Effective May 1, 2026, the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) will be able to enforce compliance with requirements related to weeds and agricultural pests on well and facility sites licensed under the Oil and Gas Conservation Act. The AER may now issue reasonable care and measures (RCAM) orders to support enforcement actions initiated by Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation or by municipal authorities.
Licensees and approval holders must control weeds and pests on their well and facility sites in accordance with legislation and AER requirements. Failure to comply with an RCAM order may result in further enforcement action by the AER.
Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation fieldmen and municipal inspectors retain their responsibility to enforce compliance with weed and pest regulations. Once they have exhausted their enforcement tools, they may refer noncompliance issues regarding well and facility sites to the AER for consideration and enforcement under an RCAM order.
Municipalities are the initial point of contact for public and landowner concerns regarding weeds and pests.
The AER does not enforce weed and pest compliance on land outside its jurisdiction or on pipeline rights-of-way.
For information on roles, responsibilities, and the referral process (including an intake form), visit the Weed and Pest Compliance webpage.
For more information about weed and pest control, see the following:
