EAP FAQ

• There are many changes to the IS&G. For a complete list, see the “revision history” portion of the new IS&G.
• The four previous documents (Pre-Application Requirements and Information; Approval Standards; Operating Conditions; Best Management Practices) have been integrated into one document.
• The intent of some of the approval standards was clarified focusing them on single-well bores. Multi-well bores for these approval standards will need to follow the non-standard process.

Do you have questions you would like to see answers to here? Write us at: Srd.enhancedapprovalprocess@gov.ab.ca

The questions and answers provided in previous updates is provided here. The answers to these questions may no longer be valid due to changes in the EAP and associated business rules.

• No
• Applicants must be aware of the allowable incidental activity limits, and attest that the information is correct when they submit their disposition application. The schedules were modified to more clearly enable applicants to make this determination.
• Incidental activities and temporary uses shown on the authorized plan must comply with the Temporary Field Authorization Guidelines as amended from time to time. Incidental activities and temporary uses shown on the authorized plan which comply with the Temporary Field Authorization Guidelines shall be permitted during the term of this Short Term Licence of Occupation. This authorization is limited to: borrow pits, log decks, temporary work spaces, push outs and bank stabilization within identified sizing limits. The disposition holder must obtain a separate Temporary Field Authorization before commencing any incidental activities or temporary uses which are not shown on the authorized plan or which do not comply with the Temporary Field Authorization Guidelines.

• Applicants should review all of SRD's plan requirements by reviewing the documents on the Plan Information webpage at srd.alberta.ca. In particular applicants should ensure that the land list information provided on the plan and application forms match.
• Applicants should ensure correctness of consent documentation by checking all consent documentation for correct LAT numbers (same as the LAT report being attached to an application), and by ensuring that the consent documentation being submitted has been signed by the consenting party.
• Applicants should ensure FNC documentation correctness by checking for matching land locations and confirm that the documentation has been signed.
• Applicants should ensure LAT report correctness by checking that all references to the LAT report number in the application and attachments match the LAT report number being applied with.

• Disposition Plan Requirements

Upstream oil and gas activities include:

• oil and gas extraction sites
• pipelines that transport raw or crude oil and gas from an extraction site to a processing facility
• pipeline installations tied to pipelines that transport raw or crude oil and gas from an extraction site
• access roads for these extraction sites and upstream pipelines
• access roads for extraction sites

Downstream oil and gas activities include:

• processing facilities
• pipelines that transport from processing facilities
• pipeline installations tied to pipelines that transport processed oil and gas

Specific industry-oriented hands-on training is not available through the Government of Alberta. Some colleges or other vendors may provide EAP training. However, an online training module, manuals, guides, and other information for clients to support self-education and self-training is available on EAP web pages.

As all land agents are used in different ways by companies, these roles need to be clarified by the company to their agents. The oil and gas company is responsible and accountable for approval and operational compliance. Land agents should ask their clients for direction.

No application submission will be accepted through the EAP without completed First Nation consultation requirements.

A Caribou Protection Plan (CPP) will not be required for the dispositions issued through the EAP. The Integrated Standards and Guidelines have incorporated the requirements of the CPP into the approval standards and operating conditions.

Plans must follow the Digital Plan Submission Standards and Procedures document.

• Digital Plan Submission Standards and Procedures

Where consent is required, a letter or form reflecting the LAT Report Number and signed by the FMA holder indicating that they consent to withdrawal of the specified lands from the FMA must be attached. For more information please refer to the EAP Manual.

• EAP Manual

• EAP Forms

• No.
• Dispositions approved before September 1, 2010 will be renewed and/or amended using the SRD processes in existence prior to September 1, 2010.

In an EAP application, a company that includes certain incidental activities on their application plan will gain authorization for the incidental activities included for the term of the short-term disposition. This encourages upfront planning. If temporary uses are not included in the EAP application plan, companies may still apply for a Temporary Field Authorization (TFA) under the current process as defined in the TFA Manual. The types of incidental activities that can be used on a short-term disposition application, and restrictions for these incidental activities are identified in the TFA Manual.

• TFA Manual

To get access to the Electronic Dispositions System, the Landscape Analysis Tool, and the Plan Confirmation Service follow the directions at:

• Access To Industry Online Services

Currently it is not possible to download data from the LAT. However, key wildlife data layers are available by searching "Wildlife Sensitivity Maps" at srd.alberta.ca.

It is part of Sustainable Resource Development’s (SRD) mandate to ensure sustainable resource development on public lands and enhance Alberta’s economic competitiveness. SRD is working with its partner ministries to streamline the regulatory framework for the upstream oil and gas sector. This means reducing red tape, sharing information and making it easier for Albertans and investors to work with government.

To support competitiveness, SRD streamlined disposition applications, standardized guidelines and improved the timing and effectiveness of land-use decisions. This will enable SRD staff to focus efforts on the compliance assurance and the performance monitoring functions at all levels.

The EAP creates a timely, more consistent and cost-effective disposition application planning and review process for industry and government. The EAP will:

• Provide up-front planning tools that identify landscape sensitivities
• Provide consistent standards, conditions, requirements, information and guidelines for industrial activity planning and operations
• Streamline approval processes and systems
• Shift SRD focus to compliance assurance

Sustainable Resource Development’s (SRD) and the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) co-sponsored the project.

New and enhanced tools and processes will improve efficiency, consistency and certainty in our approval process.

• Web-based geospatial planning tools such as the Landscape Analysis Tool
• Integrated Standards and Guidelines (IS&G)
• Standard vs. non-standard application processing
• Compliance assurance and performance focus for field staff

Industry will submit disposition applications electronically. The system will route applications through a "standard" or “non-standard” route for a more consistent, transparent, clear, and timely review process for government and industry.

The EAP took effect September 1, 2010.

Standard applications are those where all risks to landscape sensitivities will be mitigated to SRD’s Approval Standards as outlined on a valid LAT Report being submitted with an application.

Non-standard applications will be subject to an additional step – the field referral. Non-standard applications are those where industry chooses not to meet all SRD Approval Standards outlined on a valid LAT Report being submitted with an application.

Standard and non-standard application submissions will be subject to electronic validation and administrative and technical reviews.

Integrated Standards and Guidelines (IS&G) have been sanctioned by SRD. As a part of the IS&G, approval standards and operating conditions specific to the LAT report form the basis of the approval of dispositions. They ensure measurability and link to environmental and other outcomes for associated landscape values. This measurability supports SRD in the compliance assurance function.

The EAP incorporates key ILM principles, ensuring that activities on the landscape consider other values, use mitigation strategies, support stewardship through monitoring and reporting, and use a knowledge and science-based approach.

Integrated Land Management (ILM) will continue to provide a strategic, planned approach to the way we use land and resources.