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Timeline

We review applications in the order we receive them. However, we acknowledge that some applications may be more time sensitive than others.

As a guideline, our estimated processing time for well and pipeline permit requests (routine) is 7 business days. Our estimated processing time for all other Directive 060 variance requests (nonroutine technical) is 30 business days. See our timeline spreadsheet for updates.

Purpose of the Application

Companies may submit an application requesting a variance from the requirements identified in Directive 060: Upstream Petroleum Industry Flaring, Incinerating, and Venting if they have sufficient justification to support the request.

Under Directive 060, these applications generally fall under three categories:

  • temporary and well test flaring and incinerating permits (as per section 3)
  • pipeline flaring, incinerating, and venting permits (as per section 6)
  • requests pertaining to upstream facilities (as per sections 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9)

Process Checklist

Submit an Application
An application must include mandatory documents indicated in the following:

Applicants can attach any additional supporting documents if they are needed to support the application. Companies must submit their applications by emailing @email

Note: only in the event of an emergency and outside office hours should these applications be submitted to the appropriate AER field centre.

Please identify the company name, type of request, and location in the email subject line. For example:

  • XYZ Oil & Gas, Excess Volume for Multistage Fracturing, 01-01-001-01W4M

Review Process

  1. We share all applications on our Public Notice of Application page to encourage public participation in the approval process. Application documents are publicly available on the OneStop Application Query Tool for download.
  2. We will assign the application to a subject matter expert for initial review. If information is missing (i.e., the application is not complete), we will close the application. Otherwise, we will proceed with a full technical review.
  3. We may request additional information (through a supplemental information request) to complete our technical review. We may close the application if we do not receive a response within a specified timeframe.
  4. We will decide to approve, close, or deny the application.
  5. We will email both the company and the appropriate AER field centre to notify them of our decision, which will be accessible through the Application Query Tool. We will also share our decision on our Publication of Decision page.