We are seeking feedback on updates to Directive 060: Upstream Petroleum Industry Flaring, Incinerating, and Venting. This directive sets out requirements for flaring, incinerating, and venting in Alberta at all upstream petroleum industry wells and facilities.
The proposed directive includes the following revisions:
- The section numbers have changed from previous editions, and requirements that used to be in various appendices have been moved unchanged into the main body of the document.
- The new “General Requirements” section (section 2) contains much of the text that existed in section 1 of the previous edition.
- The content from previous sections 4, 5, and 6 have been consolidated into a single new section 6 titled “Gas Facility and Infrastructure Flaring, Incinerating, and Venting.”
- A new “Emissions Research and Innovation” section (section 5) has been added, addressing emission research and innovation at emissions testing facilities
- Section 7, “Performance Requirements,” has been updated to allow signoff from a qualified person in lieu of AER approval in some instances.
- Requirements around alternative fugitive emissions management programs (Alt-FEMPs) and FEMPs have been revised by expanding the current number of acceptable FEMPs and providing additional approaches and criteria for what acceptable alt-FEMPs need to include.
- CSA Z620.3 performance requirements for flaring, incineration, and enclosed combustion have been incorporated.
- Clarification has been added around how these requirements relate to geothermal operations and brine-hosted minerals.
- The definitions of flaring, incineration, and enclosed combustion have been updated.
To provide feedback on the proposed revisions to Directive 060, complete the public comment form on our website. Comments in other formats can be emailed to methane.reduction@aer.ca or mailed to Alberta Energy Regulator, Suite 1000, 250 – 5 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta T2P 0R4. Feedback will be accepted through Sunday, November 24, 2024.
All feedback received will be reviewed and may be used in finalizing Directive 060. The comments provided through this consultation will form part of the public record and may be attributed to the specific individuals who provided them. Personal information provided with comments will be collected, used, and disclosed in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. We may use the personal contact information you provide for follow-up communication related to your feedback.
The revised edition of Directive 060 is available on our website. If you have any questions, contact our Customer Contact Centre by phone at 1-855-297-8311 or by email at inquiries@aer.ca.
