If NO, you must attach a detailed explanation of why measurement will
not meet ERCB requirements and a discussion of the proposed alternative.
The ERCB will review the circumstances and decide if an exemption is
warranted.
YES means that NO x emissions will be within the Alberta Ambient Air
Quality Objectives issued by AENV or that the facility has been registered
with and/or approved by AENV.
NO means that due to exceptional circumstances, NO x emissions will not
be within the Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives.
5-50 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
NO means that the facility does not require an EIA under EPEA.
This information will help ERCB staff coordinate a joint notice, if
required.
YES means that this application for a new facility licence includes gas
compression. You must complete Schedule 2.4.
A response is not required for licence amendment applications.
NO means that this application for a new facility licence does not include
gas compression.
YES means that this application for a new facility licence includes
injection/disposal pumps. You must complete Schedule 2.4.
A response is not required for licence amendment applications.
NO means that this application for a new facility licence does not include
injection/disposal pumps.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 5-51
YES means that the new facility lease or expanded facility lease (in the
case of a licence amendment) requires clearance by Alberta Culture and
Community Spirit, in accordance with the Historical Resources Act.
Only complete this question if you have answered YES to question 14.
NO means that the new facility lease or expanded facility lease (in the
case of a licence amendment) does not require clearance by Alberta
Culture and Community Spirit or that the facility is located on Crown
land.
YES means that Alberta Culture and Community Spirit has granted
clearance for the proposed facility site.
NO means that Alberta Culture and Community Spirit has not granted
clearance for the proposed facility site.
If NO, you must attach a detailed explanation as to why Alberta Culture
and Community Spirit has not provided clearance.
The ERCB will review the circumstance and decide if an exemption is
warranted.
YES means that the licensee is the only working interest participant.
A response is not required for licence amendment applications.
NO means that the licensee is not the only working interest participant.
If NO, you must complete Schedule 2.1, providing details on all working
interest participants and the percentage ownership of each.
5-52 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
MONTH
YEAR
APPLICANTS REFERENCE
1. IDENTIFICATION
Applicant BA Code
Applicant Name
Company Name
Percentage
FAC-06-2008-10A
Energy Resources Conservation Board Facilities Applications, Suite 1000, 250 5 Street SW, Calgary Alberta T2P 0R4
Enter the date on which you will submit this schedule to the ERCB in
the upper left corner (e.g., 15 Jan 2011).
Applicants Reference
Step 1: Identification
Applicant BA Code
Applicant Name
Percentage (%)
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 5-55
MONTH
APPLICANTS REFERENCE
YEAR
1. IDENTIFICATION
Applicant BA Code
Applicant Name
C3
C2
103 m3/d
m3/d
C5 +
C2+ mix
m3/d
m3/d
Sulphur
C4s
m3/d
LPG mix
m3/d
C2 Component of C2+ mix
m3/d
m3/d
CO2
t/d
103 m3/d
3. TECHNICAL INFORMATION
1. A sour gas proliferation review has been conducted in accordance with ID 2001-03 .......................................................................... YES
NO
2. The proposed facility is part of an approved acid gas injection scheme............................................................................................... YES
NO
FAC-06-2008-10A
NO
Energy Resources Conservation Board Facilities Applications, Suite 1000, 250 5 Street SW, Calgary Alberta T2P 0R4
Enter the date on which you will submit this schedule to the ERCB in the
upper left corner (e.g., 15 Jan 2011).
Applicants Reference
Step 1: Identification
Applicant BA Code
Enter the 4-digit business associate (BA) code issued to your company.
Applicant Name
Enter the full corporate name of the applicant associated with the BA
code.
Enter the maximum daily design rates for all applicable recovered and
sales products to 2 decimal places.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 5-59
MONTH
APPLICANTS REFERENCE
YEAR
1. IDENTIFICATION
Applicant BA Code
Applicant Name
Regenerative
Nonregenerative
None
Subsurface Injection
Sulphur Recovery
Flaring/Incineration
CO2 Venting
Other (specify)
Claus
CBA
Superclaus
Sulfreen
MCRC
SCOT
FGD
Lo-Cat
Shell-Paques
Selectox
CrystaSulf
Other (specify)
Both
103 m3/d
Maximum H2S Content of Inlet Gas
mol/kmol
Maximum Continuous Sulphur Emission Rate
mol/kmol
t/d
NO
NO
3. SO2 air emissions meet the Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives ................................................................................................... YES
NO
km
4b. Number of surface developments within the maximum calculated emergency planning zone
FAC-06-2008-10A
Energy Resources Conservation Board Facilities Applications, Suite 1000, 250 5 Street SW, Calgary Alberta T2P 0R4
Enter the date on which you will submit this schedule to the ERCB in
the upper left corner (e.g., 15 Jan 2011).
Applicants Reference
Step 1: Identification
Applicant BA Code
Enter the 4-digit business associate (BA) code issued to your company.
Applicant Name
Enter the full corporate name of the applicant associated with the BA
code.
Check the appropriate box for the type of sweetening process used.
Check None if you are not treating or processing the inlet gas for H 2 S
removal.
Check Both if you are using both regenerative and nonregenerative
sweetening processes at the facility.
If you select Regenerative, you must complete Schedule 2.2.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 5-63
Enter the maximum continuous sulphur emission rate on a sulphurequivalent basis in tonnes per day (t/d) to 2 decimal places.
This number should represent the sum of the sulphur content of the tail
gas emission from a sulphur recovery process, continuous acid gas
flaring/incineration, emissions from produced water tanks, and
continuous or routine flaring/incineration of gas containing H 2 S.
This number does not include sulphur emissions from infrequent
emergency or maintenance flaring/incineration.
For all E Category gas processing plants, enter the minimum sulphur
recovery efficiency percentage (%) determined on a calendar quarteryear average basis to 1 decimal place.
For all D Category gas processing plants where subsurface injection has
been selected in Step 2, enter the equivilant sulphur recovery efficiency,
consistent with the approved sulphur inlet and Table 1 from ID 200103.
The sulphur recovery efficiency must meet the requirements of
ID 2001-03.
5-64 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
YES means that SO 2 emissions will be within the Alberta Ambient Air
Quality Objectives issued by AENV, as predicted by dispersion
modelling, or that the facility emissions have been approved by AENV.
NO means that due to exceptional circumstances, SO 2 emissions will
not be within the Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives.
If NO, for SO 2 exceedances you must attach
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 5-65
5-66 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
MONTH
YEAR
APPLICANTS REFERENCE
1. IDENTIFICATION
Applicant BA Code
Applicant Name
2. COMPRESSORS
Install (I)
Compressor Rating
Remove (R)
NO x Emission Rating
Electric
kW
g/kWh
kW
g/kWh
kW
g/kWh
kW
g/kWh
kW
g/kWh
kW
g/kWh
kW
g/kWh
3. PUMPS
Install (I)
Pump Rating
Remove (R)
No x Emission Rating
Electric
kW
g/kWh
kW
g/kWh
kW
g/kWh
kW
g/kWh
kW
g/kWh
kW
g/kWh
kW
g/kWh
4. TECHNICAL INFORMATION
1a. Night-time permissible sound level (PSL) at the nearest or most impacted residence ________________ dBa.
1b. Predicted overall sound level at the nearest or most impacted residence _______________ dBa.
FAC-06-2008-10A
Energy Resources Conservation Board Facilities Applications, Suite 1000, 250 5 Street SW, Calgary Alberta T2P 0R4
Enter the date on which you will submit this schedule to the ERCB in the
upper left corner (e.g., 15 Jan 2011).
Applicants Reference
Step 1: Identification
Applicant BA Code
Enter the 4-digit business associate (BA) code issued to your company.
Applicant Name
Enter the full corporate name of the applicant associated with the BA
code.
Step 2: Compressors
Complete this step if you are installing and/or removing upstream compression at a new or existing site.
The removal of compression is not a mandatory application submission but will be processed at the
applicants request (Section 5.9.8).
Install/Remove
Compressor Rating
Enter the kilowatt (kW) rating of each unit proposed for installation and/or
removal at this facility.
Check the appropriate driver source for each unit proposed for installation
and/or removal at this facility.
NO x Emission Rating
Enter the sum of the compressor wattage for the entire facility operations
in kilowatts (kW).
The total must include any new units being added by this application.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 5-69
Step 3: Pumps
Complete this step if you are installing and/or removing upstream disposal/injection pumps at a new or
existing site. The removal of injection/disposal pumps is not a mandatory application submission but will
be processed at the applicants request (Section 5.9.8).
Install/Remove
Pump Rating
Enter the kilowatt (kW) rating of each unit proposed for installation and/or
removal at this facility.
Check the appropriate driver source for each unit proposed for installation
and/or removal at this facility.
NO x Emission Rating
Enter the sum of the pump wattage for the entire facility operations in
kilowatts (kW).
The total must include any new units being added by this application.
Enter the night-time permissible sound level (PSL) at the nearest or most
impacted residence in decibels absolute (dBa) to 2 decimal places.
Enter the predicted overall sound level at the nearest or most impacted
residence in dBa to 2 decimal places.
5-70 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Section 6
6.1
construct and operate a new pipeline that requires a new pipeline licence;
construct and operate a permanent or temporary surface pipeline, except for pipelines
that will be in continuous use for less than 21 consecutive days for the purpose of
well testing (consent is obtained from the local ERCB Field Centre; see Directive
077: PipelinesRequirements and Reference Tools);
compressor station or pump station (in continuous use for more than 21 days)
associated with pipelines carrying processed (sales) product located downstream
of a facility,
tank farm,
Schedule 3 is also used to notify the ERCB of a pipeline abandonment and pipeline
discontinuation.
The applicant must submit only one Schedule 3, Schedule 3.1, and Schedule 3.2 per
pipeline application. Each Schedule 3 can have only one purpose (i.e., the applicant must
apply for either new construction or an amendment). Multiple amendments to pipelines
under one licence may be included on a Schedule 3.
Directive 026: Setback Requirements for Oil Effluent Pipelines introduces setback
requirements for oil effluent pipelines containing greater than 10 mol/kmol of H2S. The
requirements set out in Directive 026 must be met when filing a Directive 056 pipeline
licence application for new construction of any pipeline containing greater than 10
mol/kmol H2S.
Gas utility pipelines and any associated pipeline installations are not under the
jurisdiction of the ERCB. Applicants seeking to acquire or amend a licence for a gas
utility pipeline or associated pipeline installation should contact the Alberta Utilities
Commission (AUC) for direction on how to proceed. Refer to Bulletin 2007-46: Gas
Utility Pipelines Under the Jurisdiction of the Alberta Utilities Commission for further
information regarding the change in jurisdiction.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-1
6.2
Project Submissions
A project is defined as a network of facilities, pipelines, and/or wells that connect to a
common facility. A project submission may consist of the consecutive submissions of
related single licence applications or the single submission of multiple licence
applications of related facilities, pipelines, and wells. The ERCB encourages applicants to
identify related applications that are part of the same project through the use of a
common reference number in the Applicants Reference section.
Numbered statements represent requirements and expectations (see Section 1.4).
1) If the applicant is filing an application for a project submission:
a) the project must be submitted under one company name using one Schedule 1, and
b) the applicant must complete a separate Schedule 3 for each pipeline licence in the
project, and
c) each Schedule 3.1 and 3.2 must be related to only one Schedule 3.
6.3
Licences
Applications submitted under Directive 056 are for a licence to construct and operate a
pipeline. For administrative purposes, the pipeline status automatically changes from
permitted to operating one year from the date the licence was issued.
6.3.1
Licence Expiry
New pipeline construction licences expire one year from the date of issue if right-of-way
clearing, construction, or operation has not begun on that pipeline. If an amendment is
made to a pipeline licence with a permitted status, the expiry date remains unchanged.
2) The applicant must submit a licence amendment at least 30 days prior to the licence
expiry date informing the ERCB that a pipeline will not be constructed.
3) If an applicant intends to proceed with a project for which a licence has expired, it
must fulfill all applicable regulatory requirements, including participant involvement
requirements, before filing a new application (also see Section 2).
Due to the complexity of some developments, it is possible that the applicant may not be
able to act on a licence before the expiry date. If licence expiry is imminent, the applicant
should contact ERCB Facilities Applications for advice on how best to proceed.
4) Prior to initiating new construction when a licence is nearing licence expiry, the
applicant must conduct a new resident/landowner search and determine if any new
issues have arisen since the licence was granted.
5) If a pipeline licence has expired and construction has not commenced, the applicant
must advise Facilities Applications by submitting a self-declaration application. The
applicant should contact Facilities Applications for further direction on how to
proceed.
6-2 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
6) If an applicant does not intend to proceed with the licence, it must notify Facilities
Applications.
6.3.2
Licence Extensions
The ERCB issues a licence for a term of one year. An applicant may make a request to
extend the expiry date of an applied-for licence at the time of application. Requests for
extensions will be considered on a case-by-case basis, but the date of expiry will
normally not extend beyond two years from the date the licence was issued.
7) To get an extended licence expiry date, an applicant must confirm at the time of
application that it will update the associated participant involvement program before
acting on the licence.
6.4
6.5
Exemptions
10) Although no application is required under Directive 056 for the following pipelines
and activities, the company must provide a project-specific information package to
any landowners, occupants, and residents that may be directly and adversely affected
by the activity.
If a concern/objection to the proposal is received and remains unresolved, the ERCB
may require that a nonroutine application be submitted.
Although applications are not required under Directive 056, the company must meet
all applicable regulatory requirements. If the company is unable to meet all the
regulatory requirements, it must obtain a waiver from the requirement from the
appropriate ERCB group.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-3
6.5.1
Pipeline Installations
The licensing of the following pipeline installations does not occur under Directive 056:
loading racks,
meter stations,
regulator stations,
a temporary pipeline installation that will be in continuous use for less than 21
consecutive days for the purpose of well testing (consent for temporary pipeline
installations is obtained from the local ERCB Field Centre), and
Table 6.1. Pipeline category type and consultation and notification requirements
Personal consultation
and confirmation of
Category Name
Type Description
nonobjection
B, C, D
B
Records correction
Pipelines, gas
(non-sour service1)
Pipelines, oil
effluent2
non-sour service1
Pipelines, other
Pipeline
downstream
facilities
000
100
101
110
All
Natural gas 323.9 mm OD
Natural gas > 323.9 mm OD
Oil effluent 323.9 mm OD
111
120
121
Other 323.9 mm OD
Other > 323.9 mm OD
130
131
Landowner and
occupants
Residents within 0.5 km
Landowners and
occupants of the rightof-way
132
133
C
Pipelines, gas
(sour service but
10 mol/kmol
H2S1)
380
381
Pipelines, oil
effluent2
sour service1)
382
Pipeline upstream
facilities
384
383
Landowners and
occupants of the rightof-way
Notification
Landowner and
occupants
For pipeline systems containing a gas phase, sour service is service in which the H2S partial pressure exceeds 0.3 kPa at the licensed MOP. For
pipeline systems not containing a gas phase (gas-free liquid pipeline systems), sour service is service in which the effective H2S partial pressure
exceeds 0.3 kPa at the bubble point absolute pressure. (See Section 6.9.20).
A release volume must be calculated for all oil effluent pipelines containing greater than 10 mol/kmol H2S. Applications for these pipelines
must meet the personal consultation/confirmation of nonobjection and notification requirements for Category D pipelines based on the level of
the proposed pipeline as defined in Table 6.3.
6-4 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Table 6.1. Pipeline category type and consultation and notification requirements (concluded)
Personal consultation
and confirmation of
Category Name
Type Description
nonobjection
Notification
D
Pipelines, gas
> 10 mol/kmol
H2 S
Pipelines, gas
> 10 mol/kmol
H2 S
452
453
454
455
461
462
463
HVP pipelines
530
Pipeline
upstream
facilities
531
464
Landowners and
occupants of the rightof-way
Landowners and
occupants of the rightof-way and within 0.1
km setback
Landowners and
occupants of the rightof-way and within 0.1
km setback
Landowners and
occupants of the rightof- way and within 0.1
km setback
Landowners and
occupants of the rightof-way
Landowners and
occupants
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-5
Application
landowners and occupants of the entire pipeline rightof-way and within the associated setbacks, and
residents within the distances specified in Table 6.1 for
Category D pipelines.
Not constructed
Discontinuation
Resumption of discontinued
pipeline
6-6 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Table 6.2. Pipeline category type and consultation and notification requirements (concluded)
Activity
Participant Involvement
Resumption of abandoned
pipeline/pipeline installations
Application
6.5.2
Pipeline Activities
The licensing of the following pipelines and activities is not required under Directive
056:
6.6
a pipeline replacement if each individual section is less than 100 m long and
-
the replacement sections are identical, of the same material, or evaluated as being
equivalent or of a higher grade for the licensed purpose and operating conditions,
the pipeline or tie-in is wholly within a single surface lease boundary or is wholly
within adjacent or abutting facility surface leases (Pipeline Regulation, Section 1
(1)m and 1(4)), and
Category B, C, and D surface pipelines that will be in continuous use for less than 21
consecutive days for the purpose of well testing (consent for surface pipeline is
obtained from the local ERCB Field Centre; see Directive 077).
Records Correction
Applications to correct licence records should follow the self-disclosure process (see
Section 3.9) for licence amendments, using other for the licence amendment type.
6.7
Licence Amendments
11) Applicants must follow the requirements set out in Directive 026 when making an
application to amend an oil effluent pipeline with greater than 10 mol/kmol H2S
content.
12) The licensee must submit a pipeline licence amendment application for
a) MOP changes,
b) H2S changes,
c) change of substance,
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-7
d) liner installation/removal,
e) resumption,
f) discontinuation,
g) abandonment/partial removals,
h) removal,
i)
line split,
j)
6.8
6-8 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
b) If notification is required, the applicant must provide the applicants projectspecific information package and the letter from the Chairman of the ERCB and
offer copies of
i)
ii) the ERCB publication EnerFAQs No. 7: Proposed Oil and Gas
Development: A Landowners Guide;
iii) the ERCB publication EnerFAQs No. 15: Objecting to an Energy Resource
Project and the form Objecting to an Energy Resource Project; and
iv) all current ERCB EnerFAQs publications as set out on the ERCB Web site.
16) The applicant must indicate any outstanding concerns/objections by checking the
appropriate bold response on Schedule 3 to indicate a nonroutine application.
a) The applicant must also include a written summary of the outstanding issues for
ERCB review and consideration (Section 3.4), including a discussion as to how
the applicant intends to mitigate the issues raised.
b) The applicant and the objector are expected to consider using the ERCBs
Appropriate Dispute Resolution (ADR) program to mitigate outstanding
concerns/objections (Section 2).
17) The ERCB does not prescribe the geographical area the applicant must investigate for
industry notification. However, the applicant is expected to discuss the proposal with
licensees of similar pipelines.
a) The applicant is expected to provide interested oil and gas reserve owners and
licensees with a written overview of the proposed pipeline. The onus is then on
these parties to raise any concerns/objections to the proposal with the applicant
and the ERCB. The ERCB expects this contact to precede public consultation
and notification.
18) The ERCB does not require applicants to acquire crossing agreements prior to
submitting an application. However, they must be in place prior to construction.
19) Applicants must meet the requirements in Section 8.3 when planning sour gas
activity where residents are located within the EPZ.
20) Applications for oil effluent pipelines containing greater than 10 mol/kmol H2S must
meet the participant involvement requirements for Category D pipelines based on the
level designation of the pipeline proposed (as defined by Table 6.3) regardless of the
applied-for category/type of pipeline.
21) In cases of pipeline abandonment and discontinuation where no Directive 056 licence
is required to conduct the operation but the ERCB must be notified of its occurrence,
applicants must advise Facilities Applications if any concerns/objections to the
abandonment procedure are received.
6.9
Technical Requirements
The following are subsections under pipeline technical requirements and discuss various
fields on Schedules 3, 3.1, and 3.2.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-9
6.9.1
The emergency planning zone (EPZ) for pipelines containing H2S in the gas phase and
operating at pipeline licence conditions is based on the release volume from the pipeline.
An EPZ is also calculated for a high vapour pressure (HVP) pipeline.
Applicants are cautioned that it is a violation of privacy legislation to disclose in the
public portion of a facility, pipeline, or well licence application, any personal information
that was obtained for emergency response planning purposes. Such information must be
provided in confidence to the ERCB in connection with the emergency response planning
requirements set out in Directive 071.
6.9.2
Setback Requirements
There are specific setback distances between pipelines containing gas > 10 mol/kmol H2S
and permanent dwellings, unrestricted country developments, urban centres, or public
facilities.
22) The applicant must meet the applicable setback requirements in Table 6.3 based on
the calculated H2S release volume for the proposed pipeline.
Table 6.3. Setback requirements for gas/oil effluent pipelines containing >10 mol/kmol H2S
Level
1
2
Minimum Distance
Pipeline right-of-way
0.1 km to individual permanent dwellings and unrestricted country
developments
0.5 km to urban centres or public facilities
0.1 km to individual permanent dwellings up to 8 dwellings per quarter
section
0.5 km to unrestricted country developments
6.9.3
> 6000
23) The licensee must meet leak detection requirements for liquid hydrocarbon pipelines
as described in Annex E of CSA Z662.
CSA Z662, Clause 10, has requirements for leak detection for liquid hydrocarbon, gas,
and oilfield water pipelines; however, the additional leak detection requirements
contained in Annex E of CSA Z662 are mandatory only for liquid hydrocarbon pipelines.
Refer to the Pipeline Regulation, Section 9.
6.9.4
Steam distribution pipelines used in the recovery of hydrocarbons from a reservoir or oil
sands deposit are regulated under the Pipeline Act and include pipelines intended to carry
steam, steam and produced fluids, or recovered steam. These pipelines require design
registration by ABSA, The Pressure Equipment Safety Authority, under the Pipeline
Regulation, but are exempt from both the Safety Codes Act and Pressure Equipment
Safety Regulation. There may be situations in other types of pipelines in which produced
fluids (emulsion) meet the definition of expansible fluid and require steam pipeline
6-10 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
design and design registration with ABSA. Refer to Directive 077 for additional
information.
24) Prior to the submission of a licence application, the design of steam distribution
pipelines must satisfy the requirements of CSA Z662, Clause 14 and be registered
with ABSA.
6.9.5
Pipeline Discontinuation
Pipeline Abandonment
The physical removal of a pipeline where crossings are not being removed is considered a
partial removal.
28) When applying for a partial pipeline removal and prior to undertaking any activity,
the licensee must
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-11
a) conduct notification with parties along the pipeline right-of-way and associated
setbacks (see Table 6.2),
b) submit a routine licence amendment application for a line split and removal (line
split into multiple segments showing line(s) to be removed and crossing(s)
remaining in place), and
c) file a licence amendment application within 90 days of completing the
abandonment of the crossing(s) to advise the ERCB of the abandonment.
6.9.8
Pipeline Resumption
Pipeline Removal
Pipeline removal is defined as the removal of the entire pipeline, including crossings of
roads, railways, and watercourses. The physical removal of a portion of a pipeline is also
addressed by filing a pipeline abandonment application (Section 6.9.6).
32) When applying to remove a pipeline and prior to undertaking any activity, the
licensee must
a) conduct notification with parties along the pipeline right-of-way and associated
setbacks (see Table 6.2),
6-12 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Pipeline Replacement
the replacement sections are identical, of the same material, or evaluated as being
equivalent or of a higher grade for the licensed purpose and operating conditions.
6.9.11
Surface Pipelines
Category B, C, and D surface pipelines that are in continuous use for less than 21 days
for well testing purposes do not require a Directive 056 pipeline licence application.
33) The applicant must submit a Directive 056 pipeline application for
a) Category B, C, and D surface pipelines that are in use for less than 21 days for
purposes other than well testing, and
b) all surface pipelines in continuous use for more than 21 consecutive days.
If all routine application requirements are met, Category B surface pipelines for
purposes other than well testing may be submitted as a routine Directive 056
application.
34) A Directive 056 pipeline application is not required for Category B, C, and D surface
pipelines in continuous service for less than 21 days for well testing purposes;
however, the company must obtain
a) landowner nonobjection, and
b) local ERCB Field Centre (Directive 077) consent to install and operate a surface
pipeline for less than 21 days.
35) The applicant must meet all requirements of CSA Z662 and the Pipeline Regulation.
a)
For Category B surface pipelines, J55 API tubing and threaded joints may be
used in some situations. Such applications must be submitted to ERCB Facilities
Applications as a nonroutine application.
