We are seeking feedback on updates to Directive 051: Injection and Disposal Wells – Well Classifications, Completions, Logging, and Testing Requirements. The following are the key proposed revisions:
- High-water content hydraulic fracturing system flowback is listed as a class II fluid.
- New requirements around the class II deepwell disposal of high-water content hydraulic fracturing system flowback are outlined.
- A new table clarifies fluid criteria for class 1a and class 1b disposal wells.
- A new requirement has been added regarding minimizing cellar space.
- New definitions have been added.
- Other changes have been made throughout the directive to acknowledge that fluids other than produced water and brine equivalents may be authorized for class II deepwell disposal.
To provide feedback on the proposed revisions to Directive 051, complete the public comment form on our website. For feedback submitted outside of the online form, we would prefer to receive comments in Microsoft Word format; however, comments in other formats can be emailed to engagement@aer.ca or mailed to Alberta Energy Regulator, Suite 1000, 250 – 5 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta T2P 0R4. Feedback will be accepted through Thursday, April 16, 2026. Industry comments only need to be submitted once, either through the appropriate association or directly from the company, not both.
All feedback received will be reviewed and may be used in finalizing Directive 051. 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 to personal information 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 engagement@aer.ca.
The revised edition of Directive 051 is available on our website at www.aer.ca > Regulating Development > Rules and Directives > Directives. If you have any questions, contact our Customer Contact Centre by phone at 1-855-297-8311 or by email at inquiries@aer.ca.
