August Regulatory Newsletter

August 2017

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Changes to the AER Transfer of Approval Applications Process

On August 21, 2017, the AER implemented a 30 day standardized review period for all transfer of approval applications. In addition, all related AER approvals will be bundled and published on the AER website prior to disposition.

For more information on this program, please click here.

Bulletin 2017-14 - Second 2017/18 Orphan Fund Levy

On August 3rd, 2017, the AER released Bulletin 2017-14, which prescribed a second orphan fund levy in the amount of $15 million. For details on the levy calculation and payment terms, please click here. To avoid noncompliance penalties, be sure to have your levy payment submitted by September 25, 2017.

H2S Release Rate Assessments

A reminder that the AER requires a release-rate assessment to be conducted on all wells with sour gas potential. The AER expects that all documentation and calculations be held onto in case of emergency or for AER audit purposes.

To avoid any issues down the road, Benoit highly recommends that operators take advantage of the AER H2S release rate presubmission process , before submitting a well license.

Although the process is optional, it allows operators to have their calculated EPZ radius verified by the AER, ensuring that the AER is in agreement with the consultation and notification radii.

If you would like some help with this process and EPZ calculations, Benoit offers this service! Please don't hesitate to contact us.

Annual Pressure Survey Requirements for Gas Allowables

A reminder that annual pressure surveys must be submitted by November 1st for an allowable to be assigned for 2018 and to avoid noncompliance and penalties. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like us to review your gas allowable and determine whether it is still valid.

Implementation of OneStop for Pipelines License Applications

On June 26, 2017, the AER implemented the OneStop process for pipeline license applications.

For more information on this announcement, please click here.

AER Core Research Centre-New Access Hours

Effective July 27, 2017, pre-ordered core and drill cuttings are now available for viewing on Mondays.

For more information on this AER announcement, please click here.

SME: Shadow Billing Period Extended for Well Data Submissions

On June 19, 2017, SME extended the shadow billing period until later in the fall for any unfulfilled oil and gas well data submission obligations.

A copy of the Industry Tip can be found here.

Amendments to the OGC Drilling and Production Regulation

On June 23, 2017, the BC Oil and Gas Commission amended the Drilling and Production Regulation.

A copy of the industry bulletin can be found here and a full list of the regulation changes can be found here.

Geotechnical Support Services at Benoit

To support Benoit's H2S release rate assessments, LMR/IWCP services and Directive 065 regulatory application submissions, Benoit now utilizes an in-house geoscientist to bring both the regulatory and geosciences services together under a one service package.

In addition, Benoit's geological support services may include:

Asset reviews of recently acquired, neglected, or underperforming oil and gas assets
Historical development reviews and troubleshooting
Reservoir characterization support services for secondary and tertiary recovery projects

For more information on this service, please contact us or visit our website.

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