36) The applicant must submit a nonroutine application for all Category C and D surface
pipelines for purposes other than well testing. The application may be submitted as
nonroutine by checking No to question 3 in Section 2 on Schedule 3.2. The
applicant must provide the following information with the application:
a)
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-13
b)
c)
a description of the measures taken to protect the surface pipeline from thirdparty damage;
d)
e)
37) The applicant must submit a nonroutine application for all Category C surface
pipelines associated with a thermal in situ oil sands operation. To submit the
application as nonroutine, check No to question 3 in Section 2 of Schedule 3.2.
The applicant is not required to submit the nonroutine documentation as outlined in
requirement 36 above if the proposed pipeline will
a) be a permanent surface pipeline,
b) be part of a thermal in situ operation (for example, SAGD or cyclic steam
injection) to produce crude bitumen in a designated oil sands area,
c) be made of steel,
d) be licensed as oil effluent, and
e) have an H2S partial pressure greater than 0.3 kPa but less than or equal to 70.0
kPa.
If all these criteria will be met, provide confirmation in writing in place of the
nonroutine documentation. The application must still be filed as nonroutine.
If any of the criteria will not be met and the pipeline is Category C, submit the
support documentation outlined in requirement 36.
6.9.12
38) Ministerial consent from Alberta Infrastructure must be obtained prior to any
government authority ordering or authorizing any operation or activity that causes a
surface disturbance in the Transportation/Utility Corridors.
a) The applicant must obtain consent from Alberta Infrastructure prior to submitting
an application to ERCB Facilities Applications.
6.9.13
Line Splits
A line split occurs when one line segment is split into multiple line segments that are
each assigned an individual line number.
39) The licensee must file a licence amendment application and receive approval before
beginning field work to split a line.
6-14 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
6.9.14
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-15
These plans can be represented as either individual ownership plans (IOPs) or as a plan of
the entire route. For lengthy pipeline routes, a series of pages is preferred to a single
small-scale map that shows the entire route. Use of a scale smaller than 1:25 000 might
not adequately represent topographic or watercourse crossing details in certain
circumstances.
6.9.15
Substance Change
6-16 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
If a pipeline transporting natural gas is to be tied into a pipeline transporting oil effluent
or vice versa, a routine pipeline application may be submitted provided that no H2S is
present in either substance.
49) If connecting pipelines are to transport any substance other than natural gas or oil
effluent containing no H2S, the applicant must file a nonroutine application by
selecting No to question 3 in Section 2 on Schedule 3.2. Questions regarding the
requirements for submitting technical documentation may be directed to the ERCB
Pipeline Technical Operations Section prior to application submission.
For pipelines licensed for sour natural gas (SG), the ERCB will only approve an
application if the connecting pipeline is also licensed for SG. For pipelines licensed for
HVP products (HV), the ERCB will only approve an application if the connecting
pipeline is also licensed for HV.
The ERCB will not approve an application for a pipeline with H2S that is to tie into an
existing pipeline with a lower H2S content than that of the proposed pipeline unless a
blending scheme is proposed (see Section 6.9.27).
6.9.19
Liner Type
A liner is defined as a tubular product that is inserted into buried pipeline to form
a corrosion-resistant barrier, or
The applicant may choose to install a liner in a pipeline to improve or maintain the
integrity of the pipeline.
50) The applicant must identify the correct type of liner for the substance transported in
the pipeline.
51) To file a routine application, the applicant must use one of the following liner types:
a) free-standing fibreglassconsidered pressure containing
b) free-standing reinforced composite linersconsidered pressure containing. Refer
to Directive 056s Process for Pipeline Applications of Fiberspar, Flexpipe,
flexcord, or FlexSteel Composite Pipes, available on the Directive 056 Web page
for limitations on routine filing.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-17
There are specific requirements in Clause 16 of CSA Z662 for the design, materials,
construction, operation, and maintenance of sour service pipelines. Sour service is
defined as:
for pipeline systems containing a gas phase, service in which the H2S partial pressure
exceeds 0.3 kPa at the licensed MOP; and
for pipeline systems not containing a gas phase (gas-free liquid pipeline systems),
service in which the effective H2S partial pressure exceeds 0.3 kPa at the bubble
point absolute pressure.
Multiphase (oil effluent) pipelines can include lines containing gas or that are gas free,
depending on the fluids involved, and therefore can occur under either definition of sour
service.
The gas definition is used for any service containing a gas phase. This would include gas
pipelines and could include multiphase (oil effluent) pipelines and acid gas pipelines.
The gas-free liquid definition would be used for liquid pipelines that have no separate gas
phase at operating conditions, but contain dissolved gas in the liquid that would evolve at
the bubble point. This could apply to such service situations as oilfield water, crude oil,
water-oil emulsions, or other liquids containing dissolved H2S.
54) The applicant must calculate the H2S partial pressure or effective partial pressure to
determine the need to meet CSA Z662 sour service requirements based on the
following criteria:
a) For pipeline systems containing gas, partial pressure can be determined by
multiplying the mole fraction (mol/kmol divided by 1000) of H2S in the gas by
MOP (kPa). Sour service requirements must be met if the H2S gas partial
pressure exceeds 0.3 kPa at the licensed MOP.
b) For gas-free liquid systems, the effective H2S partial pressure can be determined
by the method in NACE MR0175/ISO 15156, Part 2, Annex C. Sour service
requirements must be met if the effective H2S gas partial pressure exceeds 0.3
6-18 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
kPa at the bubble point absolute pressure, regardless of the category and type of
the pipeline.
Existing pipelines that were licensed prior to January 1, 2008, in compliance with the
sour service definition of editions of CSA Z662 prior to Z662-07 may continue to operate
within compliance, providing that there is no change in licensed service conditions.
Existing oil effluent pipelines with an H2S partial pressure between 0.3 and 70 kPa and
licensed prior to January 1, 2008, that experience a change in service conditions resulting
in an H2S partial pressure increase may continue to operate within compliance, providing
that they remain an oil effluent pipeline with H2S partial pressure at or below 70 kPa.
If an amendment to an existing pipeline results in the pipeline meeting the definition of
sour service and the pipeline will not continue to operate within compliance as described
above, refer to ERCB Reference Tool for Sour Service Conversion of Existing Carbon
Steel Pipelines, found on the Directive 056 Web page. The document provides a
standardized approach for the preparation, review, and approval of technical requirements
for sour service conversion of existing carbon steel pipelines.
6.9.21
If the Pipeline Act and Pipeline Regulation differ from CSA requirements, the act and
regulation govern. CSA states that the materials intended for sour service must comply
with the requirements of the sour service clause of the applicable CSA Z245 standard; if
no applicable CSA standard exists, the current material requirements of NACE
MR0175/ISO 15156 apply. Steel pipe, fittings, flanges, and valves must meet the
applicable requirements of a standard or specification given in Table 5.3 of CSA Z662,
with the acceptable materials and limitations indicated.
55) At a minimum for sour service pipelines, the applicant must meet the following CSA
material standards:
a) Steel PipeCSA Z245.1,
b) Steel FittingsCSA Z245.11,
c) Steel FlangesCSA Z245.12, and
d) Steel ValvesCSA Z245.15.
56) For pipeline installations
a) piping upstream and downstream of a line heater must meet CSA Z662,
b) piping within the line heater must be designed to American Society of
Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B31.3,
c) compressor and pump stations must meet CSA Z662, and
d) as indicated in the preface of CSA Z662, ASME B31.3 is only permissible for
internal piping for compressor and pump stations.
The ERCB has created a document to aid in the interpretation of the regulatory
interrelationships on pipeline systems. The Reference Tool for Interpreting Jurisdictional
Relationships for Pipeline, Pressure Equipment, and Pressure Piping is available in
Directive 077.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-19
6.9.22
CO2 has unique properties that necessitate specific design considerations for pipelines
transporting the substance. As some design considerations are not covered in CSA Z66207, the ERCB reviews all applications to construct or amend pipelines that transport CO2
to ensure that the design is based on sound engineering practices.
57) The applicant must file a nonroutine application by selecting No to question 3 in
Section 2 on Schedule 3.2 and provide the following information with the
application:
a) specific operating pressure ranges and pressure drops to avoid unnecessary phase
changes;
b) corrosion mitigation and monitoring issues due to water content and other
impurities;
c) specific material considerations to minimize the risk of fracture propagation;
d) ERP and dispersion modelling considerations; and
e) safety precautions during pipeline operation and repair.
Direct any questions on technical documentation requirements to the ERCB Pipeline
Technical Operations Section.
6.9.23
CSA Z662 does not address the use of stainless steel pipe; therefore, the ERCB reviews
all applications to construct or amend pipelines that use stainless steel pipe to ensure that
the design is based on sound engineering practices.
Direct any questions on technical documentation requirements to the ERCB Pipeline
Technical Operations Section prior to application submission.
58) The applicant must file a nonroutine application by selecting No to question 3 in
Section 2 on Schedule 3.2 and must attach the information set out in Table 6.5.
6.9.24
When a producing reservoir has an approved enhanced recovery scheme that allows the
injection of natural gas containing H2S, the pipeline licensee must review the impact of
the scheme operation on the pipeline materials and operating parameters.
59) The applicant must evaluate the potential for
a) gas cap breakthrough,
b) reclassification of existing pipeline systems due to an increase in H2S content,
c) reclassification of producing wells as critical wells, and
d) licence amendment applications to meet CSA sour service material requirements
for the pipelines affected.
6-20 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
6.9.25
Stress Level
Stress level is defined as the stress in the wall of a pipe that is produced by the pressure
of the fluids in the pipeline. This section describes the stress level calculation for steel,
aluminum, and polyethylene pipeline materials. There is no stress level calculation for
fibreglass or composite pipeline materials.
Stress level is calculated as a percentage using the following formulas:
60) The applicant must meet all applicable CSA Z662 design requirements.
a) For steel pipe:
i)
ii) For buried pipelines containing greater than 10 mol/kmol H2S gas, the stress
level must not exceed 60 per cent.
iii) For all other steel pipelines, the stress level must not exceed 72 per cent
unless otherwise approved by the ERCB. In this case, the applicant must file
a nonroutine application.
b) For aluminum pipe, the stress level must not exceed 72 per cent unless otherwise
approved by the ERCB. In this case, the applicant must file a nonroutine
application.
c) For type 3408, 3608, or 3708 polyethylene pipe with a design temperature less
than 23C:
i)
For wet gas gathering, oil effluent, and low vapour pressure service, the
stress level must not exceed 25 per cent.
ii) For gas distribution, the stress level must not exceed 40 per cent.
iii) For dry gas gathering and water service, the stress level must not exceed 50
per cent.
These limitations are not applicable for type PE80, PE100, 3710, or 4710
polyethylene pipe.
61) For all other pipeline materials and new technologies, the applicant must file a
nonroutine pipeline licence application.
6.9.26
Pipeline Installation
pump station, tank farm, and pipeline loading and unloading facility associated with
pipelines carrying processed (sales) product. These installations would be located
downstream of a gas processing facility or battery. Category C and D line heaters are
considered pipeline installations, although all other upstream facilities are licensed under
Schedule 2.
62) When applying for a pipeline installation, the applicant must fulfill personal
consultation, confirmation of nonobjection, and notification requirements for parties
in accordance with Table 6.1.
63) Where applicable, the applicant must meet
a) noise requirements defined in Directive 038,
b) the requirements of IL 88-05,
c) ERCB storage requirements (see Directive 055), and
d) ERCB spacing requirements as defined in the Oil and Gas Conservation
Regulations, Section 8.
6.9.26.1 Process Flow Diagrams
64) The applicant must attach a process flow diagram (PFD) for all pipeline installation
applications.
a) The PFD must identify all existing and proposed equipment at the pipeline
installation.
i)
Typical diagrams are acceptable providing that they accurately represent the actual
operations of the installation and contain the correct location and applicant name.
b) The applicant must clearly identify the following on the PFD:
i)
process equipment
66) The applicant must register all compressor and pumping stations with Alberta
Environment before commencing operation if the total NOx emissions are greater
than 16 kg/h.
67) New and additional natural gas-driven reciprocating engines greater than 600 kW at
full load must not emit more than 6 grams of NOx per kilowatt-hour (g/kWh).
68) The applicant must meet the following requirements when NOx emissions are present
at facilities that require registration or approval with AENV:
a) Dispersion modelling must be conducted in accordance with Alberta
Environments Air Quality Model Guideline
(http://environment.gov.ab.ca/info/library/6709.pdf).
b) Based on dispersion modelling, predicted NO2 concentrations must meet the
AAAQO using guidance from the Air Quality Model Guideline.
c) Standby equipment used only for emergency purposes can be excluded from
dispersion modelling.
d) The engine exhaust stack height must be set in accordance with the direction
given in IL 88-05: Application for Approval of Natural-Gas-Driven Compressors
and Alberta Environments Code of Practice for Compressor and Pumping
Stations and Sweet Gas Processing Plants.
e) NOx emissions from steam generating units, heaters, and boilers can be excluded
from dispersion modelling if their combined contribution is less than 3 per cent
of the total NOx emissions.
6.9.26.3 Plot Plans
69) A plot plan must be submitted with each pipeline installation application that clearly
indicates the on-lease location of all the equipment (with the exception of valves)
indicated on the PFD. It must also reflect a minimum of 100 m past the edge of the
lease to demonstrate that all off-lease spacing requirements have been met (e.g.,
distance to a residence, water bodies, forestation, or road allowance).
70) The applicant is expected to meet the spacing requirements of the Oil and Gas
Conservation Regulations, Section 8, as applicable (see Appendix 6).
6.9.26.4 Noise
All pipeline installations under the ERCBs jurisdiction must meet the requirements of
Directive 038.
A noise impact assessment (NIA) will ensure that the applicant has considered possible
noise impacts before a pipeline installation is constructed or operated. The NIA predicts
the expected design sound level from the pipeline installation at the nearest or most
impacted residence.
71) Applicants must discuss noise matters with area residents during the design,
construction, and operating phases of the pipeline installation.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-23
Blending of Products
Product blending is defined as the combination of similar products with different H2S
contents for the purpose of maintaining a lower H2S content in the blended stream.
Blending a liquid stream with a gas stream is not permitted.
76) The applicant must ensure that the H2S content in the final blended stream does not
exceed the licensed H2S content of the receiving pipeline.
77) The applicant must submit a nonroutine application and include a detailed description
of the design for
a) flow ratio control with or without automatic shutdown, and
b) H2S monitoring (or flow ratio control) with automatic shutdown in accordance
with the Pipeline Regulation, Section 14.
6.9.28
Proliferation
As the proponent of a new oil or gas facility or pipeline, the applicant has already
determined that the proposed project will meet its business needs. The ERCB, as the
approving authority, is required to evaluate the need for the proposed project in the
broader public interest. The ERCB considers this interest in terms of economic, orderly,
and efficient development of Albertas oil and gas resources.
The ERCB continues to receive strong input from the public, who are aware of the
growth of resource development. The ERCB accepts the publics view that pipeline
proliferation should be avoided whenever possible and practical.
6-24 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Pipeline development is to be carried out in a manner that minimizes the overall impacts
on the environment and public. Proliferation of pipelines occurs when new development
results in greater surface disturbances and impact on the public than would be the case if
existing infrastructure were used.
6.9.29
In 1993, the ERCB issued IL 93-09: Oil and Gas Developments Eastern Slopes (Southern
Portion), setting guidelines and expectations for oil and gas development in this region.
78) If the proposed pipeline is to be located within the Eastern Slopes (Southern Portion),
the applicant must meet the General Expectations described in IL 93-09 by
a) preparing development plans beyond the initial exploration stage, taking into
consideration current stages such as
i)
The Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) requires that pipelines
located in the white area of the province with an index of 2690 or greater (Class 1) must
have an EPEA Conservation and Reclamation approval. Pipelines with an index value
lower than 2690 (Class 2) do not require the approval.
The index is determined by multiplying the outside diameter of the pipe (in mm) times
the length of the pipe (in km).
For Class 2 pipelines, notification to AENV is not required; however, AENV
conservation and reclamation requirements under the EPEA must be met. When siting an
upstream oil and gas site on private land, refer to AENVs R&R/03-2: Siting an
Upstream Oil and Gas Site in an Environmentally Sensitive Area on Private Land.
For Class 1 pipelines, the applicant may file a routine application once the 30-day AENV
notification period has expired. The ERCB will not approve a routine pipeline application
if the notification period has not expired and will close the application. Nonroutine
applications for which concerns or objections remain unresolved may be submitted
before the 30-day expiry.
6.9.31
79) Applicants must review Section 8: Additional Application Requirements and meet all
requirements applicable to the proposed location.
6.10
81) From the audit documents, Facilities Applications must be able to determine that the
applicant fulfilled all requirements to ensure regulatory compliance prior to filing the
application.
The detailed list of audit documents below corresponds with the steps found in
Schedule 3. For licence amendment applications, the applicant may submit only the audit
documentation that was affected by the amendment activity.
6.10.1
Step 1: Identification
No documentation required.
6.10.2
date of meeting,
6-26 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
a) name of each party (e.g., landowner, occupant, and resident) included in the
personal consultation and notification program,
b) legal land description for each party,
c) a description of each partys interest in the land (e.g., trapper, landowner, and
resident),
d) date and type of contact conducted with each party (e.g., telephone conversation,
registered mail, personal meeting),
e) date the ERCB brochure, EnerFAQs No. 7, EnerFAQs No. 15, and Objecting to
an Energy Resource Project form were distributed if required,
f) date the project-specific information package was distributed,
g) date the required EnerFAQs package was provided, and
h) date the confirmation of nonobjection was obtained if required.
6.10.2.4 Confirmation of Nonobjection
86) The ERCB does not require a confirmation of nonobjection to be in writing.
Confirmation of nonobjection may consist of one of the following documents,
depending on the nature of the proposed development:
a) Freehold lease agreement (Freehold also includes Federal Lands and Provincial
Special Area Board Lands)
i)
The licensee must submit a copy of the agreement, which confirms the
parties involved, date of agreement, and location of land involved.
ii)
the title page (including the details of the expiry date, company
name, and area of operation),
the signoff page (including when the agreement was executed), and
For all other Crown dispositions, the licensee must submit a copy of the
agreement that confirms the parties involved, the execution of the
agreement (signature), the date of the agreement, and the location of the
land involved.
c) Signed document that identifies the details of the proposal (e.g., signatory page
from the applicants information package)
87) If confirmation of nonobjection is verbal, the licensee must document (log) the name
of the party providing verbal nonobjection and the date on which verbal nonobjection
was obtained.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-27
91) The licensee must keep a copy of the corporate-level ERP or, if required, the specific
ERP on file for review upon request. It is not required for inclusion in the audit
submission.
a) The licensee must include in the audit submission a statement confirming that it
has an approved corporate plan and/or that a site-specific plan will be approved
prior to operations.
6.10.4
No documentation required.
6.10.5
92) For pipeline removal, the licensee must submit an explanation of the circumstances
and provide documentation detailing that the entire pipeline, including water, rail,
and road crossings, is being removed.
6.11
6-28 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
The detailed list of audit documents below corresponds with the steps found in
Schedule 3.2. For licence amendment applications, the applicant may submit only the
audit documentation that was affected by the amendment activity.
6.11.1
Step 1: Identification
No documentation required.
6.11.2
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-29
b)
c)
d)
a list of each type of meter proposed for each measurement point and their
locations.
b)
c)
d)
103) For tank farms/oil loading and unloading terminals where products and materials
will be stored on site, the licensee must also submit a list of materials that will be
stored and a description of the storage method(s), including details of
a)
b)
leak detection,
c)
secondary containment,
d)
e)
104) For line heaters, the licensee must also submit documentation verifying that the line
heater is designed to Safety Codes Act requirements.
6-30 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
6.11.3
the input parameters used to calculate the potential H2S release volume,
b)
c)
6.11.3.2 Injection
106) If injecting into a producing reservoir, the licensee must give an explanation as to
the impact the scheme operation will have on the pipeline material and operating
parameters.
6.11.4
Step 4: Substance Change, H2 S Increase, MOP Increase, and Liner Installation Only
confirms that the pipe, valves, flanges, and fittings are suitable for the new
substance,
b)
confirms that the depth of cover is sufficient (HVP pipelines only), and
c)
demonstrates the integrity and suitability of the pipeline for the proposed
change and the proposed procedure for implementing the change (i.e., does it
meet current code and regulation requirements?).
documentation verifying that the pipe, valves, flanges, and fittings are suitable
for the new MOP,
b)
a detailed evaluation of the integrity and suitability of the pipeline for the
proposed change and the proposed procedure for implementing the change
(e.g., does it meet current code and regulation requirements?), and
c)
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-31
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
ensure that sour service requirements are met (e.g., mill certificates), and
g)
submit a detailed evaluation of the integrity and suitability of the pipeline for
the proposed change and the proposed procedure for implementing the change
(i.e., does it meet current code and regulation requirements?).
6-32 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
N/A
Audit Documents
6.10.2
6.10.2.1
6.10.2.2
Date of meeting
Invitation list
6.10.2.4
Confirmation of Nonobjection
Freehold lease agreement
Crown disposition
Signed information document
Documented verbal nonobjection
Written agreement to proceed to Surface Rights Board
6.10.2.5
Information Packages
Applicants project-specific information package
List of all documents provided to participants
Documented refusal of information packages
6.10.2.6
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-33
6.10.2.7
N/A
Audit Documents
The assessment of existing infrastructure required in Section 8.3.2 if there are residents
located within the EPZ of the pipeline
The additional project-specific information package details identified in Section 8.3.2
6.10.3
6.10.5
6.11
6.11.2
6.11.2.1
6.11.2.3
6.11.2.4
Question 4: Corrosion
Evaluation performed to assess the corrosivity of the pipeline and the need for mitigation
If a corrosion mitigation plan has been deemed necessary,
a detailed summary of the corrosion mitigation plan that outlines the scheduled
actions that will be conducted,
a detailed summary of the monitoring plan that outlines the scheduled actions that will
be conducted, and
a description of the scheduled actions that will be conducted to review the monitoring
results and assess mitigation plan performance
6.11.2.5
6.11.2.6
6.11.2.7
6-34 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
6.11.2.8
N/A
Audit Documents
Manufacturer specifications for the proposed unit that confirm emission ratings, unit size,
and driver type
A noise impact assessment
A breakdown and total of all sources of NOx emissions
Documentation that storage requirements are met
Documentation that the line heater is designed to Safety Codes Act requirements
6.11.3
6.11.3.1
6.11.3.2
Question 4: Injection
An explanation as to the impact the scheme operation will have on the pipeline material
and operating parameters
6.11.4
Step 4: Substance Change, H2S Increase, MOP Increase, and Liner Installation Only
6.11.4.1
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-35
6.11.4.2
N/A
Audit Documents
Documentation verifying that the pipe, valves, flanges, and fittings are suitable for the
new MOP
A detailed evaluation of the integrity and suitability of the pipeline for the proposed
change and the proposed procedure for implementing the change
Pressure test charts
6.11.4.3
6.11.5
6.11.5.1
6.11.5.2
6.11.5.3
6.11.6
6.11.6.2
6.11.6.3
6-36 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
N/A
Nonroutine Submissions
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-37
N/A
Nonroutine Submissions
a description of the measures taken to protect the surface pipeline from third-party
damage
For Category C surface pipelines associated with a thermal in situ oil sands operation,
confirm in writing that the proposed pipeline will
be made of steel,
have an H2S partial pressure greater than 0.3 kPa but less than or equal to 70.0
kPa.
If you cannot confirm that these criteria will be met, submit the support documentation
for a Category C or D surface pipeline, as outlined above.
