Today, the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) amended Subsurface Order No. 2. The amended order has been renumbered 2A and published on our Subsurface Orders webpage. The amendments are effective November 19, 2024, and align Subsurface Order No. 2A with existing Subsurface Orders 6 and 7.
The changes were made in accordance with section 11.104 of the Oil and Gas Conservation Rules and include the following:
- Zones below the Duvernay Formation are now included.
- Passive seismic data must be submitted to the AER in real-time.
- Passive seismic data must be shared publicly through the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS).
- The frequently asked questions document has been removed.
The issuance of this amended order formalizes real-time data sharing (which has already been occurring) for the collection and publishing of probabilistic hazard assessments and to enhance consistency in data collection across all subsurface orders. For over a decade, the AER has been collecting data and publishing these assessments for the province, which have been instrumental in studying the evolution of seismic hazards, especially in areas affected by anthropogenic seismic activity related to the energy sector. This real-time data sharing aims to improve information exchange among operators and ensure uniformity in data collection and sharing practices.
If you have any questions, contact our Customer Contact Centre by phone at 1-855-297-8311 or by email at inquiries@aer.ca.
