For more than a century, oil and gas development in Alberta evolved in what often seemed like a random way: individual wells were drilled, pipelines were constructed, and development was scattered across the province. But times have changed. Development no longer means single wells dotting the countryside. Development is now happening at a scale much larger than in the past, with multiple wells located on a single pad and pipelines lined up in corridors.
Albertans’ expectations have also changed. They want to know more about where development will occur, how it will happen, and how it might affect them—and they want to be part of those discussions.
We’re changing the way we regulate—our processes, the way we make decisions, and the way we communicate with our stakeholders—by looking at the entire life cycle (from start to finish) of a project. We are doing this by taking an integrated, risk-informed, life-cycle view to our decisions. We are also supporting our decision-making processes with modern digital tools, like our OneStop platform.
How It Works
Companies submit applications through OneStop that cover activities over the life of the project—from construction and operation through to abandonment and reclamation.
Once we’ve received the application, we review it with the same rigour we use for all applications. We examine any risks associated with the project and look at how the operator has engaged with the landowners, indigenous communities, or other stakeholders who could be affected by the proposed development.
We make a decision at the end of our review and, if the application meets our requirements, we will issue an approval for the project to proceed. In some cases, we place conditions on the approval that an operator must meet.
We also conduct monitoring, inspections, and audits at critical points over the project’s life cycle to ensure compliance with our requirements.
What’s Currently Being Reviewed Through OneStop
View a comprehensive list of what is currently being submitted through OneStop.
Designated Information Submission System
Effective March 29, 2018, the AER has a new online process for submitting well
drilling and completion data (daily tour reports) and various notifications.
