Closure nomination is a component of the Inventory Reduction Program. It enables eligible requesters to participate in prioritizing sites for closure work. Closure nomination does not include pipelines or pipeline risers.
Closure involves abandoning (i.e., decommissioning) energy infrastructure and returning the land to equivalent land capability (a state similar to what it was before development took place) under the Conservation and Reclamation Regulation.
Closure nomination requirements and reporting methods are provided in Directive 088: Licensee Life-Cycle Management and Manual 023. Licensees must adhere to the reporting deadlines identified in the approved closure plans, which will be posted on the Closure Nomination Dashboard.
How It Works
Eligible requesters with a well or facility on their land that has remained inactive or abandoned (decommissioned) for five or more years can request closure by submitting a Closure Nomination Form.
We will review the nomination against the requester and well or facility eligibility criteria outlined in Manual 023: Licensee Life-Cycle Management and will notify the requester and licensee if the nomination has been accepted.
Once a nomination is accepted, the licensee is required to submit a closure plan within 90 days of being notified. Accepted nominations and approved closure plans will be posted on the Closure Nomination Dashboard.
Closure timelines for nominated wells and facilities will vary depending on site conditions and the closure work already completed at the time of nomination. As a nominated site progresses through the required closure activities outlined in its approved closure plan, additional activities may be identified as necessary. More time may be required due to complexities or challenges in completing closure activities, and timelines may be adjusted to reflect the work required to achieved reclamation. We will review and approve any revisions to approved closure plans. The following graphic provides an overview of required closure activities and closure activities that may be required. For more information, see Directive 088: Licensee Life‑Cycle Management.
Information about nominated sites with approved closure plans can be viewed on the Closure Nomination Dashboard, including the current closure activity, closure activity deadline dates, and closure plan approval dates.
Refer to the closure nomination sites map to see accepted closure-nominated sites in Alberta.
Public Concerns and Disputes
Closure nomination is not a mechanism for the public to submit concerns about public safety or the environment. Submit any such concerns and complaints via the AER’s Energy and Environmental Emergency 24-hour response line: 1-800-222-6514.
To help resolve disputes related to an energy development or activity, you can request to participate in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). ADR provides several options to manage disputes, including direct negotiation between the parties, AER staff-led mediation, and third-party mediation. If you are interested in ADR, email ADR@aer.ca or call 1-855-297-8311 (toll free) and ask to speak to an ADR team member.
