The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) reminds regulated parties that, under section 8.051 of the Oil and Gas Conservation Rules, they are responsible for oil, water, or unrefined product transported to custody transfer points and they remain responsible until custody transfer is confirmed through metering.
While contractual agreements with third-party transporters may define shared responsibilities during transport of the product, the licensee remains responsible for reporting any release to the regulator, ensuring releases are contained and cleaned up, and disposing of the product in accordance with Directive 058. Third-party transporters must also comply with other regulatory agency requirements and report any release to the appropriate authority.
To report any release of a substance, please contact the Energy and Environment Emergency 24-Hour Response Line at 1-800-222-6514. The hotline is shared by several regulatory agencies and will direct your call to the most appropriate regulating agency based on details provided.
Section 8.051 of the Oil and Gas Conservation Rules states the following (emphasis added):
Where oil, water or unrefined product is spilled while being transported, otherwise than by pipeline, from a well, pipeline or other facility which the Regulator has jurisdiction to any other like facility, the licensee of a well or pipeline or operator of the facility and the owner of the transportation facility shall immediately
- Report the spill to the appropriate field centre of the Regulator and to Alberta Environment and [Protected Areas],
- Take reasonable steps to contain and clean up the spill material, and
- Ensure that the spill material is treated and disposed of in accordance with Directive 058, unless otherwise approved by the Regulator.
For further clarity on AER release reporting requirements, please reference the release reporting requirements on the AER website or contact our Customer Contact Center at 1-855-297-8311.