For CO2 pipelines:
corrosion mitigation and monitoring issues due to water content and other
impurities,
6-38 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
N/A
Nonroutine Submissions
Question 4: Prior to operations, procedures for corrosion mitigation, monitoring, evaluation, and record
keeping will be implemented
Explanation of why a corrosion program is not being implemented
Detailed technical assessment that demonstrates why the requirements of the current
CSA Z662 standard and Pipeline Regulation are not being met
All applicable audit documentation required by Section 6.11.2.4
Question 5: The liquid hydrocarbon pipeline meets current leak detection requirements
Explanation of why leak detection requirements are not being met
Question 6: The design of the steam distribution line is registered with ABSA
Detailed explanation of why the design requirements will not be met
Question 7: Production streams with different H2S contents will be blended
Detailed description of two independent techniques to ensure that the licensed H2S
content in the receiving pipeline is not exceeded, including
a detailed description of the design for flow ratio control with or without automatic
shutdown, and
a detailed description of H2S monitoring (or flow ratio control) with automatic
shutdown
Input parameters used to calculate the potential release volume of all affected
segments
Documentation verifying that personal consultation, nonobjection, and notification
requirements have been met for all affected pipeline segments and that a revised ERP,
if required, has been submitted
A system map showing ESD and check valve locations
Question 3: The setback requirements have been met
Detailed explanation of why setback requirements will not be met
Map showing all residences and other developments within the notification distances
and indicating where setback have not been met
Question 4: The pipeline will inject natural gas containing H2S into a producing reservoir
Explanation that accounts for the effect the reservoir fluid composition may have on
injection or producing wells and producing pipelines
Detailed plan of steps that need to be taken to reclassify existing wells and pipelines
(continued)
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-39
N/A
Nonroutine Submissions
Evidence that the potential for gas cap breakthrough has been evaluated
Step 4: Substance Change, H2S Increase, MOP Increase, and Liner Installation Only
Question 1: The presence of H2S, an increase in MOP, or a substance change will reclassify the pipeline to
Category C or D
For an increase in H2S or MOP and a change from Category B to C or D:
details of any required material testing or documentation confirming material and
of CSA Z662, as described in the Reference Tool for Sour Service Conversion of
Existing Carbon Steel Pipelines, found on the Directive 056 Web page
For an increase in H2S or MOP and a change from Category C to D (natural gas with
H2S only):
engineering assessment following the additional criteria for sour service conversion
involving gas with greater that 10 moles of H2S per kilomole of natural gas and
demonstrating pipeline integrity, as described in the Reference Tool for Sour
Service Conversion of Existing Carbon Steel Pipelines, found on the Directive 056
Web page
conformance with the requirements for HVP pipeline design, operation, and
change of service as contained in CSA Z662 and the Pipeline Act and Regulation
Question 2: The liner is being installed due to internal corrosion, external corrosion, or other
If Other, submit liner specifications and a pressure test chart and attach a detailed
explanation of why the liner is required
Step 5: Resumption, Discontinuation, and Abandonment Only
Question 1a: The pipeline you are applying to resume operation of was discontinued in accordance with
ERCB requirements
Detailed information confirming the integrity of the pipeline (external/internal)
A comprehensive engineering assessment that supports the resumption
Documentation as specified in Pipeline ApplicationsChecklist for Minimum Technical
Requirements in Section 6.7.1
If this pipeline was abandoned, documentation that demonstrates compliance with
participant involvement requirements for all parties along the entire right-of-way and
those affected by setbacks
Question 1b: The integrity of the discontinued pipeline has been verified
Explanation of why all necessary work to verify the integrity of the pipeline has not been
undertaken
(continued)
6-40 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
N/A
Nonroutine Submissions
Documentation as specified in Pipeline ApplicationsChecklist for Minimum Technical
Requirements in Section 6.7.1
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-41
MONTH
YEAR
APPLICANTS REFERENCE
1. IDENTIFICATION
Applicant BA Code
Company Name
Application Type:
Pipeline
Installation
YES
NO
YES
NO
NO
________km
km
NO
2b. The pipeline requires an amendment to an existing emergency response plan ................................................................................ YES
NO
_____________km
Unlicensed line
Substance change
_ (MONTH-YEAR)
To new licence
Entire licence
Licence amendment
Discontinuation
Not constructed
H 2 S decrease
MOP decrease
Abandonment
Flow reversal
Line split
Resumption
Removal
H 2 S increase
Liner Installation
Liner Type:
Free-standing fibreglass
Free-standing polyethylene
Expanded polyethylene
Other (specify)
FAC-02-2011-10B
Energy Resources Conservation Board Facilities Applications, Suite 1000, 250 5 Street SW, Calgary Alberta T2P 0R4
Enter the date on which you will submit this schedule to the ERCB
in the upper left corner (e.g., 15 Jan 2011).
Applicants Reference
Step 1: Identification
Applicant Name
Applicant BA Code
Application type
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-45
Industry
If there are residents within the EPZ, you must also attach
6-46 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
YES also means that the proposed pipeline is located within the
Tier 1 area of Battle Lake and that the documentation required by
Section 8 is attached.
The ERCB will review the concern/objection identified and
determine if an exemption is warranted.
NO means there are no outstanding public and/or industry
objections/concerns.
3a. Distance to nearest residence.
Enter the distance from the edge of the pipeline right-of-way for
any pipeline being applied for to the nearest residence in
kilometres (km) to two decimal places. The distance to the nearest
residence is required for new construction for all pipeline
categories and types. For licence amendments, the distance to the
nearest residence should be left blank.
If there are no residences within the EPZ, a distance to the nearest
town, village, or urban centre may be used. Where there is no
EPZ, a search should be done to at least 1.5 km; if there are no
residences within this distance, 1.5 km may be used. For pipeline
installations, this distance should not be less than the distance to
the nearest surface development.
Enter the distance from the edge of the pipeline installation lease
to the nearest surface development in kilometres to two decimal
places. If you are applying for a pipeline, leave this section blank.
If there is no surface development within the EPZ, a distance to
the nearest town, village, or urban centre may be used. Where
there is no EPZ, a search should be done to at least 1.5 km; if there
is no surface development within this distance, 1.5 km may be
used.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-47
New construction
Check this box if you are applying for new pipeline construction.
You must also check either New pipeline/installation licence or
Addition to an existing Licence number.
Unlicensed line
Check this box if you are self-disclosing to the ERCB that you are
applying for an existing unlicensed line or that you are applying to
reinstate a line that was deleted in error prior to June 26, 2010. For
lines deleted after June 26, 2010, submit a licence amendment
application, check Other in Step 5, and indicate reinstate line.
6-48 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Enter the date the temporary surface pipeline will be shut in and
removed.
In use until
This date must not be more than one year from the date of
application.
New pipeline/installation licence
Substance change
(Section 6.9.17)
Enter the licence number and the substance code of the pipeline(s)
you are applying to change, or the licence you are deleting the
lines from. (See Table 6.6: Substance Categories for the
appropriate code.)
To new licence
Check this box if the pipeline(s) will be moved onto a new licence.
Entire licence
Licence amendment
Licence number
MOP decrease
(Section 6.9.16)
Resumption
(Section 6.9.8)
Discontinuation
(Section 6.9.5)
Check this box if you are advising the ERCB that operation of an
existing pipeline has been discontinued.
Abandonment
(Section 6.9.6)
Check this box if you are advising the ERCB that an existing
pipeline has been abandoned.
Removal
(Section 6.9.9)
Not constructed
Check this box if you are advising the ERCB that the pipeline will
not be constructed.
Flow reversal
Check this box if you are applying to reverse the flow of the
pipeline.
H 2 S increase
H 2 S decrease
Line split
(Section 6.9.13)
Check this box if you are applying to split a line segment into
multiple line segments.
Other (specify)
Check this box for all licence amendments other than those listed.
Specify the type of amendment in the space provided.
Liner installation
Liner type
(Section 6.9.19)
If you are installing a liner, choose the box that describes the type
of liner.
If you select Other (specify), you must specify the type of liner,
submit a product specification sheet for the grade of liner material
to be installed, and attach a detailed explanation.
The ERCB will review the circumstances and decide if an
exemption is warranted.
6-50 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
MONTH
YEAR
APPLICANTS REFERENCE
1. IDENTIFICATION
Company Name
Applicant BA Code
2. SUBSTANCE DETAIL
Substance
Code
H 2 S (mol/kmol)
Licence Number P
3. PIPE SPECIFICATION
ID NO.
MAT.
TYPE
GRADE
MOP (kPa)
STRESS LEVEL
JOINTS
IP
Release
Volume
(m3)
ID
NO.
01
02
03
04
4. PIPE LOCATION AND STATUS
ACTION
LINE
NO.
FROM LOCATION
LSD
SEC
TWP
RGE
TO LOCATION
M
FC
LSD
SEC
TWP
RGE
FC
LENGTH
(km)
STATUS ENV
5. INSTALLATION SPECIFICATION
LOCATION
ACTION
INST.
NO.
FAC-02-2011-10B
LSD
SEC
TWP
RGE
INST.
TYPE
COMPRESSOR/
PUMP RATING
(kW)
DRIVER
POWER
SOURCE
STATUS
Energy Resources Conservation Board Facilities Applications, Suite 1000, 250 5 Street SW, Calgary Alberta T2P 0R4
Enter the date on which you will submit this schedule to the ERCB in the
upper left corner (e.g., 15 Jan 2011).
Applicants Reference
Step 1: Identification
Company Name
Enter the full corporate name of the applicant assigned the BA code.
Applicant BA Code
Enter the category name of the substance from Table 6.6. (Tables 6.6 to
6.19 are at end of this section.)
Code
H2S
Licence Number
Wall Thickness
Material
Enter the code for the pipe material from Table 6.7.
Enter the codes for the type and grade of material for the pipeline from
Tables 6.8, 6.9, 6.10, and 6.11.
Maximum Operating
Pressure (MOP)
Enter the MOP of the pipeline rounded to the nearest 10 kilopascals (kPa).
Stress Level
(Section 6.9.25)
Joints
Enter the code for the type of joint from Table 6.12.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-53
Enter the line number of the pipeline. If you are adding pipelines to an
existing licence, use the next available line number on the licence.
For substance change applications: Enter the line number of the pipeline as
it is currently licensed.
From Location
Enter the legal description of the starting point of the pipeline according to
the direction of flow.
Enter the facility code for the starting point of the pipeline from Table 6.14.
To Location
Enter the facility code for the end point of the pipeline from Table 6.14.
Length
Enter the length of the pipeline in kilometres (km) to two decimal places.
Status
Environment (ENV)
Release Volume
ID NO.
6-54 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Location
Compressor/Pump
Rating (kW)
Status
Substance category
Sour natural gas
HVP products
Code
SG
HV
Priority code
1
2
LVP products
Crude oil
Oil well effluent
Natural gas
Fuel gas
Salt water
Miscellaneous liquids
Miscellaneous gases
Fresh water
LV
CO
OE
NG
FG
SW
ML
MG
FW
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Code
A
G
F
P
V
S
I
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-55
Type
5L
5L
5L
5L
A53
A106
A333
Z245.1
Z245.1
Z245.1
A539
Code
Grade
A
B
X42
X60
B
B
6
241 1
290 2
359 3
N/A*
HDLP
300
FPLP
750
Code
Grade
11
9
6-56 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Code
A
B
C
E
F
G
H
K
L
M
P
R
S
T
W
Z
Code
U
T
C
E
G
L
Code
B
BE
CP
CS
CO
CK
ES
GP
IP
LA
LH
LR
MR
MS
PP
PL
PT
PS
RF
RS
(continued)
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-57
Code
RE
RI
S
SC
ST
TF
WE
Code
A
D
N
O
R
P
Code
CC
LC
OC
RC
SC
Code
PS
CS
TF
LH
LR
Code
N
E
6-58 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
MONTH
YEAR
1. IDENTIFICATION
Company Name
Applicant BA Code
2. TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
1. The H 2 S content is
mol/kmol.
kPa.
3. The pipeline meets all current applicable CSA Z662 standards....................................................................................................... YES
NO
4. Prior to operation, procedures for corrosion mitigation, monitoring, evaluation, and record keeping will be implemented ............. YES
NO
N/A
5. The liquid hydrocarbon pipeline meets current leak detection requirements ................................................................................... YES
NO
N/A
6. The design of the steam distribution line is registered with ABSA ................................................................................................... YES
NO
N/A
NO
NO
Level 4
NO
NO
NO
Internal corrosion
External corrosion
NO
N/A
Other (specify)
NO
1b. The integrity of the discontinued pipeline has been verified........................................................................................................... YES
NO
2. The pipeline was discontinued in accordance with ERCB requirements ......................................................................................... YES
NO
NO
4. In case of abandonment, all associated surface facilities will be removed and the surface site reclaimed within one (1) year ...... YES
NO
6. ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
1. The pipeline will be constructed in accordance with AENVs Environmental Protection Guidelines................................................ YES
2. The applicant will comply with the Code of Practice in accordance with the Water Act. ................................................................. YES
3. Application has been made to AENV for Conservation and Reclamation Approval (white area only)............................................. YES
If application has been advertised, provide the Notice Expiry Date
N/A
NO
N/A
(DAY-MONTH-YEAR)
4. The proposed pipeline/pipeline installation is located within the Calgary or Edmonton Transportation/Utility Corridor................... YES
NO
4a.If YES, the pipeline/pipeline installation has ministerial consent from Alberta Infrastructure.......................................................... YES
NO
5. The proposed pipeline/pipeline installation meets ERCB environmental requirements ................................................................. YES
NO
FAC-02-2011-10B
Energy Resources Conservation Board Facilities Applications, Suite 1000, 250 5 Street SW, Calgary Alberta T2P 0R4
Enter the date on which you will submit this schedule to the ERCB
in the upper left corner (e.g., 15 Jan 2011).
Applicants Reference
Step 1: Identification
Company Name
Applicant BA Code
YES means that the pipelines in this application are covered by the
current CSA Z662 standards and meet all applicable requirements.
YES also means that for existing multiphase pipelines with a
partial pressure between 0.3 and 70 kPa only, and where the
amendment does not increase the partial pressure above 70 kPa,
the pipeline meets the CSA Z662 standard.
NO means that one of the following applies:
CSA Z662 standards do not apply for the category type of the
pipeline;
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-61
will have an H 2 S partial pressure greater than 0.3 kPa but less
than or equal to 70.0 kPa.
6-62 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
YES means the pipeline has been designed and will be operated to
meet the current requirements outlined in CSA Z662, Annex E.
NO means that because of exceptional circumstances, all
applicable requirements as cited above have not been met.
If NO, you must attach a detailed explanation of why the leak
detection requirements will not be met.
The ERCB will review the circumstances and decide if an
exemption is warranted.
N/A means the proposed pipeline is not transporting the applicable
liquid hydrocarbon products.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-63
YES means the design of the steam distribution line satisfies the
requirements of CSA Z662, Clause 14 and the design is registered
with ABSA in accordance with the Pressure Equipment Safety
Regulation, Section 16(1).
NO means that because of exceptional circumstances, all
applicable requirements as cited above have not been met.
If NO, you must attach a detailed explanation of why the design
requirements will not be met. The ERCB will review the
circumstances and decide if an exemption is warranted.
N/A means the proposed pipeline is not a steam distribution line.
YES means that you intend to combine production streams for the
purpose of maintaining a lower H 2 S content in the final blended
stream so that it may be transported within the licensed service
conditions of the receiving pipeline.
If YES, you must attach a detailed description of two independent
techniques, as described in Section 6.9.27, to ensure that the
licensed H 2 S content in the receiving pipeline is not exceeded.
This must include
6-64 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Level designation
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-65
evidence that the potential for gas cap breakthrough has been
evaluated.
The ERCB will review the circumstances and decide if the
measures are appropriate.
NO means that this is not an injection pipeline or that it is not
injecting into a producing reservoir.
Step 4: Substance Change, H 2 S Increase, MOP Increase, and Liner Installation Only
Complete this step only if you are applying for any of these types of pipeline licence amendments.
If you check a BOLD response, you must attach supporting information.
1. The presence of H 2 S, an
increase in MOP, or a change in
substance will reclassify the
pipeline to Category C or D.
(Sections 6.9.15, 6.9.16, and
6.9.17)
6-66 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-67
6-68 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-69
YES means you will notify AENV as required by the Water Act.
6-70 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 6-71
Section 7
7.1
re-entering a well,
drilling a well through a potential hydrocarbon zone for any other purpose,
Depending on the project, the applicant must submit one Schedule 1 along with one or
more of the following forms:
For wells that will be drilled deeper than 150 m to supply water for domestic or stock
watering purposes, a well licence application is required. Please contact ERCB Facilities
Applications for details and instruction.
7.2
Project Submissions
A project is defined as a network of facilities, pipelines, and/or wells that connect to a
common facility. A project submission may consist of the consecutive submissions of
related single licence applications or the single submission of multiple licence
applications for related facilities, pipelines, and wells. The ERCB encourages applicants
to identify related applications that are part of the same project through the use of a
common reference number in the Applicants Reference section.
Numbered statements represent requirements and expectations (see Section 1.4).
1) If the applicant is filing a project submission,
a) the application must be submitted under one company name using one
Schedule 1, and
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-1
b) the applicant must complete a separate Schedule 4 for each well in the project,
unless it is a multiwell pad project.
7.3
Licence Expiry
Well licences expire one year from the date of issue if construction or operation has not
yet started. After one year, the ERCB will cancel the expired licence from the active
records.
2) If the applicant intends to proceed with a project for which a licence has expired, all
applicable regulatory requirements, including participant involvement requirements
(Section 2), must be fulfilled prior to filing a new application.
Due to the complexity of some developments, it is possible that the applicant may not be
able to act on a licence before the expiry date. If licence expiry is imminent, the applicant
should contact Facilities Applications for advice on how best to proceed.
3) Prior to initiating new construction when a licence is nearing expiry, the applicant
must conduct a new resident/landowner search and determine if any new issues may
have arisen since the licence was granted.
4) The applicant must advise Facilities Applications 30 days before licence expiry if it
has commenced lease construction but has not spudded the well. This will ensure that
the licence is not automatically cancelled.
5) If an applicant does not intend to proceed with the licence, it must notify Facilities
Applications.
7.3.1
Licence Extensions
The ERCB issues a licence for a term of one year. An applicant may request an extension
to the expiry date of an applied-for licence at the time of application. Requests for
extensions will be considered on a case-by-case basis, but the date of expiry will
normally not extend beyond two years from the date the licence was issued.
The ERCB may extend the expiry date of a licence that has already been issued with a
one-year term upon request of the licensee. However, a licence that was originally issued
with a term greater than one year will not be extended.
6) To get an extended expiry date for an applied-for licence, the applicant must confirm
at the time of application that it will update the associated survey and participant
involvement program before it acts on the licence.
7) To get an extended expiry date for an existing licence, the licensee must submit
documentation to Facilities Applications confirming that it will update the associated
survey and participant involvement program before it acts on the licence.
7.4
7-2 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
8) The applicant must identify the correct category type for the proposed well project
and perform all associated consultations and notifications.
9) For wells containing H 2 S, the applicant must base the category type on the maximum
wellhead, cumulative drilling, producing, or completion H 2 S release rate. Applicants
must review available production data and consider future production operations that
may result in a reservoir originally not containing H 2 S gas evolving to gas containing
H 2 S.
Stakeholder notification that has been completed as part of a Directive 023 application
for a new in situ oil sands project or an amendment to an existing project satisfies the
participant involvement requirements for any related Directive 056 application for the
associated wells within the ERCB-approved in situ oil sands project area..
7.5
7.6
Exemptions
Well licence applications are not required for
wells drilled to a depth of less than 150 m that are not intended to encounter or
produce hydrocarbons,
wells drilled to discover or evaluate a solid inorganic mineral (e.g., limestone quality
test well), and
oil sands evaluation wells drilled within an approved mine site, in accordance with
Part 2, Section 4(5) of the Oil Sands Conservation Regulation.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-3
Table 7.1. Well category type and consultation and notification requirements
Personal consultation and
confirmation of
Category Name
Type Description
nonobjection
B
Wells 0.00
mol/kmol H 2 S
140
Single well
141
Commercial or
source water well
150
Multiwell pad
Wells >0.00
mol/kmol H 2 S
<0.01 m3/s H 2 S
release rate
280
Single well
290
Multiwell pad
360
Single well
370
Multiwell pad
570
Single well
610
Single well
620
Proximity critical
well
621
Proximity critical
well
Notification
7-4 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
(continued)
Table 7.1. Well category type and consultation and notification requirements
Personal consultation and
confirmation of
Category Name
Type Description
nonobjection
Wells > 0.3 but <
2.0 m3/s release
rate and well is
within 5.0 km of
urban centre
(deemed
nonroutine)
7.6.1
622
Proximity critical
well
Notification
Crown disposition holders
Freehold coal rights owner or coal rights
lessee
Unlighted airports within 1.6 km
Lighted airports within 5 km
Approvals for abandoned well remediation do not require a Directive 056 application.
Companies responsible for the re-entry, repair, and reabandonment of a well must submit
a nonroutine abandonment request to the ERCB Well Operations Group, indicating the
reason for the re-entry, a plan for resolution of the issue, and a statement about whether
the company is the current licensee of the well, holds the mineral rights, and has a current
surface lease agreement. If the request is approved, Well Operations will issue a letter of
approval. If the company is not the current licensee, a Directive 056 application may be
required.
Prior to submission of an application, authorization for re-entry, repair, and
reabandonment must be obtained from the Alberta Department of Energy if applicable.
7.7
Records Corrections
There are no records corrections for well licences.
7.8
Licence Amendments
11) The applicant must be the licensee to file a well licence amendment.
12) The applicant must be able to demonstrate there are no outstanding
concerns/objections to file a well licence amendment.
13) The licensee must file a well licence amendment application if any of the following
information changes prior to spudding the well: surface ownership (Freehold and
Crown), mineral ownership (Freehold and Crown), surface location, ground
elevation, well purpose, surface coordinates, total depth, well type, terminating
formation, regulation section, the emergency planning zone (EPZ), or number of
occupied dwellings, public facilities, and/or places of business inside the EPZ.
14) The licensee must file a well licence amendment application while the rig is on hole
deepening an existing well with no change in the well category or type if
a) the change in total depth is greater than 150 m, or
b) the terminating formation changes.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-5
If (a) or (b) does not apply, the change in the total depth is captured through the
submission of the licensees drilling records.
15) The licensee must file a well licence amendment application to correct inadvertent
data entry errors or transposition of numbers.
16) The licensee must file a well licence amendment application to change the
bottomhole location prior to spudding the well.
a) Bottomhole location changes after spud date are captured through the submission
of the licensees directional survey.
7.9
7.10
7-6 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
ii)
iii) the ERCB publication EnerFAQs No. 15: Objecting to an Energy Resource
Project and the form Objecting to an Energy Resource Project, and
iv) all current ERCB EnerFAQs publications as set out on the ERCB Web site.
23) If the applicant has obtained a Zero Flaring Agreement (see Directive 060), a copy
must be submitted with the well licence application.
24) The ERCB does not require applicants to acquire road-use agreements prior to
submitting its application; however, they must be in place prior to construction.
25) Applicants must meet the requirements in Section 8.3 when planning sour gas
activity where residents are located within the EPZ.
7.11
Technical Requirements
The following are subsections under wells technical requirements and discuss various
fields on Schedules 4, 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3.
7.11.1
Survey Plans
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-7
ii) if more than 12 months from the date of certification, certified as correct by
an Alberta Land Surveyor;
e) shows the location of the well tied by bearings and distance to a monument, or in
the case of a well in unsurveyed territory, the location determined in accordance
with the Alberta Land Surveyors Association Manual of Standard Practice;
f) shows the relation of the well to the boundaries of the quarter section shown by
the coordinates from the two boundaries of the quarter section that are also the
boundaries of the section (assuming a 20 m wide road allowance) and by
calculated distances to the interior boundaries of the quarter section;
g) shows the relation of the well location to the surface topography within 200 m of
the well, including
i)
surface improvements,
ii) wells,
iii) coal mines, whether working or abandoned, and
iv) water wells within 200 m of the well; and
j)
indicates the depth of the water if the proposed well is in a water-covered area.
k) For new CBM wells completed above the base of groundwater protection,
applicants must meet the requirements found in Appendix 12 regarding survey
plans and maps.
The survey plan should also reflect the distance to the nearest
a) dwelling whether occupied part time or full time (e.g., house, seasonal cottage,
trappers cabin),
b) publicly used development (e.g., church, community centre, campground, curling
rink),
c) place of business, or
d) other surface development where members of the public may gather.
The ERCB will accept well licence applications where survey plans are based on
remotely sensed, three-dimensional survey data like LiDAR if
7-8 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
a) the survey plan clearly identifies that the data the survey is based on was acquired
from remotely sensed data,
b) the survey plan meets all components of requirement 26, above, and
c) a final survey plan will be completed by a certified Alberta land surveyor once the
proposed surface lease is surveyed for construction within 60 days of the start of
construction.
7.11.2
27) The emergency planning zone (EPZ) for wells containing H 2 S is based on the release
rate for the well.
For Category E wells, Facilities Application staff and Emergency Planning and
Assessment staff review the well licence application and emergency response plan (ERP)
concurrently so that the well licence and the ERP approval are issued together.
Applicants are cautioned that it is a violation of privacy legislation to disclose in the
public portion of a facility, pipeline, or well licence application any personal information
that was obtained for emergency response planning purposes. Such information must be
provided in confidence to the ERCB, in connection with emergency response planning
requirements set out in Directive 071.
