We are seeking feedback on proposed changes to Directive 088: Licensee Life-Cycle Management to support the ongoing implementation and operationalization of closure nomination. Changes include clarifying closure timelines, reporting requirements, and licensee expectations. Section 4.2 of the draft directive includes the following changes:
- Revised table 1 of the closure plan activities.
- Sites without an “abandoned” licence status will have up to three years to complete abandonment, equipment removal, and Phase 1 environmental site assessment (ESA) closure activities.
- Sites with an “abandoned” licence status must complete equipment removal and the Phase 1 ESA within one year.
- Clarified the requirement for licensees to accurately identify any completed or outstanding closure activities for the site.
- Changed the reporting requirements, shifting from reporting by March 31 of each year to quarterly with specific completion dates.
- Added table 2 on closure activity reporting for closure nomination so that licensees are clear on demonstrating compliance and progress for each required closure activity.
- Clarified that the transferee or amalgamation survivor is responsible for being aware of and verifying whether any licences it has received in a transfer application are part of an accepted closure nomination.
Licensees are still required to complete closure activities and retain records of activities as outlined in Directive 088. Please note that reporting for closure activities under closure nomination is delayed for this year; we will provide a notification when new reporting requirements are in effect.
Existing closure nominations can be viewed on the Closure Nomination Dashboard, which will be updated after public comment and publication of the new edition of Directive 088. The AER will notify all licensees and eligible requestors with existing closure nominations on how they are affected by these proposed regulatory changes.
The draft directive is available on the directives webpage under draft/open for comment. To provide feedback on the proposed revisions to section 4.2 of Directive 088, complete the public comment form on our website. Comments in other formats can be emailed to Closure.Nomination@aer.ca or mailed to Alberta Energy Regulator, Suite 1000, 250 – 5 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta T2P 0R4. Feedback will be accepted through November 12, 2025.
All feedback received will be reviewed and may be used in finalizing the directive. Personal information is collected by the AER under section 4(c) of the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA). Comments may be processed using “automated systems” (e.g., AI tools), and the AER may use the personal contact information you provide for follow-up communication related to your feedback. Access is limited to authorized AER personnel and will not be disclosed except as permitted under section 13 of POPA. If you have questions about how your personal information is managed, please contact inquiries@aer.ca.
If you have any questions, contact our Customer Contact Centre by phone at 1-855-297-8311 or by email at inquiries@aer.ca.
