AER seeks feedback on New Water Conservation Policy Manual

The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) is seeking feedback on the draft Water Conservation Policy for Upstream Oil and Gas Operations manual. The manual provides guidance for Water Act licence applications that fall under the scope of the Government of Alberta’s new Water Conservation Policy for Upstream Oil and Gas Operations. The draft manual can be found here, and applies to the allocation of surface and groundwater for:

• oil sands thermal in situ operations,
• enhanced oil recovery and cold bitumen enhanced recovery operation, and
• multistage hydraulic fracturing operations in horizontal wells.

The AER’s public comment period builds on previous engagement with Indigenous peoples, stakeholders, municipalities, environmental NGOs and industry during initial development of the manual.

The AER is seeking feedback on the manual, including whether it provides the necessary clarity around submitting water licence applications to the AER. They will not be able to respond to feedback on the policy itself, as that document belongs to the Government of Alberta.

For more information and links to the Manual and feedback form, please see Bulletin 2021-15 on the AER website. The AER ‘Manuals’ website also has links to some FAQs and a map.

To share your thoughts, complete the comment form here and send it by email to regman@aer.ca. Feedback will be accepted through May 21, 2021.