7.11.3
Critical Well
RR > 0.3 m3/s but < 2.0 m3/s and the well is located within 5.0 km of an urban centre,
RR > 0.1 m3/s but < 0.3 m3/s and the well is located within 1.5 km of an urban centre,
or
RR > 0.01 m3/s but < 0.1 m3/s and the well is located within 500 m of an urban
centre.
28) If the proposed well is critical by the above standards, the applicant must meet the
drilling requirements detailed in ID 97-06, Directive 036: Drilling Blowout
Prevention Requirements and Procedures, and IRP Volume 1: Industry
Recommended Practices for Drilling Critical Sour Wells.
29) If the proposed well is deemed to be Category E, the applicant must file a nonroutine
application.
7.11.4
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-9
fluid density in the wellbore at the time of the test. For a satisfactory pressure test, a
stabilized pressure is maintained over a 10-minute interval.
30) For all categories of wells with only surface casing set:
a) Prior to commencing re-entry or resumption of drilling operations, the licensee
must
i)
ensure that there is sufficient casing set and cemented in the well for well
control purposes (see Directive 008), and
ii) pressure test the existing casing to the lesser of 7000 kPa or 50 times the
casing setting depth (m).
31) For Category B, C, or D wells that will be drilled overbalanced or recompleted:
a) Prior to commencing re-entry or resumption of drilling operations, the licensee
must
i)
ensure that there is sufficient casing set and cemented in the well for well
control purposes (see Directive 008), and
ii) pressure test the existing casing to 67 per cent of the bottomhole pressure at
the casing setting depth or the depth at which the window will be cut.
b) If the existing casing is to be used for production purposes, prior to placing the
well on production, the licensee must
i)
has the ability to detect holes, pits, perforations, metal loss, and metal
thickness,
ii) use the results of the casing inspection log in the following equation to verify
that the minimum internal yield (P y ) of the existing casing meets the
minimum required casing burst pressure set out in Directive 010:
P y = (2Y p t)
D
Where:
P y = minimum internal yield (kPa)
Y p = specified minimum yield strength (kPa)
t = reduced wall thickness (mm) (minimum remaining well
thickness not an average)
D = nominal outside diameter (mm),
iii) pressure test the casing to a pressure of 85 per cent of the minimum required
casing burst pressure set out in Directive 010.
32) For Category B, C, or D wells that are drilled underbalanced and any Category E
well:
7-10 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
ensure that there is sufficient casing set and cemented in the well for well
control purposes,
has the ability to detect holes, pits, perforations, metal loss, and metal
thickness,
iii) use the results of the casing inspection log in equation 28(b)(ii) above to
verify that the minimum internal yield (P y ) of the existing casing meets the
minimum required casing burst pressure set out in Directive 010, and
iv) pressure test the existing casing to 67 per cent of the highest anticipated
formation pressure that will be encountered.
b) If the existing casing is to be used for production purposes, prior to placing the
well on production, the licensee must
i)
run another casing inspection log (this casing inspection log may be a log
that has regard for internal wall loss and may be compared to the data from
the log conducted prior to drilling [see 28(b)(ii) above],
ii) ensure that the formula set out in 28(b)(ii) is now satisfied based on the least
wall thickness remaining,
iii) ensure that the minimum internal yield (Py) of the existing casing meets the
minimum required casing burst pressure set out in Directive 010, and
iv) pressure test the casing to a pressure of 85 per cent of the minimum required
casing burst pressure set out in Directive 010.
33) To request a waiver from the required casing inspection logs for a re-entry or
resumption of well, the licensee must submit the well licence application as
nonroutine and provide confirmation that the well
a) is not a Category E well,
b) is not expected to encounter any new pools,
c) will not be deepened or drilled as a whipstock or directional well,
d) is not located within or in proximity to enhanced recovery schemes,
e) has not been re-entered or undergone resumption of drilling operations before,
f) has surface casing or production/intermediate casing that is cemented and
isolated to the base of groundwater protection and there are no known
hydrocarbons remaining open in any uncemented intervals,
g) does not have a surface casing vent flow or have gas migration problems,
h) is not located in an area that has high incidents of casing corrosion, and
i)
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-11
7.11.5
Terminating Formation
For the purpose of well licensing, the terminating formation is defined as the deepest
formation in which the well will terminate and which the applicant has the right to
produce for all intended purposes of the well.
The applicant may drill to a maximum overhole depth of 15 m below the base of the
terminating formation. This overhole depth is permitted to accommodate logging tools
and casing.
34) The applicant must not identify any formation(s) within the 15 m overhole as the
terminating formation on a well licence application unless the applicant holds the
mineral rights.
35) The applicant must have the permission of the mineral rights holder, whether Crown
or Freehold owner or lessee, to exceed the 15 m maximum overhole depth.
7.11.6
Lahee Classifications
Description
An NFW well is located at a considerable distance beyond the limits of known pools and is outside the
boundaries of existing fields. The well is drilled in an area where hydrocarbons have not yet been
discovered. The geological risk of this type of well is very high: in the absence of the discovery of a
new pool, the well would be deemed unsuccessful.
The objective of an NPW well is the discovery of a new pool(s) in all zones that the well encounters.
The well is located in an already discovered field. The geological risk of this type of well is very high:
in the absence of the discovery of a new pool, the well would be deemed unsuccessful. In
circumstances where the well is in relatively close proximity to the limits of a known pool(s), the NPW
classification must be based on technical data suggesting that a new pool will be encountered. A well
drilled within or in close proximity to the limits of a known pool(s) but terminating shallower than the
known pool(s) is normally classified as NPW, except in the case where pre-existing wells in close
proximity to the well have logs and/or tests that strongly suggest the existence of shallower pools to
be penetrated by the well.
A DPT well is located within or in close proximity to a known pool(s) and is drilled with the objective of
exploring for new, undiscovered pool(s) below the deepest of the known pool(s). Only the interval
below the deepest of the known pool(s) is exploratory and carries a high geological risk. The
remaining metreage in a DPT is development, with low geological risk. In circumstances where the
exploratory portion of the well is in relatively close proximity to the limits of a known pool(s), the DPT
classification must be based on technical data suggesting that a new pool will be encountered.
Outpost (OUT)
An OUT well is drilled with the intention of extending a known pool by a considerable distance. A well
in proximity to a known pool but whose outcome is uncertain because of geological complexities
might also be classified as OUT. There would be some geological risk associated with drilling an OUT
well.
(continued)
7-12 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Description
Development (DEV)
The objective of a DEV well is to further exploit or extend a known pool(s). The well may be inside of
the established limits of the pool or in close proximity to the edge of the pool(s). The DEV
classification should be used even if the well is drilled slightly deeper than the target pool, especially
where the deeper strata to be penetrated have no hydrocarbon-bearing potential. The geological risk
of this type of well is low.
Re-entry (REN)
Wells licensed with a well type of production and substance of bitumen are DEV.
A REN classification is assigned to a well that re-enters an existing wellbore for the purpose of
recompleting the well as a producer or service well with no new strata being drilled. If new strata are
to be drilled (e.g., by deepening, whipstock, or sidetracks), the well is assigned the appropriate Lahee
classification.
A DSW well is drilled to introduce fluids into a formation or observe the performance of a reservoir.
Water injection, steam injection, and observation wells are examples of DSW wells.
An OV well is drilled in an oil sands area to evaluate the oil sands and is not intended to produce
hydrocarbons. Such wells will be licensed under Section 2.030 of the OGCR.
A TH well is drilled for geological and geophysical stratigraphic evaluation purposes and is not
intended to produce or expected to encounter hydrocarbons. Such wells will be licensed under
Section 2.030 of the OGCR.
An EX well is part of an ERCB-approved experimental scheme. Such wells will be licensed under
Section 2.030 of the OGCR.
A well drilled for water production, brine production, gas storage, water disposal, or any other purpose
not covered by other Lahee classifications is classified as OTH. It may be licensed under Section
2.020 or 2.040 of the OGCR.
Experimental (EX)
Other (OTH)
Shallower wells may be drilled on the basis of uphole hydrocarbon evidence at adjacent wells and, therefore, the development
category may be appropriate.
The horizontal shaded bar represents the cross-section of a pool as previously delineated before the shown wells were spudded.
(Other pools may exist on the section, but they have not yet been discovered.)
The left edge of this pool is known to terminate where indicated. The exact position of the right edge has not been defined.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-13
The Lahee classification takes into account all zones to be penetrated by the well.
The Lahee classification takes into account any pre-existing exploited offset pools, as
well as pre-existing wells with logs and/or tests that strongly suggest the presence of
pools, although the pools may not have yet been exploited. In both cases, the ERCB
would consider the pools as previously discovered.
Step-out distances will vary depending upon the size and trend of pools previously
encountered in the region.
The ERCBs official designation of pool orders (formerly known as G-orders) have no
bearing on the Lahee classification. This is because they may not have been issued for
nearby pools and because their boundaries may not have been updated to reflect
current knowledge regarding areal extent and continuity of pools.
The Lahee classification is not reviewed by ERCB staff prior to the issuance of the
well licence.
It is strongly recommended that the licensee review its well licence to ensure accuracy
of the Lahee classification selection. In the event that the licensee detects an incorrect
selection, a letter may be sent to the ERCB Reserves and Pore-Space Management
Group requesting a revision. The Reserves and Pore-Space Management Group will
issue a letter acknowledging the revision. As is the case with new licences issued, the
revision request will not be reviewed for correct selection.
If the ERCB requires additional data in support of the licensees Lahee classification
selection, a letter will be sent to the licensee to the attention of the contact identified
on Schedule 1 indicating that
the licensee has 30 days to file a submission package in support of its Lahee
classification selection, and
in the absence of a submission within 30 days, the ERCB will revise the
classification to the ERCB planned revision stated in the letter.
7-14 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
The ERCB Reserves and Pore-Space Management Group will review submissions and
issue a written response of its decision. In some cases, meetings to exchange
information may be necessary.
The ERCB records the official Lahee classification assignment for all wells drilled in
Alberta.
7.11.7
The initial confidential status on new wells is based on the provisions described in the
OGCR, Section 12.150, and the Oil Sands Conservation Regulations, Section 15. Table
7.3 is a guide for determining the appropriate initial confidential status of new wells.
Figure 7.2 provides well scenarios to assist in assigning confidentiality to OUT, DPT,
DEV, DSW, and REN wells.
7.11.7.1 Confidentiality Considerations
A confidentiality assignment takes into account all zones to be penetrated by the well.
The ERCBs official designation of pool orders (formerly known as G-orders) has a
direct impact on confidentiality assignments. The most recent official pool order
boundaries are on the ERCB Web site at www.ercb.ca.
Table 7.3. New well initial confidential status based on Lahee classification
Lahee classification
NFW,NPW,TH,OV,EX
OUT, DPT, DEV, DSW,
REN
(C) CONFIDENTIAL
(C) CONFIDENTIAL if all zones penetrated by the well are outside the
limits of an ERCB-designated pool(s) (formerly known as G-orders) or
inside the boundaries of an existing ERCB-designated confidential pool.
Well No. 1 in Figure 7.2 demonstrates this scenario.
(NC) NONCONFIDENTIAL if the well terminates in or just below an
ERCB-designated nonconfidential pool. Well No. 2 in Figure 7.2
demonstrates this scenario. If the well type and substance are production
of crude bitumen in an oil sands area, the well is also nonconfidential.
OTH
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-15
Figure 7.2. Well scenarios to assist in assigning confidentiality and drill cutting
sample requirements
7.11.7.2 Process and Review Information
Initial confidentiality selections are not reviewed by ERCB staff prior to the issuance
of a well licence.
The ERCB strongly recommends that the licensee review its well licence to ensure
accuracy of the initial confidentiality status. In the event that the licensee detects an
incorrect selection, it may send a letter to the ERCB Reserves and Pore-Space
Management Group requesting a revision. As one of the ERCBs broad mandates is
dissemination of information regarding the oil and gas resources of Alberta, a request
to revise an initial selection may be subject to review by ERCB staff. The Reserves
and Pore-Space Management Group will issue a letter in response to all requests.
Initial confidentiality reviews will be performed by ERCB staff shortly after a well
licence is issued.
In cases where the selection does not appear consistent with the regulations, the ERCB
may issue a letter requesting information to support the confidentiality assignment.
The letter will be sent to the contact identified on Schedule 1 and will indicate that
-
the licensee has 30 days to file a submission package in support of the licensees
initial confidentiality selection, and
in the absence of a submission within 30 days, the ERCB will revise the initial
confidentiality to the ERCB planned revision stated in the letter.
Submission packages should include a covering letter stating the views of the licensee
and any information in support of retaining the initial confidentiality selection.
The ERCB will review submissions and issue a written response of its decision. In
some cases, meetings to exchange information may be necessary.
7-16 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Drill cutting sample requirements are determined using Figure 7.3 and Table 7.4, which
describes the appropriate drill cuttings samples required based upon a wells Lahee
classification described in Table 7.2. In addition, Figure 7.2 provides well scenarios to
assist in assigning drill cutting sample requirements.
36) The applicant must submit drill cuttings in 5 m intervals and in accordance with
Section 11.010 of the OGCR.
The ERCB may periodically identify areas where geological complexities dictate that
additional samples should be taken. In those cases, the ERCB will notify the licensee of
the revised requirements before drilling commences.
7.11.9
Groundwater Protection
37) Applicants must ensure that nonsaline groundwater is protected during drilling
operations by
a) meeting the requirements of Section 6.080 of the OGCR and Directive 020: Well
Abandonment so that nonsaline aquifers (groundwater containing less than 4000
milligrams per litre [mg/l] total dissolved solids) will be covered by cementing
surface casing, cementing the next casing string, or appropriate placement of
open-hole abandonment plugs, and
b) referring to ST 55-2007 to determine if a reference well or depth below ground
level is available to determine the base of groundwater protection. The Base of
Groundwater Protection (BGP) Query Tool is also available on the ERCB DDS
site. For questions relating to the BGP, contact the ERCB Economics,
Environment, and Social Analysis Section by telephone at 403-297-8330 or by email at enviro.services@ercb.ca.
7.11.10 Surface Casing and Exemptions
Directive 008 sets out the requirements for determining surface casing depth for wells to
be drilled and gives specifics on where surface casing is not required.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-17
38) To obtain a surface casing exemption in accordance with Directive 008 (Section 3),
the applicant must file a nonroutine application and include the following
information, where applicable:
a) Geological data
i)
ii) For horizontal wells, indicate if intermediate casing will be set prior to
drilling the horizontal section.
iii) Provide the field kick rate.
7-18 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-19
Well Scenario
NFW, NPW, EX
DPT, OUT
or
Well penetrates an ERCB-designated pool
and is drilling to a deeper horizon (see Well
No. 3 in Figure 7.2).
DEV, DSW
Well Scenario
NPW, EX
DPT, OUT
DEV, DSW
Exceptions
1) On Schedule 4, Part 5, the well Type is Production and Well Substance is Crude Bitumen.
2) On Schedule 4, Part 7, the well Type of Drilling Operation is Horizontal.
3) On Schedule 4, Part 7, the well Projected Total Depth is less than 600 m.
39) In addition to the above, the applicant must provide a map that illustrates the area 3
km around the proposed well and shows
a) surface and bottomhole locations of the proposed well,
b) existing wells within 3 km of the proposed well that are drilled to the proposed
terminating zone,
c) wells with hole problems,,
7-20 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-21
if the mineral rights have not expired, the applicant must obtain the
abandoned wellbore rights from the licensee of record;
ii) if the mineral rights have expired, the abandoned wellbore rights revert to the
Crown. In this case, the applicant must obtain well re-entry approval from
the Crown using the Request for Well Re-Entry Approval form available on
the Alberta Department of Energy Web site.
7.11.12 Setback Requirements
There are specific setback distances between wells containing H 2 S gas and permanent
dwellings, unrestricted country developments, urban centres, or public facilities.
43) The applicant must meet the applicable setback requirements in Table 7.5 based on
the calculated H 2 S release rate for the proposed well.
44) The level designation must be based on the suspended/producing H 2 S release rate.
Table 7.5. Setback requirements for wells containing H 2 S
Level
1
2
H 2 S release
rate (m3/s)
> 0.01 to < 0.3
> 0.3 to <2.0
> 6.0
Minimum distance
0.1 km, as stated in Section 2.110 of the OGCR
0.1 km to individual permanent dwellings and unrestricted country developments
0.5 km to urban centres or public facilities
0.1 km to individual permanent dwellings up to 8 dwellings per quarter section
0.5 km to unrestricted country developments
1.5 km to urban centres or public facilities
As specified by the ERCB but not less than Level 3
7-22 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
synthetic liner,
vacuum truck,
absorption material,
textile mat.
ii) The ERCB expects the measures to comply with all relevant requirements of
provincial and federal legislation and regulation (including the
Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, Water Act, Public Lands
Act, Fisheries Act, and the Navigable Waters Protection Act and the
regulations thereunder).
47) If the applicant cannot meet the requirements to file a routine well application or
proposes alternative mitigative measures, the applicant must submit a nonroutine
application.
a) To submit a nonroutine application, the applicant must attach information
outlining the measures in place to protect the water body from contamination
during drilling and future production operations and to mitigate the consequences
of a spill.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-23
If there is potentially a water body on or near the proposed wells lease, the routine well
application may be referred to the Nonroutine Section for further investigation.
Subsequently, the applicant may need to demonstrate the efforts it has taken to determine
the presence of any water body and to delineate the extent of any identified.
48) If a water body will be disturbed by the well activity, the applicant must submit to the
ERCB the approval received under the Water Act from Alberta Environment.
7.11.12.2 Surface Improvements
For the purposes of Directive 056, a surface improvement is defined as a
dwelling,
industrial plant,
school, or
church.
7-24 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
The ERCB will consider a lesser distance if the applicant demonstrates that special
circumstances exist and that the owner or administrator of the surface lands does not
object.
53) To apply for a relaxation from the 40 m setback requirement, the applicant must
a) file a nonroutine application;
b) attach supporting documentation, including proof of owner/administrator
consent; and
c) upon ERCB request, submit geographical/topographical information and any
proposed mitigative measures.
54) The applicant is expected to consider other setback restrictions set out by Alberta
Transportation and local authorities.
7.11.12.4 Airports
55) If the applicant proposes to drill a well within
a) 5 km of a lighted (registered or unregistered) airstrip/aerodrome or
b) 1.6 km of an unlighted (registered) airstrip/aerodrome
prior to filing the well licence application, the applicant must advise the Regional
Manager, Air Navigation Requirements, Transport Canada, using the Transport
Canada Drilling Rig Clearance Form (Appendix 5).
56) If the applicant proposes to drill a well within a 1.6 km radius of a private,
unregistered, and unlighted airstrip/aerodrome, the applicant must notify the
owner/operator prior to submitting the well licence application to ERCB Facilities
Applications.
a) If notification is required, the applicant must provide
i)
ii) the ERCB publication EnerFAQs No. 7: Proposed Oil and Gas
Development: A Landowners Guide,
iii) the ERCB publication EnerFAQs No. 15: Objecting to an Energy Resource
Project and the form Objecting to an Energy Resource Project, and
iv) all current ERCB EnerFAQs publications as set out on the ERCB Web site.
7.11.12.5 Coal Mines
Sections 6.140 to 6.190 of the OGCR detail the requirements if a well is proposed within
3 km of a subsurface mine, either working or abandoned.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-25
If the applicant proposes to drill a well within 3 km of a working mine or within 400 m of
an abandoned mine, a routine well licence application may be filed if the requirements of
Sections 6.140 to 6.190 of the OGCR will be met.
57) The applicant must file a nonroutine application if the proposed well
a) will not meet the requirements of Sections 6.140 to 6.190 of the OGCR, or
b) will be within 15 m of a coal mine shaft.
58) If the applicant intends to drill through a bed or seam of coal, the applicant must
notify in writing all Freehold coal rights owners and the lessees of Freehold or Crown
coal rights (unless the applicant is also the holder of the coal rights). This notification
must precede the filing of a well application with ERCB Facilities Applications.
The applicant is not required to notify the Crown regarding coal rights, whether or not the
coal rights have been leased.
7.11.13 ERCB Environmental Requirements
59) The applicant is expected to assess each well site and access road and to develop
plans to conserve, reclaim, and mitigate the effects of its activities. These plans
should include measures to contain any spills and prevent and control the following:
soil and water contamination, soil erosion, siltation of any drainage courses or water
bodies, and slope instability.
60) To submit a routine well licence application, the applicant must meet the following
requirements:
a) For CBM wells completed above the base of ground water protection, the
applicant must meet the environment requirements listed in Appendix 12.
b) The applicant must have acceptable measures in place to protect the environment
during drilling and future production operations and to mitigate the consequences
of a spill.
i)
Acceptable measures for on-site containment must include one or more of the
following as required:
synthetic liner,
vacuum truck,
absorption material,
textile mat.
ii) The ERCB expects the measures to comply with all relevant requirements of
provincial and federal legislation and regulation (including the
Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, Water Act, Public Lands
Act, Fisheries Act, and the Navigable Waters Protection Act and the
regulations thereunder).
7-26 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
iii) Prior to construction or preparation of a well lease site or a well site access
road, the licensee is expected to meet the requirements and guidelines in all
current and applicable Alberta Environment informational letters. These
currently include
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-27
An ERCB well licence does not relieve the applicant/licensee from meeting the
legislative or regulatory requirements of the following:
Other relevant acts, including provincial and federal legislation and regulation
(including the Water Act, Public Lands Act, Fisheries Act, and the Navigable Waters
Protection Act and the regulations thereunder).
7-28 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
verify personal consultation and notification radiuses applicable to the well project,
and
68) The ERCB expects that the documentation package will be prepared under the
supervision of a member of the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists,
and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA), or other technical designation.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-29
7-30 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
a) The geological review must support the applicants choice of data used in the
H 2 S release rate calculation. The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
(CAPP) document H 2 S Release Rate Assessment Guidelines and Audit Form is
one possible reference for the types of calculation adjustments or corrections that
may be required.
74) The applicant is expected to consider the following examples (or other situations
where they apply) of geological interpretations that may affect the H 2 S release rate
calculation for the proposed well:
a) Wells near potentially productive reservoirs containing H 2 S gas that are located
along erosional edges (e.g., the Elkton member) should be evaluated for the
potential for a reduced reservoir thickness beyond the limits of seismic resolution
and for the potential to encounter productive outliers.
b) Different geological environments may lead to different potential reservoir
trends. These trends sometimes exhibit a bias in H 2 S concentration and/or AOF
rates for wells completed in the different geological environments. This bias
should be considered when reviewing data for geologically analogous pools.
i)
ii) H 2 S concentration and AOF rate data for wells in the Foothills area must be
segregated by structural trend for evaluation, since the geological analog may
be a pool on the same structural trend as the proposed well.
iii) If multiple sands within a formation are potentially productive (e.g., Ellerslie
#1 and #2 sandstone), the H 2 S release rate must be adjusted to reflect this
scenario.
c) If offsetting well data or seismic interpretation indicates that a substantially
thickened reservoir is potentially present, this information must be used to
determine the H 2 S release rate.
7.11.15.2 Geological Mapping
The ERCB recommends that the applicant begin its geological assessment using a threetownship by three-range map plot to examine the well penetration data appropriate for
each zone that it has identified or will identify on Schedule 4: Well Purpose as its
primary and secondary zones that may contain H 2 S gas. The mapped data may assist in
the determination of geological trends, the identification of applicable geologically
analogous pools, and the estimation of the potential availability of H 2 S concentration and
AOF rate data for the geologically analogous area.
The results of this initial review may indicate that the map area should be expanded to
identify the geological trend (e.g., reef platform or thrust sheet) or needs to be reduced
due to a high well data density capable of providing sufficient data for review (e.g., oil
pools with reduced spacing).
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-31
75) The applicant must submit geological maps for all formations that it has or will
identify on Schedule 4: Well Purpose as its primary and secondary zones that may
contain H 2 S gas.
a) For other potential H 2 S zones that are not noted on Schedule 4, the ERCB
expects the applicant to implement the process outlined in Section 7.11.15.4.
Mapping of these zones is not required.
76) The applicant must submit schematic dip-oriented cross-sections for all proposed
wells located in the Foothills geological area based on existing well control or
seismic information. The schematic cross-section must illustrate the relationship and
the structural style of the prospective zones that may contain H 2 S gas.
77) For map presentations relying on net pay or porosity interpretations, the applicant
must provide the basis for the interpretation (e.g., gross pay, shale cutoffs, log
porosity cutoffs, water saturation cutoffs) where applicable.
78) All map and schematic cross-section presentations must be completed prior to the
date of filing a well licence application.
The applicant may choose the map type that best illustrates its geological interpretation.
Some examples of appropriate maps types are
structure contour,
isochron maps.
