Notice of Hearing
Proceeding ID 444
Northback Holdings Corporation
Near Blairmore
The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) will hold a public hearing for applications for a Coal Exploration Program (A10123772), a Deep Drill Permit (1948547) and a Temporary Diversion Licence (00497386), submitted by Northback Holdings Corporation (Northback).
The AER’s decision that the applications should be decided by a panel of hearing commissioners is available on the Participatory and Procedural Decisions landing page on www.aer.ca.
This notice sets out how to request to participate in the hearing. The hearing will be scheduled later or, if there are no participants, the AER may cancel the hearing and decide on the applications without further notice.
Description of the Applications
Northback has submitted three applications under the Public Lands Act, Coal Conservation Act, and the Water Act.
- Coal Exploration Program (CEP) – A10123772 to conduct a coal exploration program on the Grassy Mountain Deposit, located north of Blairmore, Alberta.
- Deep Drill Permit (DDP) – 1948547 to drill to depths deeper than 150 metres and no deeper that 550 metres on a combination of Crown land and Northback’s privately owned land, in support of the coal exploration program.
- Temporary Diversion Licence (TDL – 00497386) for 1500 m3 of water to support drilling activities associated with the coal exploration program.
Where can I find information about the applications and the hearing?
All hearing submissions, including the applications filed in relation to proceeding 444 are publicly available and can be found on the AER’s website using the proceeding search tool.
To find out more about AER hearing procedures, see Manual 003: Participant Guide to the Hearing Process or contact the hearing coordinator.
Contacts
Tara Wheaton, Hearing Coordinator
Alberta Energy Regulator
Suite 1000, 250 – 5 Street SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0R4
Email: Hearing.Services@aer.ca
Phone: 403-297-6288
Angela Beattie
Northback Holdings Corporation
1910, 525 8th Ave SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 1G1
Email: Angela.Beattie@northback.ca
Phone: 403-753-8032
How can I apply to participate in the hearing?
You must file a written request to participate, even if you have already filed a statement of concern with the AER. Requests to participate are placed on the public record of this proceeding.
Your request to participate must contain:
- a copy of your statement of concern or an explanation why you did not file one;
- a concise statement indicating
- why and how you may be directly and adversely affected by the AER’s decision on the application, or
- if you will not be directly and adversely affected by a decision on the application, explain
- what the nature of your interest in the matter is and why you should be permitted to participate,
- how your participation will materially assist the AER in deciding the matter that is the subject of the hearing,
- how you have a tangible interest in the subject matter of the hearing,
- how your participation will not unnecessarily delay the hearing, and
- how you will not repeat or duplicate evidence presented by other parties;
- the outcome of the application that you advocate;
- the nature and scope of your intended participation;
- your contact information;
- if you are acting on behalf of a group or association of people, the nature of your membership in the group or association; and
- your efforts, if any, to resolve issues associated with the proceeding directly with the applicant.
Send one copy of the request to Northback and one copy to the hearing coordinator.
Filing deadlines
| May 1, 2024 | Final date to file a request to participate. |
| May 15, 2024 | Final date for response from the applicant on any requests to participate. |
Is this a public process?
Yes. Section 49 of the Rules of Practice requires that all documents and information filed for a proceeding be placed on the public record. You must not include any personal information that you do not want to appear on or are not authorized to put on the public record. You should assume that anything you submit will be available online to the public. Section 49(2) of the Rules of Practice states how to apply to the AER for an order to keep information confidential.
If my request to participate is approved, can I apply to get reimbursed for hearing-related costs?
If you are participating in a hearing, you may be eligible to have some of your costs paid.
Directive 031: REDA Energy Cost Claims explains how and when to apply.
What is outside of the AER’s jurisdiction?
Compensation for land use is not dealt with by the AER and should be referred to the Land and Property Rights Tribunal (formerly the Surface Rights Board).\
Issued at Calgary, Alberta, on April 10, 2024.
ALBERTA ENERGY REGULATOR
