Current Directive 071 replaces the previous edition released on February 8, 2023.
Released with Bulletin 2025-39.
See section 1.4 of the directive for what’s new.
Purpose of this Directive
This directive sets out the requirements for emergency preparedness and response for operations regulated under the Oil and Gas Conservation Act, Oil Sands Conservation Act, Pipeline Act, Coal Conservation Act, Geothermal Resource Development Act, and Mineral Resources Development Act unless explicitly excluded. The directive requirements apply to the approval holder’s operations regardless of the phase of the development’s life cycle (i.e., not limited to active operations).
See also Manual 026: Emergency Preparedness and Response Guide for additional information.
If more information is required after reviewing the directive and associated frequently asked questions, contact the AER's Customer Contact Centre.
Forms
Supplemental Information
- Directive 071 Implementation Timeline
- What We Heard
- Energy Resources Industry Emergency Support Plan
- Public Safety and Sour Gas: Final Report
- ERP Registration Guide
- ERCBH2S Model - Calculating Emergency Response and Planning Zones for Sour Wells and Sour Pipelines
Frequently Asked Questions
- Directive 071 FAQs [PDF] (January 2011)
- AERH2S FAQs [PDF] (January 2026)
Designated Information Submission System
The table below sets out the designated information submission system to use when submitting information under Directive 071.
| Item (section of directive) | Designated Information Submission System |
|---|---|
| New Emergency Response Plan and Emergency Management Program Declaration Form (sections 2.1.1 and 5) | DDS system |
| Update Emergency Response Plan and Emergency Management Program Declaration Form (sections 2.1.1 and 5) | DDS system |
| Transfer of licences (section 5.4) | OneStop |
| Exercises (section 7) | OneStop |
| Critical sour review meetings for operation-specific ERPs (section 11.7) | OneStop |