7-32 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
structural elevations and source (e.g., zone top or porosity top), and
structural contouring.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-33
84) To determine the cumulative H 2 S release rate for the proposed well, the applicant
must consider the development or exploratory nature of each zone that may contain
H 2 S gas.
The maximum H 2 S content and the maximum AOF rate are based on the information
from the surrounding geological analog pool(s) or area completed in the same or
similar zones.
The H 2 S release rate for each potential zone that may contain H 2 S gas is determined by
multiplying the maximum H 2 S content and AOF rate as determined by the geological and
engineering review of the available data. The paired data points need not be from the
same well.
The drilling release rate for each intermediate hole and main hole is the sum of the
release rates from each zone that will be open to the wellbore during the drilling
operations.
To calculate the release rate for each zone that may be encountered, AOF rate data may
be adjusted to reflect the different flow scenarios appropriate for each zone. If preferred,
post-stimulation data, without adjustment for tubing or casing friction loss, may be used
for all scenarios.
The applicant may calculate the maximum drilling release rate by totalling the
unstimulated release rate for each formation. The discounting of flow data due to
stimulation is not appropriate. Post-stimulation data may be adjusted to reflect a zero
skin.
The completion/servicing release rate for the targeted formation relies on post-stimulation
AOF data. These AOF data may be adjusted for the effects of friction loss using the
configuration of the casing cemented in the hole.
The suspended/producing release rate also relies on post-stimulation AOF data and may
include an adjustment calculation for flow to surface to account for tubing friction loss.
The suspended/producing release rate is used to determine the level classification and the
minimum distance or setback requirement for the proposed well (see Table 7.5. and ID
97-06). Communication of this minimum setback distance is a key component of the
applicants participant involvement plan for the proposed well (see Section 2).
85) A summary of the engineering review, identifying adjustments, corrections, and
discounted data as appropriate, must be included with presubmission materials filed
with the ERCB Reserves and Pore-Space Management Group or in the H 2 S release
rate assessment package submitted for application or audit purposes to ERCB
Facilities Applications or upon ERCB request.
Release Rate Scenarios
86) Each proposed well must be evaluated with its unique circumstances in mind. These
calculations must be documented and included with an H 2 S release rate
presubmission request or upon ERCB request (Section 7.11.15).
The following items reflect common release rate calculation corrections and
comments on appropriate methodology. This is not intended to be exhaustive.
7-34 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
H 2 S release rates for oil should be calculated using the maximum gas rate
from inflow performance relationship (IPR) tests and the maximum H 2 S
concentration from solution gas samples.
ii) For H 2 S release rates based on analogous oil wells, the oil rate from the IPR
test and the gas-oil ratio (GOR) measured during that test should be used to
calculate the maximum gas rate for analogous wells. Combining a maximum
IPR rate with a maximum GOR that is not from the same test may result in
an unreasonable release rate and is therefore not recommended.
c) Extended AOF dataWhen both extended and stabilized AOF rates are reported,
the extended AOF must be used for release rate purposes. A production rate for a
well that is higher than the AOF for the same well is often an indication that the
reported AOF might be the stabilized value. In this case, a review of the AOF test
is required.
d) Single-point AOFIf the n value used for a single-point AOF test is not 1.0, a
calculated AOF assuming an n of 1.0 must be used, unless a review is
undertaken to determine a more appropriate value. A summary of this review
must be included with a presubmission or upon ERCB request.
e) Potential producing zonesIf the estimated potential pay for the primary and
secondary zones that the applicant has identified or will identify on Schedule 4:
Well Purpose are estimated to be higher than the pay for the analog well(s) used
for each zone, the AOF rates must be adjusted for each zone affected.
f) Multiple sandsIf multiple sands within a formation are potentially productive
(e.g., Ellerslie #1 and #2 sandstone), the release rate must be adjusted to reflect
this scenario. This can be done by multiplying the maximum release rate
calculated for a single sand by the number of potential sands or by totalling the
pay estimated for each of the sands and adjusting for the pay of the analog well.
If significant differences in performances can be documented between sands, a
release rate based on individual sands is acceptable.
g) AOF pressureIf the pressure reported for the AOF from an analog well is lower
than the pressure expected at the proposed location, an adjustment of the AOF to
the expected pressure is required. Due to the potential impact an adjustment can
have on the revised AOF, the viscosity of the gas at each pressure is required to
be used in the formula. If a well has multiple AOF tests performed at declining
reservoir pressure, only those performed at close to the initial pressure should be
used unless some type of stimulation has been performed since the first test(s).
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-35
7-36 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
7.12
Step 1: Identification
No documentation required.
7.12.2
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-37
The licensee must submit a copy of the agreement, which confirms the
parties involved, the date of agreement, and the location of land involved.
In the case of an AOA, the licensee must submit copies of the following
AOA documents:
the title page (including the details of the expiry date, company name and
area of operation),
the signoff page (including when the agreement was executed), and
ii) For all other Crown dispositions, the licensee must submit a copy of the
agreement, which confirms the parties involved, the execution of the
agreement (signature), the date of the agreement, and the location of the land
involved.
c) Signed document that identifies the details of the proposal (e.g., signatory page
from the applicants information package)
98) If confirmation of nonobjection is verbal, the licensee must document (log) the name
of the party providing verbal nonobjection and the date on which verbal nonobjection
was obtained.
7.12.2.4 Information Packages
99) The licensee must submit a copy of the project-specific information package that was
distributed to the parties included in the participant involvement program.
It is not necessary to include a copy of the ERCBs documents in the audit
submission; however, details of its distribution must be included.
7-38 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
102) The licensee must keep a copy of the corporate level ERP or, where required, the
specific ERP on file. It is not required for inclusion in the audit submission.
a) The licensee must include in the audit submission a statement confirming that
the applicant has an approved corporate plan and/or that a site-specific plan will
be approved prior to commencing operations.
7.12.4
No documentation required.
7.12.5
103) For Category B wells, the licensee must submit a representative gas analysis for
each prospective horizon in the proposed well.
7.12.6
7.12.6.4 The casing will meet the minimum casing testing requirements
105) The licensee must provide
a) confirmation that sufficient casing was set and cemented in the well for control
purposes, and
b) confirmation that the casing has been pressure tested in accordance with the
appropriate section of the minimum casing testing requirements (see Section
7.11.4), and
c) confirmation and/or documentation that all applicable requirements in Section
7.11.4 have been met for the specific type of well and drilling operation, or
d) documentation that the well licence application was submitted nonroutinely and
a waiver was granted for the required inspection log.
7.12.7
108) If a drill cuttings waiver has been granted, the licensee must submit a copy of the
approval issued by ERCB Geology and Reserves that shows the presubmission
application was reviewed and found to be acceptable.
7-40 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
7.12.9
Step 9: Minerals
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-41
117) When selected for audit review, the licensee must submit the following documents
within 14 calendar days of notice of audit or within the time frame as directed by
Facilities Applications.
118) From the audit documentation, Facilities Applications must be able to determine
that the applicant has fulfilled application requirements to ensure regulatory
compliance prior to filing the application.
The detailed list of audit documents below corresponds to the steps found in Schedule
4.3.
7.13.1
119) The licensee must submit a map showing the size and location of the search area
used to obtain a minimum of 5 representative maximum H 2 S concentrations and
maximum AOF gas rates.
120) The licensee must submit an H 2 S release rate documentation package (see Section
7.11.15) that includes
a) a geological well prognosis, with a comprehensive geological discussion for all
formations/zones,
b) geological mapping for all formations that it has identified or will identify on
Schedule 4: Well Purpose as its primary and secondary zones that may contain
H 2 S gas,
c) an engineering discussion for each potentially productive zone that may
contain H 2 S gas, and
7-42 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
d) tabulated data that provide the results of H 2 S concentration and AOF rate
reviews.
121) If a presubmission H 2 S release rate assessment was submitted, the licensee must
submit a copy of the letter issued by ERCB Reserves and Pore-Space Management
that indicates that the presubmission application was reviewed and that sets out the
release rate value(s) considered acceptable to the ERCB.
7.13.2
No documentation required.
7.13.4
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-43
N/A
Audit documents
7.12.2
7.12.2.1
7.12.2.2
7.12.2.3
Confirmation of Nonobjection
Freehold lease agreement
Crown disposition
Signed information document
Documented verbal nonobjection
Written agreement to proceed to Surface Rights Board
7.12.2.4
Information Packages
Applicants project-specific information package
List of all documents provided to participants
Documented refusal of information packages
7.12.2.5
7.12.2.6
7.12.3
7.12.5
7.12.6
7.12.6.3
7-44 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
N/A
Audit documents
Question 4: The casing will meet the minimum casing testing requirements
Confirmation and/or documentation that all applicable minimum requirements in
Section 7.11.4 have been met
A copy of the inspection log waiver if one has been granted
7.12.7
7.12.7.1
Table Information
Survey plan
For CBM wells completed above the base of groundwater protection, survey
plan or map that meets the requirements of Appendix 12
7.12.7.2
7.12.7.3
7.12.8
7.12.9
Step 9: Minerals
7.12.9.1
7.12.9.2
7.12.11
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-45
N/A
Audit documents
Schedule 4.3
7.13.1
7.13.2
7.13.2.1
7.13.4
7.13.4.1
Table 7.7 provides a summary of documents required for nonroutine application submission by step and
question. Please refer to the questions specified in Section 7.14 for full details.
7-46 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
N/A
Question
No.
N/A
Question 2: A direction survey will be run if the well deviates from vertical
Explanation of why a directional survey will not be run when well deviates from
vertical
Step 8: Well Classification
Question 1a: If YES, drill cutting samples will be collected and submitted as required
Copy of drill cuttings approval/waiver (if available)
Lahee classification
Well location, terminating formation, and total depth
List of control wells with sample coverage over producing interval
Detailed reason for a waiver
Step 9: Minerals
Question 1: The applicant has the rights for all intended purposes of the proposed well
Detailed explanation of why mineral rights have not been obtained
Question 2: The applicant has the rights to a complete drilling spacing unit
Detailed explanation of why mineral rights have not been obtained for the entire
drilling spacing unit
Step 11: Surface Impact
Question 1: The ERCB water body setback requirements have been met
Detailed explanation of why water body setback requirements cannot be met
Description of methods to protect the water body
Question 1a: All other ERCB setback requirements have been met
Detailed explanation and, if required, consent of the surface improvement owner
and/or the approval from the Freehold lessee/owner
Landowner confirmation of nonobjection with regard to setbacks
Question 2: The proposed well site and/or access road will meet ERCB environmental requirements
Detailed explanation as to why environmental requirements cannot be met
Explanation of the mitigative measures to be in place during drilling and
production operations to protect the environment
Question 3a: If YES, clearance has been granted for the well site (Freehold land only)
Detailed explanation as to why Alberta Culture and Community Spirit has not
provided clearance
7-48 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
MONTH
YEAR
APPLICANTS REFERENCE
1. IDENTIFICATION
Company Name
Purpose of Application:
Applicant BA Code
New
Re-entry/Resumption
Deepening
Licence Amendment
NO
NO
Surface Location
Surface Coordinates
Bottomhole Location
Ground Elevation
Total Depth
Terminating Formation
Change of purpose:
Regulation Section
Well Type
Mineral Rights
Surface Rights
Schedule 4.3
5. WELL PURPOSE
Category Type
Regulation Section
Section 2.020
WELL TYPE
Section 2.030
SUBSTANCE NAME
Section 2.040
FORMATION CODE
FORMATION NAME
1. The proposed well is part of an experimental, primary or commercial crude bitumen scheme............................................................ YES
If YES, Scheme Approval Number
NO
(DAY/MONTH/YEAR)
6. RE-ENTRY/RESUMPTION/DEEPENING OF A WELL
Original Licence Number
W
1. The applicant is the licensee of the well ............................................................................................................................................... YES
2. The well is currently abandoned ........................................................................................................................................................... YES
3. The applicant has the rights to the existing wellbore ............................................................................................................................ YES
4. Casing will meet the minimum casing testing requirements ................................................................................................................. YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
Energy Resources Conservation Board Facilities Applications, Suite 1000, 250 5 Street SW, Calgary Alberta T2P 0R4
Schedule 4, page 2
Company Name
APPLICANTS REFERENCE
7. WELL DETAIL
If you are filing a multiwell pad application, attach a completed Schedule 4.2.
Bottomhole Location
Surface Coordinates
Type of Drilling
Operation
Surface Location
N/S Distance
N/S Designation
E/W Distance
E/W Designation
Well Name:
Surface Casing Depth (m)
Terminating Code
Mineral Rights
NO
NO
N/A
8. WELL CLASSIFICATION
If Lahee classification is Deeper Pool Test, well will be exploratory below:
Lahee Classification
Code
Formation Name
Depth (m)
Code
Formation Name
NO
1a. If YES, drill cutting samples will be collected and submitted as required ........................................................................................... YES
1b. If required to be collected and submitted, drill cutting samples will be provided as follows:
NO
Code
Depth (m)
Code
To Formation Name/Casing
Depth (m)
9. MINERAL RIGHTS
1. The applicant has the rights for all intended purposes of the proposed well........................................................................................ YES
2. The applicant has the rights to a complete drilling spacing unit ........................................................................................................... YES
NO
NO
Freehold
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
2.
The well will encounter reservoirs that will be subject to enhanced recovery or
acid gas injection schemes, or CO 2 greater than 1 per cent in the producing formation ................................................................ YES
NO
FAC-06-2008-10D
Energy Resources Conservation Board Facilities Applications, Suite 1000, 250 5 Street SW, Calgary Alberta T2P 0R4
Enter the date on which you will submit this schedule to the ERCB in
the upper left corner (e.g., 15 Jan 2011).
Applicants Reference
Step 1: Identification
Company Name
Applicant BA Code
Enter the 4-digit business associate (BA) code issued to your company
by the ERCB.
Purpose of Application
New
Re-entry/Resumption
Select this box if you are not the current licensee of record and are
applying to re-enter a well or you are the licensee of the well and plan to
resume drilling after original rig release. See Step 6: Re-Entry/
Resumption/Deepening of a Well.
Deepening
Select this box if you are applying to deepen a well while the rig is on
hole, resulting in an increase in the well category (e.g., from B to C, or
C to D; see Table 7.1). For other deepenings, also see Step 6: Re-Entry/
Resumption/Deepening of a Well.
Licence Amendment
Select this box if you are amending a previously issued well licence
prior to spud or rig release. See Step 4: Licence Amendment Only.
YES means all applicable requirements as outlined in Table 7.1 and the
participant involvement requirements of Sections 2 and 7.8 and in IL
82-11 have been met prior to application submission.
NO means that due to exceptional circumstances, all applicable
requirements as cited above have not been met. This includes being
unable to contact a party or receive confirmation of nonobjection, as
required.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-51
If there are residents within the EPZ, you must also attach
YES also means the proposed well is located within the Tier 1 area of
Battle Lake and the documentation required by Section 8.2 is attached.
The ERCB will review the circumstances and decide if an exemption is
warranted.
NO means there are no outstanding concerns/objections.
7-52 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Enter the distance from the well centre to the nearest surface
development in kilometres (km) to 2 decimal places.
If there is no surface development within the EPZ, a distance to the
nearest town, village, or urban centre may be used. Where there is no
EPZ, a search should be done to at least 1.5 km; if there is no surface
development within this distance, enter 1.5 km on the schedule.
YES means the corporate or specific emergency response plan will meet
the requirements of Directive 071.
If the category type is changing before the well is spudded, request that the ERCB cancel the original
licence and reapply for a new well licence. Note that applicants consultation/notification must be
completed for a new category type.
Any other revisions to the licence may be done by completing a licence amendment application and
completing this step.
While on hole:
When you are applying for a deepening of the well greater than 150 m or any deepening resulting in a
change to the terminating formation and there are no changes to the category type, file a licence
amendment application and complete this step.
Check all that apply
Surface Location
Check all the boxes that apply to your well licence amendment
application.
Check this box to indicate a change in surface location of the well
within the same drilling spacing unit. Enter the new surface location,
surface location coordinates, surface latitude, and surface longitude in
Step 7: Well Detail.
You must submit a revised survey plan with your amendment
application.
Surface Coordinates
Bottomhole Location
Ground Elevation
Check this box to indicate a change in ground elevation. Enter the new
ground elevation for the well in Step 7: Well Detail.
You must submit a revised survey plan with your amendment
application.
Total Depth
Check this box to indicate an increase in total depth for the well. Enter
the new projected total depth in Step 7: Well Detail. If the well is not a
vertical well, also enter the projected true vertical depth.
Terminating Formation
Mineral Rights
Check this box to indicate a change to the mineral ownership record for
the well.
Enter the identity of the mineral rights owner (head lessor) in Step 7:
Well Detail.
Surface Rights
Schedule 4.3
Change of Purpose
Check the appropriate box to indicate a change of purpose for the well.
Enter the new well purpose in Step 5: Well Purpose.
You must change an Oil Sands Evaluation well within 30 days from the
drilling of the well licence. This also requires a regulation change in
Step 5: Well Purpose.
Regulation Section
Check this box to indicate a change in the section of the OGCR for the
well purpose.
Enter the new Regulation Section in Step 5: Well Purpose.
Well Type
Enter the previously issued well licence number; include all zeros in the
7-digit well licence number. You must record the original licence
number when filing a relicense application.
Enter the category type of the well from Table 7.1. If you have selected
a Category C, D, or E well, you must complete and attach Schedule 4.3
to your application.
For Category E wells, you must submit a nonroutine well licence
application and all applicable audit documentation.
7-54 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Using Table 7.8, check the appropriate box to indicate the section of the
OGCR that this application is being submitted under.
Regulation Section
Section 2.020
Select this box if you are submitting the well licence application under
Section 2.020 of the OGCR for a conventional well (see Table 7.8).
Section 2.030
Select this box if you are submitting the well licence application under
Section 2.030 of the OGCR for an oil sands evaluation well, test hole, or
an experimental well (see Table 7.8).
Section 2.040
Select this box if you are submitting the well licence application under
Section 2.040 of the OGCR for a well that will be drilled greater than
150 m to supply water for any purpose (see Table 7.8).
Well Type
Enter the name for the well type from Table 7.8.
Substance Name
Enter the substance name from Table 7.8. Enter none if there is no
substance involved.
Formation Code
Enter the formation code. Formation codes are available on the ERCB
Web site www.ercb.ca under Industry Zone : Rules, Regulations,
Requirements : Reference Codes.
Formation Name
If the proposed well is part of an approved scheme, enter the expiry date
(e.g., 15 Jan 2011).
When you are applying for a deepening of the well and there is a change to the category type, file a
deepening application and complete this step.
For any other deepening greater than 150m where the category type does not change, you must file a
licence amendment application and complete Step 4.
Enter the bottomhole location of the wellbore using the Dominion Land
Survey System.
Surface Location
Surface Coordinates
N/S Distance
N/S Designation
E/W Distance
Enter the east/west coordinates for the surface location measured from
the well to the outside boundaries of the section containing the well and
rounded to the nearest 0.1 m.
7-56 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
E/W Designation
Well Name
Enter the total depth of the surface casing to the nearest metre.
Mineral Rights
Terminating Code
Enter the code of the deepest formation in which the well will terminate
and where you are entitled to the right to produce (see the ERCB Web
site under Industry Zone : Rules, Regulations, Requirements :
Reference Codes).
Enter the name of the deepest formation in which the well will
terminate and where you are entitled to the right to produce (see the
ERCB Web site under Industry Zone : Rules, Regulations,
Requirements : Reference Codes).
Do not record any formation within the 15 m overhole interval as the
terminating formation unless you hold the mineral rights to it.
Surface Latitude
Surface Longitude
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-57
N/A means there is no Directive 008 requirement (e.g., the well licence
application is to re-enter an existing wellbore).
2. A directional survey will be
run if the well deviates from
vertical.
YES means a directional survey will be run if the well deviates from
vertical.
NO means a directional survey will not be run if the well deviates from
vertical.
If NO, you must attach a detailed explanation. The ERCB will review
the circumstances and decide if an exemption is warranted.
Enter the appropriate Lahee classification for the proposed well, using
Table 7.9.
If Lahee classification is
Deeper Pool Test, well will be
exploratory below:
Code
Enter the code of the formation below which the proposed well will be
exploratory. Formation codes are available on the ERCB Web site
www.ercb.ca under Industry Zone : Rules, Regulations, Requirements :
Reference Codes.
Formation Name
Enter the name of the formation below which the proposed well will be
exploratory. Formation names are available on the ERCB Web site
www.ercb.ca under Industry Zone : Rules, Regulations, Requirements :
Reference Codes.
Depth
Enter the projected depth of the base of the formation below which the
proposed well will be exploratory to the nearest metre.
Confidential Status
(Section 7.11.7)
Enter the confidential status of the proposed well, using Table 7.10.
If status is Confidential
Below, well will be confidential
below:
Code
Enter the code of the formation below which the proposed well will be
confidential. Formation codes are available on the ERCB Web site
www.ercb.ca under Industry Zone : Rules, Regulations, Requirements :
Reference Codes
Formation Name
Enter the name of the formation below which the proposed well will be
confidential. Formation names are available on the ERCB Web site
www.ercb.ca under Industry Zone : Rules, Regulations, Requirements :
Reference Codes.
7-58 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Lahee classification,
well location,
terminating formation,
If drill cutting sample collection and submission are ended and then
resumed deeper in the well, repeat the following procedure for the next,
deeper interval in the second row provided.
Code
Enter the code of the formation or the casing type 30 m above which
submission of drill cutting samples begins. Formation codes are
available on the ERCB Web site www.ercb.ca under Industry Zone :
Rules, Regulations, Requirements : Reference Codes.
From Formation
Name/Casing
Depth
Enter the proposed depth to the nearest metre at which drill cutting
sample collection submission begins.
Code
To Formation Name/Casing
Enter the name of the formation or the casing depth 30 m below which
sample collection and submission ends, or enter total depth, if that is
where sample collection ends. Formation names are available on the
ERCB Web site www.ercb.ca under Industry Zone : Rules, Regulations,
Requirements : Reference Codes.
Depth
Enter the proposed depth to the nearest metre where drill cutting sample
collection and submission end.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-59
YES means you have acquired the right to produce from the intended
formation(s) or the right to drill and operate the well, as stated in the
well purpose for the complete drilling spacing unit and as required for
Freehold lands by the Alberta Department of Energy (DOE) Mines and
Mineral Act, Sections 53 and 54, and DOE Informational Letter (IL) 9209 and IL 94-21 for Crown minerals.
NO means that due to exceptional circumstances, all applicable
requirements as cited above have not been met.
If NO, you must attach a detailed explanation of why you do not have
the mineral rights. The ERCB will review the circumstances and decide
if an exemption is warranted.
YES means that you have secured the rights to a complete drilling
spacing unit. Yes also means that for injection/disposal wells,
observation wells, and water source wells, you have authorization from
the mineral rights owner or lessee for the stated purpose.
NO means that you have not secured the rights to a complete drilling
spacing unit.
If NO, you must attach a detailed explanation of the reason you do not
have the entire drilling spacing unit. The ERCB will review the
circumstances and decide if an exemption is warranted.
If you do not have all mineral rights for the entire drilling spacing unit
and you are awaiting other ERCB approvals (e.g., reduced spacing
application), your application may be premature. In these instances, you
should not submit your well licence application unless you can meet
current spacing requirements.
YES means that the well will meet the applicable water body setback
requirements stated in Section 7.11.12.1 or that there is no water body
located less than 100 m from a well centre.
NO means that due to exceptional circumstances, all applicable
requirements as cited above have not been met.
If NO, you must attach an explanation as to why you cannot meet the
water body setback requirements and include the methods to protect the
water body. The ERCB will review the circumstances and decide if an
exemption is warranted.
7-60 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
YES means the proposed well will meet all applicable surface
improvement setback requirements outlined in Sections 7.11.12.2 to
7.11.12.5.
NO means
you are not able to acquire the consent of the surface improvement
owner.
YES means the proposed well site or access road will meet all
applicable environmental requirements stated in Section 7.11.13.
NO means that due to exceptional circumstances, all applicable
requirements as cited above have not been met.
If NO, you must attach a detailed explanation as to why you cannot
meet the requirements described in Section 7.11.13 and what mitigative
measures will be in place. The ERCB will review the circumstances and
decide if an exemption is warranted.
YES means the proposed well site requires clearance by Alberta Culture
and Community Spirit, in accordance with the Historical Resources Act.
NO means that the proposed well site does not require clearance by
Alberta Culture and Community Spirit.
YES means that at the time of application you are the 100 per cent
working interest participant in the proposed well.
