What is the role of the ERCB?
The ERCB is the primary regulator of oil and gas activities in Alberta. It reviews all applications for new oil and gas facilities and is also responsible for ensuring that existing oil and gas facilities are compliant with provincial requirements. The ERCB sets out additional requirements for upstream facilities that produce, transport, or process sour oil or gas (i.e., gas or oil containing hydrogen sulphide, or H2S). These facilities may require a site-specific emergency response plan that appropriately addresses any risks to public safety or the environment. Each site-specific emergency response plan must be approved by the ERCB before operations may begin. The ERCB also requires operators to update emergency response plans annually to ensure that each plan remains current.
Related Questions
- Why does the ERCB require submission of decommissioning reports or environmental reports (e.g. soils and groundwater monitoring) in addition to the estimate of liability?
- Is there another method of submitting an application with numerous licences other than through the ERCBs standard licence transfer system?
- What forms of security deposit does the ERCB accept?
