(Alberta) AER Directive 084: Requirements for Hydrocarbon Emission Controls and Gas Conservation in the Peace River Area (2018 updates)

This directive sets out requirements for addressing odours and emissions generated by heavy oil and bitumen operations in the Peace River area of Alberta.This directive applies to all AER-regulated wells and facilities associated with heavy oil and bitumen operations in the Peace River area regardless of whether the facility is exempt from Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules licensing requirements. 

 

Licensees must capture and flare, incinerate, or conserve all solution gas. (Sec. 3.2)

Non-routine flaring must not exceed 3% of total gas production volumes. (Sec. 4.2) Logs must be kept, following the requirements of Directive 060, to track flaring volumes. (Sec. 4.2)

All licensees must demonstrate a cumulative conservation rate of at least 95% of the produced gas. (Sec. 5)

Each licensee must implement a Fugitive Emission Management Plan, (Sec. 6.2.1) and inspect immediately if they suspect a leak; conduct weekly audio/visual/olfactory inspections and monthly surveys of more targeted components (using infra-red cameras or organic vapour analysers); and hire a third-party contractor to inspect once a year. (Sec. 6.2.2) 

Monthly reports, and training, are required (Sec. 6.2.6, 6.2.7) Records must be kept for 5 years. (Sec. 6.2.8)

 

Operators must submit annual performance reports, and are encouraged to include "operational improvements" in those reports to encourage continuous improvement in operations. (Sec. 9)

 

If a leak is not repaired within 24 hours of detection, it must be quantified. (Sec. 6.2.4)

 

Licensees are advised that requirements in other AER directives continue to apply to heavy oil and bitumen operations in the Peace River area. Where a conflict arises between the requirements in this directive and any other AER directive, the requirements in this directive prevail unless otherwise directed by the AER.

 

Governed by the Alberta Energy Regulator

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