NO means that at the time of application you are not the only working
interest participant in the proposed well. You must fill out Schedule 4.1,
identifying all of the working interest participants and their percentage
interest in the proposed well, totalling 100 per cent, and attach a
completed Schedule 4.1.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-61
YES means that the well will encounter at least one reservoir subject to
an enhanced recovery scheme,
7-62 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Code
98
02
Water
06
Brine
Waste
LPG
Coalbed methane
07
08
16
22
65
Observation
05
Crude oil
Gas
None
01
02
Production
07
Crude oil
01
Gas
02
Brine
Crude bitumen
07
17
Coalbed methane
22
Production (Scheme)
Storage
08
09
Training
11
Well type
Experimental
Oil Sand Evaluation
Test
Code
03
06
10
Well type
Domestic
Observation
Production
Code
01
05
07
Crude bitumen
17
Gas
02
LPG
16
None
OGCR, Section 2.030
Substance name
Code
None
Crude bitumen
17
None
OGCR, Section 2.040
Substance name
Code
Water
06
Water
06
Water
06
Code
01
04
09
Type
Development Service Well
Deeper Pool Test
Other
11
12
Test Hole
Lahee options
OTH
OTH
DSW
DSW
OTH
OTH
OTH
DSW
DSW
DSW
OTH
DSW
DSW
DSW
NFW, NPW
DPT, OUT, DEV
NFW, NPW
DPT, OUT, DEV
OTH
DEV
NFW, NPW
DPT, OUT, DEV
DEV
OTH
OTH
OTH
Confidential options
NC
NC
C, CB, NC
C, CB, NC
NC
NC
NC
C, CB, NC
C, CB, NC
C, CB, NC
NC
C, CB, NC
C, CB, NC
C, CB, NC
C
C, CB, NC
C
C, CB, NC
NC
NC
C
C, CB, NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
Lahee options
EX
OV
TH
Confidential options
C
C
C
Lahee options
OTH
OTH
OTH
Confidential options
NC
NC
NC
Code
02
05
10
Type
Outpost
New Pool Wildcat
Experimental
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-63
Confidential
Nonconfidential
Confidential Below
7-64 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
DAY
MONTH
YEAR
APPLICANTS REFERENCE
1. IDENTIFICATION
Applicant BA Code
Company Name
2. WORKING INTEREST PARTICIPANTS
Company Name
FAC-06-2008-10E
Percentage
Energy Resources Conservation Board Facilities Applications, Suite 1000, 250 5 Street SW, Calgary Alberta T2P 0R4
Enter the date on which you will submit this schedule to the ERCB in
the upper left corner (e.g., 15 Jan 2011).
Applicants Reference
Step 1: Identification
Company Name
Applicant BA Code
Enter the 4-digit business associate (BA) code issued to your company
by the ERCB.
Percentage
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-67
DAY
MONTH
YEAR
Bottomhole
Well Name
FAC-06-2008-10G
Location
Drilling
Operation
Surface Location
(if different)
W M
W M
W M
W M
W M
W M
W M
W M
W M
W M
W M
W M
W M
W M
W M
W M
W M
W M
W M
W M
Surface
Coordinates
N/S
E/W
Surface
Casing
Depth (m)
APPLICANTS REFERENCE
Ground
Projected
Total Depth
(m)
True Vertical
Depth (m)
Elevation
(m)
Mineral
Rights
Energy Resources Conservation Board Facilities Applications, Suite 100, 250 5 Street SW, Calgary Alberta T2P 0R4
The surface location of all wells will be the same legal subdivision or adjoining legal subdivision.
All wells are the same well type (e.g., injection, production).
The wells are to be licensed under the same section of the OGCR.
You must complete and submit Schedule 4.2 to provide specific data elements for oil and oil sands
evaluation wells to be licensed under Section 2.030 of the OGCR, provided that
the producing and terminating formations are the same for all wells applied for.
Date
Enter the date on which you will submit this schedule to the ERCB in
the upper left corner (e.g.,15 Jan 2011).
Applicants Reference
Well Name
Bottomhole Location
Drilling Operation
Surface Location
Enter the surface location of each well on the pad, if different from the
location supplied in Schedule 4: Step 7, as surveyed using the
Dominion Land Survey System.
Surface Coordinates
Enter the north/south and east/west coordinates for the surface location
measured from the well to the outside boundaries of the section
containing the well and rounded to the nearest 0.1 m.
N/S
E/W
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-71
Enter the true vertical depth to the nearest metre if the well is expected
to deviate from vertical.
Ground Elevation
Mineral Rights
Surface Latitude
Surface Longitude
7-72 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
DAY
MONTH
YEAR
APPLICANTS REFERENCE
Formation Name
Maximum Cumulative H 2 S RR
1.
2.
3.
ppm
Level 1
mol/kmol
Level 2
NO
%
Level 3
Level 4
N/A
Suspended/Producing Case
(km)
km
2.
km
3.
NO
3a. If YES, the ERP has been submitted to the Emergency Planning and Assessment Section ...................................................................YES
NO
All equipment and practices for the drilling of this well will
meet or exceed the requirements of ID 97-06 and IRP Volume 1 .................................................................................................................YES
FAC-06-2008-10H
NO
Energy Resources Conservation Board Facilities Applications, Suite 1000, 250 5 Street SW, Calgary Alberta T2P 0R4
7.14.4
You must complete a separate Schedule 4.3 for each Category C, D, and E well or well pad licence
application.
For well pad licence applications, you must choose the maximum cumulative H 2 S release rate assessment
values for the entire pad. You may choose to file separate well or well pad licence applications if you do
not wish to accept the maximum cumulative H 2 S release assessment rate value for the entire pad.
Date
Enter the date on which you will submit this schedule to the ERCB
in the upper left corner (e.g., 15 Jan 2011).
Applicants Reference
Formation Name
Drilling Case
Enter the drilling case H 2 S release rate in cubic metres per second
(m3/s) to 4 decimal places for each formation considered in your
H 2 S evaluation. Include formation encountered at total depth when
completing drilling case.
Enter zero (0) if you determine there is no potential to encounter
H 2 S in the formation.
Completion/Servicing Case
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-75
Suspended/Producing Case
Completion/Servicing Case
Suspended/Producing Case
2. Maximum H 2 S concentration
encountered in the well
3. Anticipated suspended/
producing level as per ID 97-06
Completion/Servicing Case
Suspended/Producing Case
7-76 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Enter the number of occupied dwellings, public facilities, and/or places of business inside the
calculated EPZ for each release rate scenario:
Drilling Case
Completion/Servicing Case
Suspended/Producing Case
1. Distance to nearest
surface development
3. A site-specific ERP is
required.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) 7-77
Section 8
8.1
8.2
Background
AER Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (May 2014) 8-1
8-2 AER Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (May 2014)
8.2.2
100 m of water features that feed into Battle Lake (water features for the purpose of
this criterion include permanent and recurring streams, springs, and wetlands [fens,
bogs, muskeg, marshes]; these include water bodies and wetlands as defined by the
more stringent or comprehensive designations in the Water Act and the Alberta
Wetland Policy);
100 m of the 900 m (2950 foot) elevation contour along the shoreline of Battle Lake
(top of the escarpments that parallel the lake); and
the Mount Butte natural area, County natural areas, South Battle Lake Natural Area,
and remaining undisturbed natural areas on public lands.
8.2.3
Proposed development within the Tier 1 area is subject to the following requirements:
1) Proponents must investigate alternative approaches for oil and gas development and,
where feasible, are expected to select those that avoid further disturbance of Tier 1
areas.
2) If development within Tier 1 area is viewed as unavoidable, proponents must
a) assess opportunities to use existing facilities, road access, pipeline rights-of-way,
and other pre-existing disturbances and to minimize incremental disturbances in
Tier 1 areas,
b) ensure that well, production battery, compressor, and gas plant sites located in
Tier 1 have appropriate mitigative measures to prevent fluid spills and
contaminated runoff from entering wetlands, streams, or the lake during
construction and operational phases (e.g., runoff containment berms and
retention ponds, catch-pans or devices for equipment seal leaks), and
c) incorporate mitigative measures to maintain the integrity of pipelines and
provide for early detection of and response to leaks for new hydrocarbon liquid
and produced water pipelines traversing Tier 1 lands.
3) Proponents must conduct a preapplication on-site assessment to determine site and
pipeline/road locations that will
a) avoid sensitive habitats that may include bald eagle nesting sites, fern meadow
sites, and other unique ecological features that may be identified,
b) identify and avoid steep slopes where construction could require significant
surface disturbance or aggravate erosion problems, and
c) avoid disturbance of springs, streams, and wetlands.
A primary purpose of the site assessment is to verify whether unmapped water
features are present. If unmapped water features are identified, these areas are to be
protected.
AER Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (May 2014) 8-3
review their plans and explain their rationale for their proposed development in Tier
1 areas at a regular meeting of the synergy group, and
consult with the Battle Lake Preservation Society and seek its advice on locations
and mitigative measures for new development in Tier 1 areas.
Non-Tier 1 Areas
The Battle Lake pilot project also addressed facility application considerations for other
parts of the watershed, including the adoption of recommended practices for areas not
designated as Tier 1. Proposed surface facility development within Battle Lake Tier 2
(undisturbed and forested lands) and Tier 3 (lands disturbed by agricultural, residential,
or other industrial development) areas may continue to be filed in the routine application
stream, provided that the application meets all Directive 056 requirements for such
applications.
8-4 AER Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (May 2014)
8.3
Background
In December 2000, the Provincial Advisory Committee on Public Safety and Sour Gas
produced a final report that contained 87 recommendations for addressing public safety
and sour gas. In Recommendations 7, 32, and 33, the committee noted that a greater
effort was required to reduce the proliferation of sour facilities near people and that more
information regarding future development plans should be provided to people near sour
gas developments as part of the ERCBs application and licensing process. In response to
these recommendations, an Oversight Committee consisting of public, industry, and
regulatory participants monitored sour gas development applications over a two-year trial
period to determine if the Recommended Practices would be effective in responding to
Recommendations 7, 32, and 33.
In its Final ReportOutcomes and Recommendations from the Oversight Committee to
the ERCB, the Oversight Committee noted that when the Recommended Practices were
followed, the effect was consistent with the intent of Recommendations 7, 32, and 33 and
that the Recommended Practices were an effective approach to developing and
maintaining good relations with the public.
However, because industry participation during the two-year trial was less than expected,
the Oversight Committee subsequently recommended that a requirement to follow the
Recommended Practices was necessary to meet Recommendations 7, 32, and 33.
8.3.2
Applicants must meet the following additional application requirements when preparing
applications for sour gas development near people.
5) Prior to the submission of an application, the applicant must follow the
Recommended Practices when planning sour gas development in areas where there
will be residents located within the calculated EPZ. As a minimum, the applicant
must
a) conduct an assessment of any existing facility or pipeline to determine if it can
be used;
The Recommended Practices were released under the auspices of the Canadian Association of Petroleum
Producers (CAPP), the Canadian Association of Petroleum Landmen (CAPL), and the Small Explorers and
Producers Association of Canada (SEPAC).
AER Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (May 2014) 8-5
the results of the applicants assessment for the use of existing infrastructure,
the anticipated timing for the project from the licensing stage through to
production operations; and
c) meet all participant involvement requirements set out in section 2, ensuring the
program includes the radius recommended by tables 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1.
6) An applicant that is required to conduct an assessment of the existing infrastructure
must
a) review all existing sour gas facilities and sour gas pipelines within a 15 km
radius of the proposed facility;
b) evaluate the feasibility of upgrading an existing facility and of forging
commercial partnerships with existing licensees (for example, contact area
operators for information required to conduct the assessment: operating pressure,
available capacity, H2S limitations, future production potential for the area); and
c) document the evaluation for application and audit purposes.
8.3.3
Addressing Concerns/Objections
In some circumstances the AER may request that an area development plan be
prepared in accordance with the Recommended Practices for distribution prior to
submitting or during the processing of the application.
8-6 AER Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (May 2014)
8) An applicant proposing sour gas development where there are residents located in
the EPZ and about which unresolved concerns or objections exist may be required to
submit all applications associated with the proposed sour gas project (i.e., wells,
facilities, and/or pipelines) at the AERs request.
8.3.4
Routine Submission
If there are no unresolved concerns or objections, the applicant may file a routine
application with a cover letter indicating that no concerns or objections exist and that the
application meets the requirements of the Recommended Practices. Applicants of routine
submissions are not required to attach the documentation that demonstrates they met
Recommended Practices with their routine application, but must retain the
documentation for audit review purposes.
In those cases where there are one or more surface developments within the EPZ but
none of those surface developments is a residence, the Recommended Practices would
not apply. A cover letter must be submitted identifying the type of surface
development(s) and confirming that section 8.3 of this directive does not apply.
8.3.5
The audit review process will ensure that the sour gas development requirements
summarized in section 8.3.2 were fulfilled prior to the submission of the application. The
AER will review nonroutine-participant involvement applications for compliance during
the processing of the application. Nonroutine-technical and routine submissions will be
subject to the existing audit selection and review processes. For any noncompliant
applications, the AER will take enforcement action in accordance with Directive 019:
Compliance Assurance.
8.4
Background
existing heavy oil and bitumen operations in the Peace River area to capture and
flare, incinerate, or conserve all casing gas and tank-top gas; and
new heavy oil and bitumen operations in the Peace River area to capture and flare,
incinerate, or conserve all casing gas and tank-top gas effective May 15, 2014.
Licensees of existing operations and applicants for new developments in the Peace River
area will need to demonstrate that their projects meet these requirements when
submitting facility licence applications under Directive 056.
AER Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (May 2014) 8-7
8.4.2
The Peace River area covers the Three Creeks, Reno, Seal Lake, and Walrus areas (see
figure 8.2).
9) Effective May 15, 2014, applicants for new heavy oil and bitumen operations in the
Peace River area must submit documentation with their facility licence application
that includes
a) a process flow diagram that shows that all casing gas and tank-top gas will be
captured and flared, incinerated, or conserved;
b) a recording of 0 for the total continuous venting rate on Schedule 2;
c) details on Schedule 2.4 for any compressor associated with the vapour recovery
unit regardless of its size; and
d) any other information requested by the AER.
If there are no unresolved concerns or objections, a routine application may be submitted
provided that all other applicable requirements have been met.
10) In order to be compliant with section 8.7.3 of the May 2014 edition of Directive 060:
Upstream Petroleum Industry Flaring, Incinerating, and Venting, licensees of
existing heavy oil and bitumen facilities in the Peace River area that are currently
venting casing gas or tank-top gas must submit a Directive 056 amendment
application in sufficient time to allow for approval of the amendment and installation
8-8 AER Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (May 2014)
of any required equipment by August 15, 2014. This application must contain the
same information required under section 8.4.3 of Directive 056 for new heavy oil
and bitumen operations licence applications.
Heavy oil and bitumen operations in the Peace River area that are exempt from Directive
056 licensing must still meet the Peace Riverarea requirements in section 8.7.3 of
Directive 060 for the capture and flaring, incinerating, or conserving of all casing gas
and tank-top gas.
AER Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (May 2014) 8-9
Appendix 1
Summary of Revisions
The table below provides a summary of the key revisions in the September 2011 edition of Directive 056.
Section
General Comments
Revisions
This edition includes updates required by the release of new and revised directives and
other documents, consolidates frequently asked questions, and provides clarification.
Section 2: Participant
Involvement
Section 3: Energy
Development Licence
Applications
Section 4: Application
Audit Process
Section 5: Facility
Licence Applications
Updated Licence Expiry and added Licence Extensions (Sections 5.3 and 5.3.1)
Removed references to PAZ (Table 5.1)
Clarified participant involvement requirements for surface facilities within the ERCBapproved in situ oil sands project area (Section 5.5.2.2)
Updated Oilfield Waste Management Facilities (Section 5.5.2.3)
Clarified licensing requirements for adding one compressor less than 75 kW (Sections
5.5.3 and 5.9.8, requirement 48)
Updated Tables 5.2 and 5.3 to allow an increase or decrease in sulphur recovery
efficiency for an acid gas injection facility
Added reference to all current EnerFAQs (Section 5.8)
Added reference to EnerFAQs No. 15 and the form Objecting to an Energy Resource
Project (Section 5.8, requirement 19 and Section 5.10.2.3, requirement 81)
Clarified industry notification (Section 5.8, requirement 21)
Updated emergency response planning (Section 5.9.1)
Updated licensing of generators (Section 5.9.8, requirement 49)
(continued)
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-1
Schedule 2: Facility
Licence Application
Clarified licensing requirements for adding one compressor less than 75 kW (Sections
5.14.5 and 5.14.5, Step 2)
Replaced reference to Appendix 5 with reference to Directive 077 (Sections 6.1, 6.5.2,
and 6.9.11)
Clarified licence expiry (Section 6.3.1)
Added Licence Extensions (Section 6.3.2)
Clarified participant involvement requirements for pipelines within the ERCB-approved
in situ oil sands project area (Section 6.4)
Removed references to partial pressure, gas free, and PAZ (Tables 6.1 and 6.2)
Added references to non-sour service and sour service (Table 6.1)
Added footnote regarding sour service (Table 6.1)
Removed reference to nonroutine application for complete removals and added audit
requirements (Tables 6.2, 6.4, and 6.5, Sections 6.9.9 and 6.10.5)
Added reference to liner removal (Table 6.2 and Section 6.7, requirement 12, and
Section 6.9.19)
Added or of a higher grade to pipeline replacement (Sections 6.5.2 and 6.9.10)
Added reference to all current EnerFAQs (Section 6.8, requirement 15)
Added reference to EnerFAQs No. 15 and the form Objecting to an Energy Resource
Project (Section 6.8 requirement 15 and Section 6.10.2.3, requirement 85)
Clarified industry notification (Section 6.8, requirement 17)
Updated emergency response planning (Section 6.9.1)
Clarified requirements for steam distribution pipelines (Sections 6.9.4 and 6.11.2.6.
Table 6.4)
Updated partial pipeline removals (Section 6.9.7)
Clarified requirements for Category C surface pipelines (Section 6.9.11, requirement
37, and Table 6.5)
Updated requirements for base plan maps (Section 6.9.14.1)
(continued)
A-2 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Schedule 3: Pipeline
Licence Application
Schedule 3.1:
Segment/Installation
Identification
Removed reference to in the gaseous phase for H2S content (Section 6.12.2,
Step 2)
Revised partial pressure from two decimal places to one (Section 6.12.2, Step 2)
Schedule 3.2:
Technical/Environmental
Information
Revised partial pressure from two decimal places to one (Section 6.12.3, Step 2)
Clarified requirements for Category C surface pipelines (Section 6.12.3, Step 2)
Clarified requirements for CO2 pipelines (Section 6.12.3, Step 2)
Clarified requirements for a change in substance to HVP (Section 6.12.3, Step 4)
Removed reference to IL 93-09 (Section 6.12.3, Step 6)
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-3
A-4 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-5
Appendix 2
General
ERCB Documents
Directive 001: Requirements for Site-Specific Liability Assessments in Support of the ERCB's Liability
Management Programs
Directive 006: Licensee Liability Rating (LLR) Program and Licence Transfer Process
Directive 011: Licensee Liability Rating (LLR) Program Updated Industry Parameters and Liability Costs
Directive 019: Compliance Assurance
Directive 023: Guidelines Respecting an Application for a Commercial Crude Bitumen Recovery and Upgrading
Project
Directive 038: Noise Control
Directive 055: Storage Requirements for the Upstream Petroleum Industry
Directive 058: Oilfield Waste Management Requirements for the Upstream Petroleum Industry
Directive 059: Well Drilling and Completion Data Filing Requirements
Directive 065: Resources Applications for Conventional Oil and Gas Reservoirs
Directive 067: Applying for Approval to Hold ERCB Licences
Directive 071: Emergency Preparedness and Response for the Upstream Petroleum Industry
Directive 078: Regulatory Application Process for Modifications to Commercial In Situ Oil Sands Projects
Interim Directive (ID) 81-03: Minimum Distance Requirements Separating New Sour Gas Facilities Residential and
Other Developments
ID 96-01: Hay-Zama Lake Complex-Special Requirements
Informational Letter (IL) 88-05: Application for Approval of Natural-Gas-Driven Compressors
IL 93-09: Oil and Gas Developments, Eastern Slopes (Southern Portion)
IL 94-06: Discharge of Produced Liquids to Earthen Structures Notice of Intention to Amend Existing Regulations
Energy Resources Conservation Act http://www.ercb.ca/docs/requirements/actsregs/erc_act.pdf
Oil and Gas Conservation Act http://www.ercb.ca/docs/requirements/actsregs/ogc_act.pdf
Oil and Gas Conservation Regulations http://www.ercb.ca/docs/requirements/actsregs/ogc_reg_151_71_ogcr.pdf
Oil Sands Conservation Act http://www.ercb.ca/docs/requirements/actsregs/osc_act.pdf
Oil Sands Conservation Regulation http://www.ercb.ca/docs/requirements/actsregs/osc_reg_076_88_oil_sands.pdf
Other Contacts and Documents
ABSA: The Pressure Equipment Safety Authority: http://www.absa.ca
Alberta Environments Code of Practice for Compressor & Pumping Stations & Sweet Gas Processing Plants:
http://www.qp.alberta.ca/574.cfm?page=COMPRESS.cfm&leg_type=Codes&isbncln=9780779757084
Alberta Queens Printer http://www.qp.alberta.ca/
ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) http://www.asme.org/kb/standards
Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers http://www.capp.ca/
Canadian Standards Association http://www.csa.ca/cm/ca/en/home
Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/Acts/E12.pdf
Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act - Approvals and Registrations Procedure Regulation - Applications
for Sour Gas Processing Plants and Heavy Oil Processing Plants: A Guide to Content
http://environment.gov.ab.ca/info/library/7269.pdf
Guide for Effective Public Involvement http://www.capp.ca/getdoc.aspx?DocId=73244&DT=NTV
Indian Oil and Gas Canada (403) 292-5625 http://www.iogc-pgic.gc.ca/index-eng.asp
IRP (Industry Recommended Practice) http://ww2.enform.ca/safety_resources/IRP.aspx
Land Surveyors (Alberta) Act http://www.canlii.org/ab/sta/csa/20030217/r.s.a.2000c.l-3/whole.html
Land Titles (Alberta) Act http://www.canlii.org/en/ab/laws/stat/rsa-2000-c-l-3/latest/
Petroleum Registry of Alberta http://www.petroleumregistry.gov.ab.ca/
Public Lands Act http://www.qp.alberta.ca/574.cfm?page=P40.cfm&leg_type=Acts&isbncln=9780779754854
Surface Rights (Alberta) Act
http://www.qp.alberta.ca/574.cfm?page=S24.cfm&leg_type=Acts&isbncln=9780779729449
Surveys Act (Alberta) http://www.canlii.org/en/ab/laws/stat/rsa-2000-c-s-26/latest/
Water Act http://www.qp.alberta.ca/574.cfm?page=W03.cfm&leg_type=Acts&isbncln=9780779754366
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-7
Participant Involvement
ERCB Documents
Directive 029: Energy and Utility Development Applications and the Hearing Process
Directive 056: ERCB Public Information Package, including
Letter from the Chairman of the ERCB
ERCB brochure Understanding Oil and Gas Development in Alberta
EnerFAQs No. 7: Proposed Oil and Gas DevelopmentA Landowners Guide
EnerFAQs No. 15: Objecting to an Energy Resource Project and the form Objecting to an Energy Resource
Project
IL 2001-01: Appropriate Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program and Guidelines for Energy Industry Disputes
Facilities
ERCB Documents
Directive 007: Volumetric and Infrastructure Requirements
Directive 017: Measurement Requirements for Upstream Oil and Gas Operations
Directive 024: Large Facility Liability Management Program
Directive 039: Revised Program to Reduce Benzene Emissions from Glycol Dehydrators
Directive 042: Measurement, Accounting, and Reporting Plan (MARP) Requirement for Thermal Bitumen Schemes
Directive 046: Production Audit Handbook
Directive 048: Monthly Custom Treating Plant Statement
Directive 060: Upstream Petroleum Industry Flaring, Incinerating, and Venting
Manual 001: Facility and Well Site Inspections
ID 91-03: Heavy Oil/Oil Sands Operations and Clarification
ID 2001-03: Sulphur Recovery Guidelines for the Province of Alberta
ID 2001-05: Public Safety And Sour Gas Policy Implementation Recommendations 54, 60, and 61 Site-Specific
Emergency Response Plans for Sour Operations, Emergency Planning Zones, and Reduced Planning Zones
IL 84-11: Approval, Monitoring, and Control of Sulphur Storage Sites
IL 85-10: Maximum Daily Rate of Production for Gas Wells
IL 90-03: Application for Special MRLs, GPP, and GOR Penalty Relief
IL 96-04: ERCB Policy Update and Clarification on the Use of Earthen Pits
Other Documents
Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives http://environment.gov.ab.ca/info/library/5726.pdf
Alberta Environment Air Quality Model Guidelines http://environment.gov.ab.ca/info/library/8151.pdf
Pipelines
ERCB Documents
Directive 026: Setback Requirements for Oil Effluent Pipelines
Directive 066: Requirements and Procedures for Pipelines
Directive 077: Pipelines Requirements and Reference Tools
Safe Excavations Near Pipelines Brochure
Pipeline Act http://www.ercb.ca/docs/requirements/actsregs/pl_act.pdf
Pipeline Regulation http://www.ercb.ca/docs/requirements/actsregs/pl_reg_091_2005.pdf
Other Contacts
National Association of Corrosion Engineers http://nace.org/nace/index.asp
Wells
ERCB Documents
Directive 008: Surface Casing Depth Minimum Requirements
Directive 009: Casing Cementing Minimum Requirements
Directive 010: Minimum Casing Design Requirements
Directive 035: Baseline Water Well Testing Requirement for Coalbed Methane Wells Completed Above the Base of
Groundwater Protection
A-8 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-9
A-10 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Appendix 3
Abandoned well
A well that has been drilled, abandoned, cut, and capped at surface.
