November 2024

AB: One Last Reminder: Directive 040 pressure requirements and Packer Isolation Test 

Directive 040 Section 2.2.3 requires that annual pressure and testing surveys be completed by December 31, 2024, and submitted by March 31, 2025. The list of wells and projects requiring annual testing can be found HERE.

Directive 087: Well Integrity Management Section 2 requires that packer isolation test results must be reported by the end of December 31, 2024. 

AB: AER -Website Updated

The AER website has a new look that includes a separate tab for the AGS with direct links to all great content housed on their website!

Take a few minutes to check out the announcement, what’s new summary, and instructional video HERE

AB: Subsurface Order 2A Issued

On November 12, 2024, the AER amended Subsurface Order No. 2. The amended order has been renumbered 2A and published on Subsurface Orders webpage. The amendments are effective November 19, 2024, and align Subsurface Order No. 2A with existing Subsurface Orders 6 and 7.



Additional information can be found: Bulletin 2024-29

AB: New Edition of Directive 065

On November 12, 2024, the AER released a new edition of Directive 065: Resources Applications for Oil and Gas Reservoirs. The changes amend requirements for acid gas disposal and carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration schemes. There are also new requirements around induced seismicity for fluid disposal activities. These changes were reflected in the draft directive released on July 18, 2024 (see Bulletin 2024-18). 



Additional information can be found: Bulletin 2024-28

AB: New Edition of Directive 083

On November 20, 2024, the AER released a new edition of Directive 083: Hydraulic Fracturing – Subsurface Integrity.

Additional information can be found: Bulletin 2024-30

AB: Release of Manual 028: Buried Geothermal Heat Distribution Pipelines

On November 28, 2024, the AER released Manual 028: Buried Geothermal Heat Distribution Pipelines, Best Practices for Planning, Design, Operation, and Closure. The manual provides best practices that can be applied throughout the life cycle of a geothermal heat distribution pipeline.



Additional information can be found: Bulletin 2024-31

AB: Applications for Expired Public Lands Act Dispositions – OneStop

Expired Public Lands Act (PLA) dispositions, such as well sites or access roads, cannot be renewed. Instead, the Public Lands Administration Regulation (PLAR) allows for a replacement disposition.

As of September 2024, consultation for replacement dispositions is no longer required, and no new file number for First Nation Consultation (FNC) will be issued. However, OneStop still requires an FNC to process these applications.

A new OneStop process is under development and will launch in spring 2025. The AER advises delaying replacement applications until then. Former disposition holders will be deemed overholding tenants under the PLA and PLAR. For urgent cases or compliance issues, contact the AER for guidance.

Additional information can be found: Bulletin 2024-32

AB: Modernized Royalty Framework Guidelines, Emerging Resources Program Guidelines, and Enhanced Hydrocarbon Recovery Program Guidelines Updates

The following updates have been added to guidelines and processes listed below:

Alberta Modernized Royalty Framework Guidelines – new version published HERE. 

Enhanced Hydrocarbon Recovery Program Guidelines - new version published HERE. 

Emerging Resources Program (ERP) Guidelines - new version published HERE. 

Additional information can be found: IB 2024-04

The applications to ERP program can only be made on or before December 31, 2024. 

Additional information can be found: IB 20024-03

AB: PNG, Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage, and Geothermal Applications and Payments - Postal Work Stoppage

Alberta Energy reminds that regardless of disruption in mail delivery services, all PNG Tenure-related business including applications, data and/or document submissions, and payments must be submitted by their respective due dates. 

Currently, available payment options include: - Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), Auto-Debit Authorization, Preauthorized Debit, and payment by cheque delivered to AEM’s Edmonton or Calgary office.

Additional information can be found: Mineral Rights Information Bulletin 2024-03

MB: Manitoba Drilling Incentive Program

The Manitoba Drilling Incentive Program (MDIP) has been extended without alteration for the period January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025 while the department works to implement a new tax regime. (see also HERE)

Additional information can be found: Informational Notice 24-04

SK: IRIS Version Update

On December 4, 2024, IRIS was updated in the areas of Pipeline Segment Cancellation and Enhance Recovery applications. 

Additional information can be found: HERE

BC: Water Use Suspensions Lifted for Select Sources

With increased precipitation and mild temperatures in parts of BC, the BCER is lifting the suspension of industry water diversion or use (permitted under Section 10 of the Water Sustainability Act) for certain water sources in the Fraser, Peace and Liard River watersheds.

Additional information can be found: DIR 2024-02