This EnerFAQs provides information about the Alberta Energy Regulator’s (AER’s) inspection and enforcement program. It describes what we inspect and how.
Questions:
Who inspects and audits energy and mineral resource developments in Alberta?
The AER. We inspect and audit energy developments (oil and gas, oil sands, coal, and geothermal) and mineral resource developments. We ensure operators follow all requirements by enforcing the standards, specifications, and conditions within our authority.
Why does the AER inspect and audit?
We engage industry through verification activities, intervention, and education to ensure compliance with all requirements. We conduct these activities under our compliance assurance program on behalf of our stakeholders. Through inspection and audit, we ensure that energy and mineral resource development in Alberta occurs safely, the environment is protected, and resources are developed responsibly for the benefit of all Albertans. For more information, see our compliance assurance program.
What does the AER inspect and audit?
We inspect and audit Alberta’s oil, natural gas, oil sands, coal, geothermal, and mineral resource developments and exploration activities on public and private lands and those held by First Nations and Indigenous groups.
Inspections are on-site verification activities where field inspectors review a site against legislative requirements. Audits are formal reviews and verification of information submitted to the AER (e.g., applications, reports, notifications or audit submissions) for accuracy and compliance with AER requirements.
Where are the AER field inspectors and auditors located?
Our field inspectors and auditors are located across the province, including the Calgary head office, three regional offices (Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Slave Lake), and five field centres (Bonnyville, Red Deer, Drayton Valley, Grande Prairie, Medicine Hat).
What authority do AER field inspectors and auditors have?
Generally, AER field inspectors and auditors have the power to enter an AER-approved site to do the following tasks:
- take a product or material sample
- conduct tests or take measurements
- require that information, data, records, reports, and documents be provided
- record or take copies or extracts of information data, records, reports, and documents
- use computer systems to examine available data
- use copying equipment to make copies of information
- make reasonable inquires of any person
- take photographs or electronic or audio-visual records
- remove from the site information, data, records, reports, and documents for examination
- require that equipment be operated or set in motion under conditions that the AER specifies
- use or move any machine, structure, material, or equipment to carry out the inspection
How often do AER inspections and audits occur?
Inspections and audits may occur at any stage during the life cycle (e.g., initiate, construct, operate, or close) of an energy or mineral resource development. Factors such as the type of operation or activity and the operator’s compliance history will determine the frequency of inspection and audit. Other factors include:
- verifying the accuracy of submitted information,
- following up on a public complaint, or
- responding to an incident.
How are sites selected for inspection or audit?
We use five selection approaches in planning our audit and inspection programs for existing infrastructure (e.g., well sites) and the information we receive (i.e., applications, notifications, reports, and plans) for energy and mineral resource development. The five verification selection approaches are assessment criteria, random, targeted, referral and judgmental verification.
How detailed are the AER's inspections and audits?
It depends on various factors. In general, field inspectors and auditors strive to verify that operators follow sound operating practices and meet all AER requirements and conditions of approval. They explain rules and analyze procedures with the company to ensure high levels of operational performance and safety and environmental performance.
What happens when unsatisfactory items are found during an inspection or audit?
Depending on the seriousness of the situation, the AER may give the operator notice to address unsatisfactory items through a notice of noncompliance. If the situation poses a danger to people or the environment, the AER can order the facility to shut down or the activity to stop until resolved.
What happens if the problems are not corrected?
Where an operator fails to take corrective action, the AER may use its enforcement tools (e.g., administrative penalties, prosecution, enforcement orders, and shutdown of an operation) until it demonstrates full compliance. The use of these tools or others depends on the noncompliance identified. A company failing to submit a required monitoring report could face less severe consequences than it would for releasing a toxic substance into the environment having serious consequences, which could result in prosecution.
We may shut down the facility or order the activity to stop where an operator is unable or unwilling to correct a problem or take appropriate measures within a specified period.
Where do I call with questions or complaints about a specific site?
First, call the company’s local office with your questions or concerns. Company contact information may be found on the sign posted at the lease or pipeline right-of-way. If the company cannot answer your questions, contact the AER Customer Contact Centre at 1-855-297-8311. If you wish to file an operational complaint, contact the- AER’s Energy and Environmental Emergency 24-Hour Response Line at 1-800-222-6514.
What if I don’t know the name of the company?
Contact the AER Customer Contact Centre at 1-855-297-8311 for assistance.
Should I contact a government department myself?
Yes, if you know who is responsible for your particular concern. If unsure, call the Energy and Environmental 24-Hour Response Line (1-800-222-6514).
Who makes the rules and the standards for energy and mineral resource development?
We establish many of the rules governing energy and mineral resource development in the province. However, other government departments are also involved. For example, the AER operates under the policies of the Government of Alberta and requirements established under specified enactments.
The AER is Alberta’s single regulator for energy and mineral resources development. Companies submit applications for energy or mineral resource development to the AER, which informs and involves other government agencies according to established agreements.
Additional Information
For more information on the AER and its processes or if you wish to speak to your local field centre or have questions about energy resource development in Alberta, contact the AER’s Customer Contact Centre: Monday to Friday (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at 1-855-297-8311 (toll free).
This document is part of the EnerFAQs series, which explains the AER’s regulations and processes relating to specific energy issues.
Each year the AER collects, compiles, and publishes a large amount of technical data and information about Alberta’s energy development and resources for use by industry and the public. This includes raw data, statistics, hearing materials, and information on regulations, policies, and decisions.
Publications may be downloaded free of charge from the AER website or made available through the Products and Services Catalogue by contacting Data & Information Services (email: InformationRequest@aer.ca).
