PTAC is proud to see research supported through the Alberta Upstream Petroleum Research Fund (AUPRF) delivering tangible benefits for Alberta’s energy sector.
The Government of Alberta’s Environment and Protected Areas Ministry has published a new Guide for Submitting Change in Land Use Variance Requests: Well Sites and Associated Facilities on Public Lands, providing a consistent framework for land-use change submissions to the Alberta Energy Regulator, related to well site reclamation.
The new guidance draws on AUPRF-funded research, including a decision framework, technical report, and calculator that help evaluate requests to transition reclaimed well sites from peatlands to forested uplands.
Two AUPRF-funded reports were identified as key technical references supporting the new Guidance:
- Decision Framework and Support Tools for Change in Land Use Variance Requests Related to Mineral Pads in Forested Regions on Public Land
- Preparing Variance Justifications for Weeds and Problematic Species on Wellsites and Associated Facilities on Forested Land
“This new guidance is an excellent example of how targeted, industry-driven research can directly support meaningful policy outcomes. Through PTAC’s Alberta Upstream Petroleum Research Fund (AUPRF), EPA, the Alberta Energy Regulator, industry, and researchers came together to address a shared challenge with practical, science-based research. The result is guidance that supports more consistent, evidence-based decision-making, demonstrating the value of collaboration and translating research into tangible outcomes for Albertans.”
– Lisa Fairweather, Director, Land Conservation, Reclamation & Brownfield Redevelopment, Land Policy & Programs Branch, Lands Division, Alberta Environment & Protected Areas
This milestone demonstrates how AUPRF’s collaborative research model brings together industry, government, regulators, and researchers to address shared challenges with practical, science-based solutions. It also highlights the role of applied research in supporting evidence-based policy, improving reclamation practices for our province.