Abandonment
Acid gas
Applicant/licensee
Battery
Bitumen
Blending
Blowout
A well where there is an unintended flow of wellbore fluids (oil, gas, water,
or other substance) at surface that cannot be controlled by existing wellhead
and/or blowout prevention equipment, or a well that is flowing from one
formation to another formation(s) (underground blowout) that cannot be
controlled by increasing the fluid density. Control can only be regained by
installing additional and/or replacing existing surface equipment to allow
shut-in or to permit the circulation of control fluids, or by drilling a relief
well.
Compressor station/site
Condensate
Construction (facilities)
Consultant
Confirmation of nonobjection
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-11
Crown disposition
The administrative and operating conditions assigned for use of public lands
in the form of a lease, licence, permit, or letter of authority; administered by
Sustainable Resource Development (SRD).
A person or party that has been assigned use of public lands (e.g., lease,
licence, or permit) issued under the provisions of the Public Lands Act.
Dehydrator
Design capacity
Emulsion
Energy development
Expectations
Environment
All components of the earth, including air, land, and water; all layers of the
atmosphere; all organic and inorganic matter and living organisms; and
interacting natural systems.
A-12 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Facility
Flame-type equipment
Any electric or fired heating equipment using an open flame, electric arc, or
element; includes a space heater, torch, heated process vessel, boiler, electric
arc, open flame welder, and open element electric heater or appliance.
Gas battery
Gas processing
Gas well
A well that produces primarily gas from a pool or portion of a pool wherein
the hydrocarbon system is gaseous or exhibits a dew point reduction of
pressure, or any well so designated by the ERCB.
Hand delivered
Hydrogen sulphide (H 2 S)
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-13
Injection/disposal facility
Landowner
The person in whose name a certificate of title has been issued pursuant to the
Land Titles Act, or if no certificate of title has been issued, the Crown or other
body administering the land.
In the case of Mtis land, the person registered in the Mtis Settlements Land
Registry as owner of the Mtis title pursuant to the Mtis Settlements Land
Registry Regulation.
Level designation
Licensee
Line heater
Equipment installed at either the well site lease or along a pipeline right-ofway to prevent the formation of gas hydrates.
Liner
A tubular product that is inserted into buried pipelines to form a corrosionresistant barrier or separate free-standing pressure-containing pipe.
Local authority
A code that identifies cases when there is more than one wellbore or facility
on the smallest land area described by the Dominion Land Survey system.
Lost circulation
The loss of drilling fluids from the wellbore into permeable formations
penetrated during drilling of the well.
Minimum information
requirements
Multiwell facility
Nonobjection
The party has been personally consulted or notified of the project, has fully
understood the details, has no outstanding concerns or objections, and does
not oppose the ERCB issuing a licence for the proposed energy development.
Nonroutine
A-14 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Notification
Occupant
A person other than the owner who is in actual possession of land; a person
who is shown on a certificate of title or by contracts as having an interest in
the land that confers a right to occupy the land; in the case of Mtis land, a
person having a right or interest in land recorded on the Mtis title register
pursuant to the Mtis Settlements Land Registry Regulation; the holder of a
permit for a coal mine.
Oil/bitumen battery
Oil effluent
Oil, gas, and water in any combination produced from one or more oil wells
or recombined oil well fluids that may have been separated in passing through
surface facilities.
Any category type of facility, pipeline, and well requiring licensing under
Directive 056.
Oil well
Oil satellite
Oilfield waste
Operator
Partial pressure
Participant
Participant involvement
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-15
Perforation
The holes placed through the casing and cement into the formation using a
perforation gun or by cutting the casing and cement using sand-laden fluids to
expose a formation.
Personal consultation
Pipeline abandonment
Pipeline discontinuation
Pipeline installation
Pipeline leak
A scaled sketch plan of the pipeline right-of-way that includes ATS detail and
identifies land ownership, water body crossing, and other directly adjacent or
impacted rights-of-way.
Pipeline removal
Processing equipment
Process vessel
A heater, dehydrator, separator, treater, and any vessel used in the processing
or treatment of produced gas or oil.
Project
Public facility
Public notice
Pump station
Re-entry
A-16 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Refer status
Release
Requirement
A rule that industry has an obligation to meet and against which the ERCB
may take enforcement action in cases of noncompliance.
Residence
Resident
Resumption of drilling
operations
Right-of-way
The land upon which a legal right-of-way is granted over another persons
property. This right can be acquired by means of an easement or by a right-ofentry order.
Routine application
Setback distance
The minimum required distance between a well, pipeline, or other facility and
land-use development, such as a surface improvement, permanent dwelling,
unrestricted country development, urban centre, or public facility.
Solution gas
Straddle plant
Sulphur emissions
Surface development
Dwellings that are occupied full time or part time, publicly used development,
public facilities, including campgrounds and places of business, and any other
surface development where the public may gather on a regular basis. Includes
residences immediately adjacent to the EPZ and those from which dwellers
are required to egress through the EPZ.
Surface improvement
Suspension
Tank
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-17
Tank farm
Terminating formation
For the purpose of well licensing, the deepest formation in which the well will
terminate and which the applicant has the right to produce for all intended
purposes of the well.
Unrestricted country
development
Unsatisfactory event
Urban authority
Urban centre
Water body
Well spacing
The normal drilling spacing unit for a gas well is one section (1 well per 256
hectares); for an oil well it is one quarter section (4 wells per 256 hectares).
A-18 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Appendix 4
NW 1/4-451-16W6M
Landowner
John Doe
Jan. 1,
2011
NW 1/4-451-16W6M
Crown
Disposition
Holder
TPA #0000
Trapper
Jan. 1,
2011
Jan. 17,
2011
Meeting
Hand
delivered
ERCB letter;
project
description
Jan. 1, 2011
None
requested
Phone
Regular
mail
ERCB letter;
project
description;
EnerFAQs
No. 7;
ERCB
brochure
None
requested
Date of confirmation of
nonobjection
Name
Land interest
(e.g., landowner, occupant,
resident, local authority)
Land location
(Qtr-Section-Township-RangeMeridian)
Declined
copies of
EnerFAQs
No. 7 and
ERCB
brochure
Wait a min.
of 14 days
prior to
submitting
application
Note: The comments contained in the participant involvement summary submitted to the ERCB with
respect to an application must not contain any information gathered for purposes other than the
submission of the application. The comments should assist ERCB staff to verify compliance with
participant involvement requirements and to determine where unresolved issues exist. Inclusion of
information such as an individuals health issues, opinions of others, and personal information gathered to
assist in emergency evacuation should not be included, since this document may become part of the
public record.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-19
Appendix 5
Transport
Canada
Transports
Canada
DATE:
FILE:
TELEPHONE:
FAX:
FILE:
SA 5105-8
TELEPHONE:
(780) 495-3850
(780) 495-5190
FAX:
Feet
Feet
RIG TO BE PAINTED:
YES/NO
RIG TO BE LIGHTED:
Meters
Meters
YES/NO
FROM
TO
COPY OF SURVEY PLAN ATTACHED.
REMARKS:
SIGNATURE
DATE
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-21
The spacing requirements illustrated here are as specified in the Oil and Gas Conservation Regulations sections indicated within
square brackets alongside or underneath each measurement.
No person shall smoke within 25 m of a well, separator, oil storage tank or other unprotected source of ignitable vapour or on a
rig or derrick at a well site Section 8.120(1)].
No flame type equipment shall be placed or operated within 25 metres of any process vessels unless, where such is applicable,
the flame type equipment is fitted with an adequate flame arrester [8.090(5)]. No flame type equipment shall be located in the
same building as any process vessel or other source of ignitable vapour, unless a) the air intakes and flues of all burners are
located outside the building, b) relief valves, safety heads, and other sources of ignitable vapours are vented outside the building
and discharged above roof level, and c) the building is adequately cross ventilated [8.090(6)a,b,c].
Surface improvement means a railway, pipeline or other right-of-way, road allowance, surveyed roadway, dwelling, industrial
plant, aircraft runway or taxiway, building used for military purposes, permanent farm building, school or church [1.020(1)28].
Compressors (electrically or engine driven) that are permanent and housed in a building must be located 25 m from wells, oil
storage tanks, or unprotected sources of ignitable vapours. Compressors that are nonpermanent (on wheels or skid mounted)
must be placed such that the air intakes and exhaust must be no closer than 6 m from a well. Nonpermanent electrically driven
compressors must comply with the current edition of Code for Electrical Installations at Oil and Gas Facilities, Safety Codes
Council (Alberta).
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-23
Appendix 7
The following example does not represent a specific location, but is presented to clarify the requirements.
Geological Discussion
Proposed Well
A well prognosis must be provided, but is omitted for the purposes of this generic example. The proposed
exploratory well will be drilled to test a Leduc Formation anomaly in the Edmonton area. The well is
located on a Paleozoic high with 10 metres (m) of structural relief relative to the surrounding wells. The
applicant believes the well will have secondary Ellerslie member potential and expects both zones will
contain oil.
As the proposed well will penetrate intervals deeper than the top of the Mannville Group and will
terminate in the Leduc Formation, a comprehensive geological discussion of all intervals deeper than the
top of the Mannville Group to the Leduc Formation is required (Section 7.11.15.1). In this example, a
discussion of reservoir and hydrocarbon potential would be required for the Ellerslie member and the
Wabamun, Nisku, and Leduc Formations.
In this example, the release rate will be based on the potential of encountering 10 m of gas in the Ellerslie
member, gas in the Nisku Formation, and 20 m of gas cap gas in the Leduc Formation. The formation
thicknesses of the Ellerslie and Leduc have been determined from the data presented below and meet the
requirement to adjust the H 2 S release rate to reflect the maximum potential thickness encountered.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-25
Geological Mapping
As per the requirements detailed in Section 7.11.15.2, a geological map must be provided for all
formations that the applicant has identified or will identify on Schedule 4: Well Purpose, as its primary
and secondary zones that may contain H 2 S gas. Maps are not provided in this case study. The following
map descriptions are intended to illustrate examples of the annotated maps and are not intended to be
inclusive. An applicant may provide any additional information considered appropriate to substantiate its
interpretation. In this example the annotated maps must illustrate the following:
For the Ellerslie Member
productive Ellerslie pools in the area relative to the proposed well location
the geological interpretation of the expected reservoir thickness at this location and the interpreted
thickness of the reservoir within productive pools
reservoir thickness of the offset well used as an analog containing the 20 m of wet sandstone
structure elevation of the proposed location illustrating the 10 m relative difference in elevation
between the offset well and proposed location
productive Leduc pools in the area relative to the proposed well location; the map should illustrate the
geological interpretation of the expected reservoir thickness at this location and the interpreted
thickness of the reservoir within productive pools
Engineering Discussion
Ellerslie Member
The Ellerslie produces both gas and oil from pools with concentrations of H 2 S ranging from 0.0 to 2.0%.
Some wells located within the pools have encountered associated gas caps that range from 2 to 6 m in
thickness. Engineering information indicates that AOFs range from 10 to 30 103 m3/day. The maximum
AOF was measured at a well with 5 m of net pay. The AOFs are extrapolated from drillstem tests (DSTs)
conducted over the gas portion of the pool. Adjusting the highest AOF for the anticipated pay in the
proposed well results in an AOF of 60 103 m3/d. The highest H 2 S concentrations were reviewed and
determined to be from wells that were oil producers when sampled and were, therefore, discounted. The
next highest H 2 S concentration is 0.07 %. This was sampled from an oil well that has a DST over the gas
zone. The H 2 S concentration of 0.07% was used, along with the AOF of 60 103 m3/d to arrive at a release
rate of 0.005 m3/s.
Nisku Formation
The Nisku tested gas in some wells that are producing from the Leduc pools. Engineering information
indicates that the H 2 S concentration ranges from 5 to 6.5% and that the AOFs range from 10 to 50
103 m3/d. An AOF of 50 103 m3/d and an H 2 S concentration of 6.5% were used to estimate a release rate
of 0.04 m3/s. Although the analog well was stimulated prior to testing, a skin of 0.0 was reported and
therefore no correction for skin was required.
Leduc Formation
Producing Leduc pools have encountered associated gas caps containing H 2 S. Total reservoir thickness of
the Leduc ranges from 10 to 20 m. Engineering information indicates that the H 2 S concentration ranges
from 8 to 10% and that AOFs range from 70 to 170 103 m3/d. The maximum AOF was measured at a well
with 15 m of net pay. Adjusting the AOF of 170 103 m3/d from 15 m of pay to 20 m of pay resulted in an
AOF of 227 103 m3/d. The highest H 2 S concentration was from a gas sample listed with a sample point of
A-26 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
other. A review of the hard copy indicates that the sample point was a meter run; therefore, it will be
used. Combining the AOF and the H 2 S concentration results in an H 2 S release rate of 0.26 m3/s. Since the
analog well used was stimulated (fractured) prior to testing, the AOF test data were reviewed to determine
the reported skin. Using the skin of -4 resulted in a prestimulation AOF and an H 2 S release rate of 126
103 m3/d and 0.15 m3/s respectively.
Cumulative Release Rate
Based on the review done for each formation, the drilling release rate for the well is 0.20 m3/s and the
completion/servicing release rate is 0.26 m3/s. In this case, it is assumed that the correction for flow to
surface up tubing is minimal and the suspended/producing release rate is 0.26 m3/s. In some cases an
applicant may choose to make a correction for flow to surface up tubing. If the adjustment for stimulation
was not done for the Leduc Formation, the drilling, completion/servicing, and suspended/producing
release rates would have been reported as 0.31 m3/s.
Tabulated Data
Tabulated data must be submitted to the ERCB with the complete documentation package prepared for
each well licence application but are not shown here.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-27
Single-well sour line heaters located at a well site lease do not require a Directive 056 facility licence
application.
Gas Battery Licensing Matrix
The table on the next page provides scenarios to assist companies in determining if the equipment
proposed for installation requires the submission of a Directive 056 facility licence application. When
using this table, please note the following:
Single-well scenarios are defined as one wellbore with a single producing zone or multiple zones
producing commingled within one wellbore.
Multiwell scenarios will continue to be based on the production scenarios outlined in Section 5.4:
a) multiple zones are producing from one wellbore, but the production remains segregated (i.e., not
commingled in the wellbore);
b) production from a second well is pipelined to an existing single-well facility; or
c) multiple single-well facilities are operating within one lease.
Scenarios for which a Directive 056 application is not required must meet all measurement,
accounting, and reporting requirements set out in the Oil and Gas Conservation Act and Regulations
and all applicable guides and directives published by the ERCB.
All applications will continue to be required for compressors regardless of kW rating if the H 2 S
content of the inlet gas is > 10 ppm (see Section 5.5.1).
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-29
Case
1
Surface equipment
Any combination of
ESD
Measurement
Line heater
H 2 S scavenger
Chemical injection
Separation
Dehydration
Any combination of
ESD
Measurement
Line heater
H 2 S scavenger
Chemical injection
Separation
Dehydration
AND
Compressor < 75 kW
Any combination of
ESD
Measurement
Line heater
H 2 S scavenger
Chemical injection
Separation
Dehydration
AND
Compressor > 75 kW
Multiwell gas
H 2 S content
< 0.01 mol/kmol
No requirement for
a facility licence
application
Multiwell gas
H 2 S content
> 0.01 mol/kmol
No requirement
for a facility
licence application
No requirement for
a facility licence
application
Directive 056
facility licence
required for
C340
(compressor
station < 1t/d
sulphur inlet) or
D440
(compressor
station > 1 t/d
sulphur inlet)
Directive 056
facility licence
required for
C340
(compressor
station < 1t/d
sulphur inlet) or
D440
(compressor
station > 1 t/d
sulphur inlet)
No requirement for
a facility licence
application
Directive 056
facility licence
required for
C340
(compressor
station < 1t/d
sulphur inlet) or
D440
(compressor
station > 1 t/d
sulphur inlet)
Directive 056
facility licence
required for
C340
(compressor
station < 1t/d
sulphur inlet) or
D440
(compressor
station > 1 t/d
sulphur inlet)
Directive 056
facility licence
required for
B040 (compressor
station < 0.01
mol/kmol H 2 S)
Directive 056
facility licence
required for
B040 (compressor
station < 0.01
mol/kmol H 2 S)
A-30 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Case
4
Surface Equipment
Any combination of
ESD
Measurement
Line heater
H 2 S scavenger
Chemical injection
Separation
Dehydration
Compressor < 75 kW
AND
Liquid hydrocarbon/produced
water tanks
Any combination of
ESD
Measurement
Line heater
H 2 S scavenger
Chemical injection
Separation
Dehydration
Compressor > 75 kW
AND
Liquid hydrocarbon/produced
water tanks
Multiwell gas
H 2 S content
< 0.01 mol/kmol
Directive 056
facility licence
required for
B020 (multiwell <
0.01 mol/kmol
H 2 S)
Multiwell gas
H 2 S content
> 0.01 mol/kmol
Directive 056
facility licence
required for
C311 (multiwell <
1 t/d sulphur inlet)
or
D411 (multiwell >
1 t/d sulphur inlet)
Directive 056
facility licence
required for
C310 (single well
< 1 t/d sulphur
inlet) or
D410 (single well
> 1 t/d sulphur
inlet)
Directive 056
facility licence
required for
B020 (multiwell <
0.01 mol/kmol
H 2 S)
Directive 056
facility licence
required for
C311 (multiwell <
1 t/d sulphur inlet)
or
D411 (multiwell >
1 t/d sulphur inlet)
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-31
Appendix 9
On-site surface equipment determines facility licence requirements. To assist applicants in determining
when an application is required, surface equipment scenarios are given below.
Case 1
A new facility will comprise a free water knockout, a separator, and a water disposal well. The inlet feed
consists of oil (731 m3/d), water (1169 m3/d), and gas (66 103m3/d), and the H 2 S content of the gas stream
is 25 mol/kmol. Oil and gas are recombined and pipelined to another battery, while the water is measured
and disposed of at the facility site.
Action: Application is required for a licence as a sour satellite with an injection/disposal component. The
primary purpose of the facility is to handle oil production and test individual well production; the process
description (recombining after measurement and pipelined elsewhere) matches as the current definition of
a satellite, and it is operationally acceptable to have a water disposal component associated with a
satellite.
Case 2
An existing licensed compressor station with 0.0 mol/kmol H 2 S is experiencing hydrocarbon dew point
problems. A desiccant system is needed to produce pipeline spec gas. Condensate recovery will be less
than 2 m3/d. No other changes will occur (e.g., emissions, category, or type).
Action: No application is required to install the dew point control system. It will remain a compressor
station. The dew point control system is not recovering condensate volumes greater than 2 m3/d (threshold
volume as per the Gas Processing Facility definition, so no change to the current category type will
occur).
Case 3
A Joules-Thomson (JT) unit is being installed for hydrocarbon dew point control.
Action: Provided the liquids recovery remains less than 2 m3/d and no additional emissions sources are
generated, the facility would not be licensed as a processing plant. This applies to all desiccant and JT
units.
Case 4
A new 50 kW compressor is added to an existing licensed facility with greater than 0.01 mol/kmol H 2 S.
Action: No application is required for the installation of one compressor less than 75 kW provided that
the landowner has been notified and the facility continues to meet all applicable requirements (see
Appendix 8).
Case 5
Production from a single gas well (with 20 mol/kmol of H 2 S) is routed through an inlet separator where
gas and liquids are measured. The gas enters the gathering system, while the liquids are stored in a tank
until trucked out. Tank vapours are tied to a flare system.
Action: A single-well gas battery (Category C or D) application is required. An application is not
required if the H 2 S content is less than 0.01 mol/kmol.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-33
Case 6
An existing tank farm requires reconfiguration where one tank will be discontinued, a liner will be
installed in the dike area, and the tank farm perimeter will be decreased.
Action: No application is required; however, the facility must continue to meet the storage requirements
of Directive 055.
Case 7
A water/EOR injection/disposal component is being added to an existing licensed facility and/or well site.
Action: An application is required. If added to an existing licensed facility, its original category and type
are retained. If operating as a standalone process at a well site, it should be licensed as an
injection/disposal facility.
Case 8
Dehydration is being installed at an exempt activity facility where the H 2 S content is less than 0.01
mol/kmol and no compression or gas processing is occurring.
Action: No application is required.
Case 9
A new facility with 0 mol/kmol of H 2 S is being constructed and will include the installation of an amine
unit for CO 2 removal.
Action: Application required for Category B gas processing plant.
Case 10
New flare or incinerator points are being added to an existing category C, D, or E facility.
Action: Application required to amend an existing facility.
Case 11
Replacing existing flare or incinerator points with stacks of equal or greater height (or dispersion
characteristics).
Action: No application required, since there will be no change to the category type or no increase in
emissions.
Case 12
Surface equipment includes ESD, meter run, and line heater where the inlet gas H 2 S is less than 0.01
mol/kmol (10 ppm).
Action: No application required.
Case 13
A line heater is added to an existing Category C facility, and as a result, the total NO x emissions increase
but the category type remains the same.
Action: Licence amendment application required.
A-34 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Case 14
A temporary electric compressor is required while the gas unit is under repair.
Action: No application required provided that the landowner has been notified and has no concerns.
Case 15
A single oil well battery with 0.0 mol/kmol of H 2 S is being modified to accommodate the increase in the
H 2 S content to 1.0 mol/kmol, and a flare system will be added.
Action: Application required for a Category C or D single oil well battery.
Case 16
An existing single-stage compressor is reconfigured to two-stage compression.
Action: No application required. The company must advise the local ERCB Field Centre of the activity.
Case 17
An applicant intends to test an oil well (where the H 2 S content of the solution gas is 25 mol/kmol) for a
three-month period.
Action: Application for a temporary Category C or D facility is required, and a licence must be obtained
before well testing may commence (see Directive 060).
Case 18
An additional glycol pump is required at an existing Category C facility.
Action: No application required to install process pumps; only the installation of injection/disposal
pumps will require licensing.
Case 19
A free-water knockout (FWKO) is required at a satellite location.
Action: No application required to install the FWKO; however, if there is an injection/disposal
component associated with the FWKO, an application is required.
Case 20
The solution gas volumes at a Category C oil battery warrant conservation at this time. The operator
proposes to conserve the solution gas by using it to generate electric power for the oil battery operations.
Action: The operator must receive approval from the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) for the
installation of the equipment for the power generation portion of the project. The remaining equipment
remains licensed under Directive 056 and the licence should include emissions from all sources on-site,
including power generation equipment. If selected for audit review, a copy of the AUC approval will be
required.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-35
Case 21
The solution gas volumes at an existing licensed oil facility warrant conservation at this time. The
licensee proposes to conserve the solution gas by processing the solution gas stream and recovering
liquids.
Action: The primary purpose of the facility is to handle oil production; it is the increase in solution gas
volumes that warrants the addition of gas processing equipment. The licensee must amend its existing oil
battery licence to reflect that conservation is now occurring and file a separate application (new) for the
gas processing portion of the operation. In rare instances such as these, Facilities Applications will issue
two separate licences for one surface location.
Case 22
A 56 kW water injection pump and water tank are being added to an existing facility.
Action: Application required to add the injection component.
