New regulations to require new developments be distanced from abandoned oil and gas wells

The Alberta government will soon require all future developments in the province to be a minimum of five meters away from abandoned oil and gas wells. Since 1996, municipalities and developers have been encouraged to check and accommodate for abandoned wells before beginning new developments. These changes will make the practice mandatory.

The new requirements will apply to all new subdivision applications and development permits for new buildings larger than 47 square meters (500 square feet) or additions that make a building larger than 47 square meters.
Additions to or replacement of existing buildings will be required to comply with the setbacks.

As of November 1, 2012, the amended Subdivision and Development Regulation will require subdivision and development permit applications to include information about whether abandoned wells are present within the subdivision or development and the development is a minimum of five meters away from any well. An abandoned well is an inactive oil or gas well that is permanently shut down and cut off one to two meters below the surface, in accordance with regulatory requirements set out by the Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB Directive 20).

Those applying for subdivision or development approval can contact the Energy Resources Conservation Board at 1-855-297-8311 or visit www.ercb.ca to confirm whether there are any capped wells on their property.