Timeline
Our estimated processing time for this application is 100 business days. See our timeline spreadsheet for updates.
Purpose of the Application
Companies must submit a nonroutine public involvement (NR-PI) application for wells, facilities, and pipelines under Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules when
- the Directive 056 consultation or notification requirements have not been met, or
- there are unresolved concerns or objections.
NR-PI applications may have nonroutine technical (NR-Tech) components. Companies must submit the supporting documents identified in Directive 056 for review.
Before applying, a company must have all other applicable approvals in place, such as
- surface land agreements,
- public lands dispositions, and
- mineral rights.
Process Checklist
Submit an Application
Companies must submit NR-PI applications through our Digital Data Submission (DDS) system. We will register each application and assign it a reference number.
By submitting an application, the company accepts that its information is no longer confidential.
Review Process
- We share all applications on our Public Notice of Application page to encourage public participation in the approval process.
- Anyone who believes they may be directly and adversely affected by an application can file a statement of concern (SOC). If we receive an SOC, it may take us longer to process the application.
- We will assign the application to a subject matter expert for initial review. If information is missing (i.e., the application is not complete), we will close the application. Depending on the type of application, we look for a well survey, pipeline right-of-way and base plan maps, facility plot plan and process flow diagram, and public participation documentation (as specified in the “How to” sections of Directive 056). As part of our full technical review, we look at
- whether the applied-for well or facility site falls within an area covered by the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan or the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan. If so, our review will be more stringent; and
- whether the application has an NR-Tech component. If so, the applicant must submit documentation that supports the variance request.
- We may request additional information (through a supplemental information request) to complete our technical review.
- We will decide to approve, close, or deny the application. If we close it, the applicant may reapply without prejudice. If we deny it, the applicant can file an appeal through our appeal process.
- We will provide the applicant with a link to the letter with our decision, which is accessible through the Integrated Application Registry. We will also share our decision on our Publication of Decision page.
Our Law Branch also reviews the application and prepares a recommendation for the AER-delegated decision maker. If there are stakeholder concerns, we encourage all parties to contact our alternative dispute resolution team.
Please note that additional approvals from the AER or other government agencies may be required.
We encourage companies to submit related applications under the specified enactments at the same time as thisapplication if similar SOCs are expected or have already been received (i.e., as “bundled applications”).