Routine Authorizations

Timeline

Our estimated processing time for well and facility applications is 5 business days. Typical processing times for pipeline applications within OneStop are still being determined. See our timeline spreadsheet for updates.

Purpose of the Application

Companies must submit applications for wells, facilities, and pipelines under Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules when

• they are able to demonstrate that it will comply with our regulatory requirements,
• there are no outstanding concerns or objections, and
• a relaxation of regulatory requirements is not requested.

Process Checklist

Before Applying
Before applying, a company must have all applicable approvals in place, such as surface lease agreements, public lands dispositions, and mineral rights. Depending on the type of application, additional approvals from us or other governmental agencies may be required. Our Application Processes page lists our other approval processes.

Submit an Application
Companies must submit their applications through our Digital Data Submission (DDS) system or OneStop. We will register each application and assign it a reference number.

Depending on the type of application, applicants may be required to submit documents such as a well survey, pipeline right-of-way map, or facility plot plan and process-flow diagram. Applicants may include additional attachments, such as a cover letter, to aid our decision-making process.

By submitting an application, the company accepts that its information is no longer confidential.

Review Process

1. We share all applications on our Public Notice of Application page to encourage public participation in the approval process.
2. Anyone who believes that 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.
3. We will assign the application to a subject matter expert for an initial review. If information is missing (i.e., the application is not complete), we will close the application. Otherwise, we will proceed with a 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 is seeking to waive compliance or vary any restriction, limitation, or requirement regarding a land area or land use under a regional plan. We do not have the authority to do this. Applicants wishing to seek this type of relief must apply directly to Alberta’s Land Use Secretariat established under the Alberta Land Stewardship Act.
4. We may request additional information (through a supplemental information request) to complete our technical review.
5. 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.
6. Routine applications may be subject to a post-approval audit review. This review ensures that the documentation included in the application meet our regulatory requirements for design, construction, and operation of the proposed activity, and may identify areas for improvement.
7. We will provide the applicant with a link to the letter with our decision, which is accessible through the Integrated Application Registry or OneStop. We will also share our decision on our Publication of Decision page.