Manual 034

This manual provides guidance and information on oilfield waste management and is not a substitute for the applicable regulatory requirements set out in acts, rules, regulations, directives, and requirements in other relevant guidelines and standards. The manual does not create, modify, or waive any requirements. The user is responsible for complying with all applicable requirements. Where an inconsistency exists between this manual and the applicable requirements, the requirements prevail.

The principles and purpose of this manual and Directive 058: Oilfield Waste Management Requirements for the Upstream Petroleum Industry are as follows:

• Providing industry with methods to manage oilfield waste that protect the environment and the public, and, where applicable, harmonize with provincial and federal waste management regulations.
• Describe the Alberta Energy Regulator’s (AER) expectations for managing oilfield waste.
• Identify the oilfield waste management responsibilities of licensees and approval holders.
• Promote waste minimization through the reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover principles (see appendix 1).
• Ensure the duty holder’s oilfield waste management practices meet the AER requirements and achieve environmental outcomes through monitoring and reporting.
• Require record retention and submission of oilfield waste information to assist in waste management compliance practices.