Case 23
An applicant intends to construct a new multiwell oil battery that will require a nonregenerative
sweetening process. The facility inlet is less than 0.1 t/d of sulphur.
Action: An application is required for a Category C multiwell oil battery.
Case 24
A long-term flare test (more than 21 days) is being conducted on a coalbed methane (CBM) well (H 2 S
content is 0.0 mol/kmol). Temporary facilities at the well site include a separator, measurement
equipment, water storage tanks, and a flare or incinerator. Typical of CBM gas, there is no measurable
H 2 S content.
Action: No application is required. However, the licensee should disclose its intention to conduct longerterm testing as part of the well application consultation process. It must complete public notification as
described in Directive 060, Section 3, prior to test flaring. If any concerns/objections to the longer-term
test and/or test facilities are received, Facilities Applications may require an application.
Case 25
An operator intends to install a nonregenerative sweetening process at an upstream oil or gas facility to
treat gas with less than 0.1 t/d sulphur inlet. Additional equipment includes storage tanks and separators.
Action: The surface equipment as described requires a licence as a Category C oil or gas battery.
A-36 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Case 26
A single well is producing oil (<0.01 mol/kmol H 2 S) from one formation and is completed for dry gas
(<0.01 mol/kmol H 2 S) from another formation. Production for the oil zone comes to surface segregated
from the gas where there is equipment for separation and measurement, including a storage tank. The gas
zone is effluent measured (no separation) and combined with the solution gas from the oil well.
Action: This facility should be licensed as a multiwell oil battery (B030). If there were more significant
gas production equipment (e.g., compression, dehydration), the site could be licensed as a multiwell gas
battery (B020).
Case 27
A series of gas gathering lines (<0.01 mol/kmol H 2 S) are brought to a single lease where gas is combined
into a header system and into a 400 kW compressor. In the compressor design, there are suction scrubbers
located ahead of the inlet to each stage of compression. The scrubbers drain into a drain tank on lease.
Action: This facility should be licensed as a compressor station (B040). The scrubbers take out any
residual water of condensation that may form in the upstream pipeline before compression. If a separator
were to be located upstream of the compressor, the facility would need to be licensed as a gas battery
multiwell. If the only inlet to the compressor were an on-site single-well gas battery (< 0.01 mol/kmol
H 2 S) that included storage of produced water, the facility would still be a compressor station, as the
single-well battery would be exempt from licensing.
Case 28
A new sweet single-well gas battery is being added to the same site as an existing sour single-well oil
battery.
Action: The existing sour single-well oil battery should have a facility licence already. If the same
licensee is adding a sweet single-well gas battery to the same lease, it should amend the existing sour
single-well oil battery licence to include the gas well by filing a licence amendment application for a
multiwell sour oil battery.
Case 29
An effluent meter for a sweet gas well at location A is being added to the inlet of an existing exempt gas
battery (no licence required) at location B. Gas from well A will be tied into an existing pipeline at
location B and no surface equipment will be located at A.
Action: Site B should be licensed as a sweet multiwell gas battery since it will be receiving and treating
the production from two wells (A and B).
Case 30
A flare stack for emergency maintenance flaring is being added to an existing well site where the on site
equipment does not require a facility licence.
Action: No application is required. However, if the site is an existing licensed facility, the installation of a
new flare stack would require an amendment to the existing facility licence.
Case 31
An existing licensed compressor is being replaced with a compressor that has the same wattage and
compressor drive power source.
Action: No application is required if the compressor is being replaced with a similar or smaller unit and
the total NO x emissions will not increase. However, if the existing compressor is being replaced by more
than one compressor with the combined total wattage remaining the same, an application is required due
to the potential change in overall noise levels.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-37
Case 32
A single-well battery with separation and water storage is being installed at a gas well with greater than
10 ppm H 2 S. A chemical that bonds with the H 2 S molecules will be injected into the gas stream in the
wellbore and captured in the water tank after separation. The water with the chemical will be disposed of
in an approved disposal well.
Action: A facility licence for a single-well C or D category gas battery is required based on the H 2 S
content of the raw gas as determined by a gas analysis. The use of an add and capture process to
remove the H 2 S from the gas stream prior to disposition into a sweet natural gas pipeline does not change
the categorization of the facility. Although the H 2 S will be entrained with the chemical, the product will
still be received by the facility and needs to be appropriately managed.
A-38 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Appendix 10
ERCB Public Documents
1) Letter from the Chairman of the ERCB
2) ERCB Brochure: Understanding Oil and
Gas Development in Alberta
September 2011
Dan McFadyen
Chairman
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-41
To call the above numbers toll free, dial 310-0000 and follow the prompts or ask the operator for the
desired number.
A-42 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-43
LSD 13
LSD 14
LSD 15
LSD 16
LSD 12
LSD 11
LSD 10
LSD 9
LSD 5
LSD 6
LSD 7
LSD 8
300 m
(950 ft.)
LSD 4
LSD 3
A-44 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
LSD 2
LSD 1
29
28
Proposed Development
1.
1
km
EP
ra
d
iu
s
Summer
Summer Camp
Camp for
for Disabled
Disabled Children
Children
19
21
16
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-45
A-46 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Option 2
ADR - Third-Party
Mediation
If your concerns remain
unresolved, a neutral thirdparty mediator may be
brought in to assist. This is
the next stage of the ADR
process and is also
optional. Agreements made
in ADR are confidential.
This option may be chosen
even if a hearing has been
scheduled. It is possible to
avoid a hearing if concerns
are resolved at this stage.
Option 3
ERCB Hearing
If third-party mediation
fails to resolve your
concerns, the matter
may go to an ERCB
public hearing for a
decision.
Further information regarding the ERCB Appropriate Dispute Resolution process is available on
the ERCB Web site www.ercb.ca under Public Zone : ERCB Process.
Required EnerFAQs
The ERCB has put together a number of EnerFAQs on topics of general interest to the
public. Regardless of whether the proposed development is a well, pipeline, or facility,
the company must either provide or offer all current ERCB EnerFAQs publications as set
out on the ERCB Web site.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-47
To call the above numbers toll free, dial 310-0000 and follow the prompts or ask the operator for the
desired number.
T
A-48
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Appendix 11
This appendix outlines the rationale and both the required and suggested stages of the Participant
Involvement process. It is intended to provide the energy industry with requirements and expectations to
assist in participant involvement efforts, both in advance of submitting an application for energy
development and throughout the life of a project.
The ERCB, acting in the public interest, intends to raise the regulatory standard for communications
between industry and the public and between companies with respect to participant involvement.
Participant involvement is an umbrella term encompassing all aspects of public, industry, and regulator
interactions and communications for oil and gas development. It implies that each organization,
community, group, and individual with a stake in the discovery, development, and delivery of Albertas
resources is a participant and as such has both specific roles and responsibilities. While the three main
participant groups in energy development are industry, the public, and the ERCB, it is recognized that
other groups also have a stake in energy development.
Participant involvement is about fostering relationships among all participants that are respectful,
responsive, and responsible. Such interactions demonstrate transparency, fairness, consideration of one
anothers concerns and pressures, and a commitment to work toward mutually satisfactory resolutions.
Roles and Responsibilities
Industry Industrys role in participant involvement is to help individuals and other companies to
understand the proposed development and the impact it may have upon them. Industrys responsibility is
to make a reasonable effort to resolve concerns prior to filing an application. The nature and extent of the
applicants obligation to consult with and notify persons whose rights may be directly and adversely
affected depends upon the nature of the proposed development and the extent of likely impacts on those
affected. As such, the requirements detailed in Directive 056 should be viewed as a starting point that will
be acceptable in most cases, but they may not be sufficient to address all circumstances.
The Public - The ERCB application process provides the public with an opportunity to engage with the
applicant and to address concerns/objections. There are many steps that the public, individually or
collectively, can take to participate in the planning of proposed developments. Early involvement in
informal discussions with industry may lead to greater influence on project planning and mitigation of
impacts. Accordingly, the public is strongly encouraged to participate in ongoing issue identification,
problem solving, and planning with respect to local energy developments. The public is expected to be
sensitive to the timing constraints on the applicant.
The ERCB - All concerns/objections regarding applications made by persons whose rights may be
directly or adversely affected by an approval will be considered by the ERCB (Energy Resources
Conservation Act, Section 26).
As the regulator of the energy industry, the ERCB has the authority to approve or deny proposed energy
developments and to decide which parties have standing in cases of outstanding concerns/objections.
The ERCB assists all stakeholders to understand the regulatory requirements and expectations and how
they apply at the local level. The ERCB works with multistakeholder groups to clarify regulatory issues,
suggest problem-solving approaches, and facilitate communication.
The ERCB also supports issue mitigation and conflict resolution. It sponsors and encourages the use of
innovative approaches to resolving concerns and conflicts, such as the Appropriate Dispute Resolution
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-49
(ADR) program. If resolution cannot be reached at the local level, parties whose rights may be directly
and adversely affected may request an ERCB hearing.
Participant Involvement Process
The participant involvement process should begin at the conceptual stage and proceed in various forms
through to abandonment and reclamation of the site. It is not limited to the pre-application stage of the
project. During the participant involvement process, the applicant may move through five stages,
depending on the complexity of the project and whether objections or concerns arise. Figure A1 details
the ERCBs suggested participant involvement process and alternatives for dealing with public
concerns/objections.
Stage 1: Planning oil and gas development proposal
Stage 2: Identifying and engaging potentially directly and adversely affected parties
Stage 3: Addressing concerns/objections
Stage 4: Addressing unresolved concerns/objections
Stage 5: Obtaining ERCB disposition
Stage 1: Planning oil and gas development proposal
Stage 1 of the participant involvement process begins with the applicant identifying the type of energy
development required to meet its needs. Once that has been determined, the company is able to begin
developing the appropriate personal consultation and notification program and information packages
suited to the proposed energy development.
The applicant then prepares a personal consultation and notification program, which is essential prior to
filing an energy development application. The ERCB expects that the level of participant involvement
will be based on the complexity of and area sensitivities to the proposed project.
Directive 056 defines two types of participant involvement: personal consultation and notification. The
purpose of personal consultation is to inform parties whose rights may be directly and adversely affected
by the proposed application by
Notification differs from personal consultation in that communication takes place through written
correspondence rather than face-to-face or telephone conversations.
A-50 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
STAGE 1
Create energy
development proposal
STAGE 2
Identify parties
that require
consultation and
notification.
Engage participants
If received,
objection/concern
resolved?
Personal consultation
Notification
Distribution of
information packages
YES
Obtain confirmation of
nonobjection
File routine
application (Fig 3.2)
NO
STAGE 3
LEGEND
Meet with objectors
Start or end point
kitchen table
discussion
Process
Decision point
Stage 1
YES
Objection/concern
resolved?
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
NO
Optional path
Obtain confirmation of
nonobjection
ADR Option
staff facilitation
preliminary meeting
third-party mediation
arbitration
YES
Objection/concern
resolved?
NO
File nonroutine
application (Fig 3.3)
STAGE 4
NO
Continue or initiate
ADR process
Hearing
required?
YES
ERCB hearing
NO
ADR Option
staff facilitation
preliminary meeting
third-party mediation
arbitration
Objection/concern
resolved?
YES
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-51
When planning a personal consultation and notification program, the applicant is expected to speak with
both local residents and other licensees to develop an effective participant involvement program
engaging, at an early stage of planning, both potentially directly and adversely affected persons and those
who have indicated an interest. Local authorities, ERCB Field Centre staff, and the applicants previous
knowledge of the area may help identify needs in the community. Local ERCB Community and
Aboriginal Relations staff are also available to assist in the proactive engagement of stakeholders and
resolution of public issues.
In some areas of the province, public expectations regarding personal consultation and notification may
be higher than in others. For example, when an applicant is new in an area, it should consider introducing
itself to landowners who may be affected by its energy projects. Visits in conjunction with written
material on its area projects might initiate two-way dialogue and set a positive tone for future dealings. In
areas with a history of conflict between landowners and industry, increased communication and fresh
efforts and approaches may be more effective than minimal contact.
The applicant is expected to be sensitive to the timing constraints on the public (e.g., planting, harvesting,
calving seasons and statutory holidays), to minimize the cumulative impacts of energy development and
to show that they have applied good planning practices with respect to the public and the environment.
During the planning of its participant involvement program, the applicant will have assessed its need to
reach a broader public forum and may have determined that an information session or public open house
meeting is required. When holding broader public meetings or open houses, the applicant must disclose
the same project-specific information as it would have to those involved in personal consultation and
notification.
If the proposal is part of a larger project, the applicant is expected to discuss the entire project and to
explain how it complements other energy development in the area.
Once the applicant has developed its personal consultation and notification program, it is required to
provide information to all parties identified for inclusion in its participant involvement program. For all
parties this includes the applicants project-specific information package and the letter from the Chairman
of the ERCB. Where personal consultation and confirmation of nonobjection are required, the applicant
must also provide the ERCB brochure Understanding Oil and Gas Development in Alberta, EnerFAQs
No. 7: Proposed Oil and Gas DevelopmentA Landowners Guide, and EnerFAQs No. 15: Objecting to
an Energy Resource Project and the form Objecting to an Energy Resource Project and offer the
EnerFAQs identified in Appendix 10. Where notification is required, Understanding Oil and Gas
Development in Alberta and all the EnerFAQs identified in Appendix 10 must be offered.
Stage 2: Identifying and Engaging Potentially Affected Parties
The applicant must identify all parties whose rights may be directly and adversely affected and include
them in the participant involvement program. This includes parties with a direct interest in land, such as
landowners, residents, occupants, other industry players, local authorities, municipalities, and other
parties who have a right to practice an activity on the land, such as Crown disposition holders.
When determining if an individual is one whose rights may be directly and adversely affected, the ERCB
considers the following factors:
Does the proposed project have the potential to affect safety or economic or property rights?
Examples of such impacts include negative effects from contaminants in water, air, or soil or from
noise; negative interference with livelihood or commercial activity on the land; damage to property;
and concerns for the safety of persons or animals.
A-52 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
Is the individual affected in a different way or to a greater degree than members of the general public?
Is the individual able to show a reasonable and direct connection between the proposed development
and the rights or interests he/she believes to be affected?
The applicant must also include those people that it is aware of who have concerns regardless of whether
they are inside or outside the radius of personal consultation and notification indicated in Tables 5.1, 6.1,
6.2, and 7.1.
The applicant is then required to engage those parties identified for inclusion in the participant
involvement program. Engagement includes personal consultation with and notification to all parties
whose rights may be directly and adversely affected. Engagement also means that the involvement
process is conducted in a respectful, fair, and transparent manner in both the preapplication stage and
throughout the life of the project.
Beyond those with whom the applicant is required to engage, the applicant is also expected to involve
other parties who express an interest in the proposed development, whether they are located inside or
outside the radius outlined in Tables 5.1, 5.4, 6.1, 6.2, and 7.1. Such involvement provides them the
opportunity to obtain project-specific information and to understand its possible impacts.
Stage 3: Addressing Concerns/Objections
Prior to filing an application, the applicant must address all questions, objections, and concerns regarding
the proposed development and attempt to resolve them. This includes concerns and objections raised by
members of the public, industry, government representatives, First Nations, Mtis, and other interested
parties.
If there are no outstanding concerns/objections and a confirmation of nonobjection has been obtained if
required, the applicant may file a routine application. If there are outstanding concerns/objections, the
applicant may either attempt to resolve objections or file a nonroutine application with the ERCB.
To address unresolved concerns/objections, the applicant may choose to
meet again with objectors and attempt to resolve issues through informal kitchen table discussions,
These options are defined in the discussion of ADR on the next page.
Stage 4: Addressing Unresolved Concerns/Objections
If concerns/objections remain unresolved, the ERCB recommends that all applicants proceed with filing a
nonroutine application and move to Stage 4 of the participant involvement process, which includes
continuing with or initiating ADR concurrently while the application is being processed. At the same
time, an applicant may request an ERCB hearing.
If concerns/objections continue to remain unresolved, the ERCB decides the best course of action, which
may include denying the application, dismissing the objection, or holding a public hearing.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-53
there are concerns about timelines and an ERCB hearing date may be required, or
If partial resolution or no resolution results from the facilitation, mediation, or other ADR alternative,
then an ERCB disposition will be required.
A-54 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
The ADR program is detailed in ERCB Informational Letter (IL) 2001-01: Appropriate Dispute
Resolution (ADR) Program and Guidelines for Energy Industry Disputes. Additional information on the
use of ADR and its results are found on the ADR Web page. Questions regarding the ADR program may
be directed to the ADR coordinator or to members of the stakeholder committee listed on the Web site.
ERCB Hearings
Any person, organization, or company may show through a written submission to the ERCB that its rights
may be directly and adversely affected by a proposed energy development. If parties have tried to resolve
outstanding concerns/objections on their own through negotiations or ADR without success, that person,
organization, or company may trigger a public hearing. The party seeking to trigger a hearing must
provide information to the ERCB Board to show that it has rights that may be directly and adversely
affected by the Boards decision on the application. The Board does not deal with disputes related to
surface rights and compensation; these are reviewed by the Alberta Surface Rights Board.
The ERCB examines each submission on a case-by-case basis to determine the potential impacts on the
person(s) in question. If the Board determines that you may be directly and adversely affected by its
decision, it considers that you have standing to appear at a hearing.
Once a hearing has been triggered, other interested parties, including parties that may not have standing,
may participate in the hearing. Parties that do not have standing but participate in the hearing do not
qualify for costs. Note that if the party that triggers the hearing withdraws from the hearing and no other
party has standing, the Board may grant the application and cancel the hearing.
If the ERCB decides that it is necessary to hold a hearing to consider an application, it issues a notice of
hearing directly to all persons and organizations potentially directly and adversely affected by the
application to inform them of the hearing and allow them to file their submissions with the ERCB. A
notice may also be published in the local newspaper to inform the general public. The cost of publishing
the notice is borne by the applicant. After considering input from the participants, the ERCB decides
whether the hearing will be oral or written.
For more detail regarding the ERCB hearing process, see Directive 029: Energy and Utility Development
Applications and the Hearing Process.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-55
Outstanding
objection/concern
File routine
or revise project
prior to filing
YES
ERCB staff
facilitation
Objection/concern
resolved?
File nonroutine
application
NO
LEGEND
Consider parallel
ADR/hearing path
Preliminary ERCB
application review
and audit
Arbitration, third-party
expert review, or
further negotiations
Options
Hearing required?
NO
Third-party mediation
Full agreement
Objection/concern or
application withdrawn
and audit complete
Partial agreement
No agreement
ERCB disposition
A-56 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
ERCB hearing
YES
Appendix 12
On April 6, 2006, Alberta Environment announced the new Standard for Baseline Water Well Testing for
Coalbed Methane/Natural Gas in Coal Operations (AENV Standard), which became effective May 1,
2006. As the ERCB is responsible to implement and enforce the AENV Standard, on May 8, 2006, it
issued Directive 035, which modifies ERCB well application requirements. This was introduced to
Directive 056 as a process clarification in July 2006 and is included as Appendix 12 in this edition of
Directive 056.
Baseline testing of water wells is mandatory for companies wanting to drill or recomplete a well to
produce coalbed methane (CBM) above the base of groundwater protection (BGWP). The testing will
gather background information on the water wells production capability and water quality.
Overview of Application Process
Directive 056 sets out the application, participant involvement, and technical requirements that must be
met when applying for a new well licence. In addition, applications for a new licence for a CBM well to
be completed above the BGWP require that
the application be filed as a Category B application (B140), as specified in Table 7.1 of Directive 056,
with a Code 22 for CBM;
the Applicant File Number/Applicant Reference on Schedule 1 include the text CBMABGW
applicants submit a cover letter confirming that the application as submitted is to drill and complete a
CBM well above the BGWP and that prior to application, the offer to test all active water wells and
observation wells was made for any wells within a 600 metre (m) radius of the proposed CBM well or
the nearest water well within a 600 to 800 m radius if none is identified within 600 m; and
applicants identify all the active water wells and observation wells, taking into consideration all
sources of information, including (but not limited to)
AENV data/information,
ground truthing,
contacting landowners/occupants, and
submitting a survey plan or a map with the application that shows the location of all of these
wells within the radius referred to above.
Latitude and longitude coordinates (NAD 83) of active water wells and observation wells are required on
survey plans or maps.
Applications must include the following documents or be subject to closure in accordance with Section 3.6:
Document
Cover letter
Routine survey plan, including CBM water
well information
or
Separate survey plan with CBM water well
information only
or
Map (GPS) with CBM water well information
Attachment Type
Miscellaneous (Ext)
Survey plan
Attachment Description
Directive 035 cover letter
Survey plan and Directive 035
information
Miscellaneous (Ext)
Miscellaneous (Ext)
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-57
any active water well or water observation well within a 600 m radius of the proposed well, or if none
is identified within a 600 m radius, the nearest water well or observation well within a 600 to 800 m
radius, and
latitude and longitude coordinates (NAD 83) of active water wells and observation wells on survey
plans or maps.
Environmental Requirements
In addition to the requirements indicated in Section 7.11.13, applicants must
offers to test water and observation wells made prior to application, indicating
landowner/occupant and the date of offers;
in lieu of testing, any water well test result provided by the landowner that complies with the
AENV Standard; and
if a landowner/occupant refuses to have his/her water well tested, written confirmation from the
landowner that testing is not required; if unable to obtain written confirmation, the applicant must
diarize the landowner/occupant refusal, provide them with a copy of a notice describing this
protocol, and retain a copy.
If the water well has been tested within two years and the landowner/occupant provides a copy of the test
showing that it conformed to the AENV Standards protocols, testing is not required unless requested by
the landowner.
If an applicant cannot meet these environmental requirements, it must answer No to Schedule 4,
Section 11: Surface Impact, question 2, and submit a nonroutine application.
Water Well and Observation Well Testing
When conducting water well testing, applicants must
test water and observation wells in accordance with the AENV Standard prior to drilling the well; and
if the wells have been tested and two months have elapsed, confirm that the water well testing data
and analysis have been submitted to AENV and the landowner/occupant. If delays occur, confirm that
the applicant provided an explanation to AENV and the landowner/occupant and give the revised
timeline for testing the water wells that the applicant has committed to.
If CBM above BGWP information is not on the survey plan, the applicant must submit a separate
survey plan or map showing the locations of all the active water wells and observation wells within
A-58 ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011)
the radius referred to above. Latitude and longitude coordinates (NAD 83) of active water wells and
observation wells are required on maps.
In addition to the requirements indicated in Section 7.12.11.3 and in Table 7.6, applicants must
submit documentation demonstrating that all the requirements for the implementation of the AENV
Standard as listed under Environmental Requirements above have been completed prior to
application. If water well testing was completed prior to application submission, provide information
confirming that those tests were completed in accordance with the AENV Standard and that results
were submitted accordingly.
Compliance Assurance
In order to ensure that applications are correctly submitted, the ERCB will close any Directive 056 CBM
well licence applications that target completions above the BGWP that do not meet these new
requirements. Additionally, audits will be conducted to ensure that applicants have met the requirements
of both Directives 056 and 035 and the AENV Standard.
For any noncompliances associated with Directive 056, the ERCB will initiate enforcement action in
accordance with Directive 019: Compliance Assurance (available on the ERCB Web site) and Table 4.1.
The specific Wells Technical noncompliant events associated with the requirements reiterated in this
appendix are as follows:
Failure to submit a survey plan that meets all applicable requirements, which is assessed as low risk.
For the purpose of this appendix, it includes
no survey plan with CBM above the BGWP water well information, or no separate CBM above
the BGWP survey plan or map.
Failure to meet Directive 056 environmental requirements prior to filing the application, which is
assessed as high risk. For the purpose of this appendix, this includes
test results not submitted to landowner/occupant or AENV in accordance with the AENV
Standard.
Further Information
For additional information on the AENV Standard, see the AENV Web site at
www.waterforlife.alberta.ca/. You may also contact the Alberta Environment Education and Information
Centre: phone 780-427-2700 (toll free by first dialing 310-0000); fax 780-422-4086; e-mail
env.infocent@gov.ab.ca.
For further information on ERCB Directive 035 or Directive 056 requirements and for further updates and
clarifications, check the ERCB Web site www.ercb.ca and contact the following:
Applications Branch, Facilities Applications Group, Directive 056 Help SystemHelp Line: phone
403-297-4369; fax 403-297-4117; e-mail Directive56.help@ercb.ca.
Geology, Environmental Science and Economics Branch, Economics, Environmental, and Social
Analysis Section, regarding completions or recompletions of CBM wells above the BGWP: phone
403-297-8330; fax 403-297-2691; e-mail Enviro.Services@ercb.ca.
ERCB Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules (September 2011) A-59