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Timeline

Our estimated processing time for this application is 33 business days. See our timeline spreadsheet for updates.

Purpose of the Application

Pools with good production practice (GPP) status can be produced unrestricted by rate limitations or gas-oil ratio (GOR) penalties. We expect hydrocarbon pools with GPP status to be operated using good engineering practices to produce their wells and optimize oil recovery.

Enhanced oil recovery scheme areas are automatically granted GPP status. However, we may withdraw our approval if new information or technology shows that production under GPP may

  • affect resource conservation, or
  • affect the rights of other mineral right owners in the same pool.

If we approve this application, a company will receive GPP status and can produce a hydrocarbon resource under the status.

Process Checklist

Before Applying
Before submitting an application, a company must have a clear idea of its production performance capability. Producing intervals in the hydrocarbon pool must have already been on stream.

Submit an Application
Companies must complete a Directive 065: Resources Applications for Oil and Gas Reservoirs application under section 10.060 of the Oil and Gas Conservation Rules.  

Companies must then submit their applications through our Digital Data Submission (DDS) system. We will register each application and assign a reference number.

By submitting an application, the company accepts that its information is no longer confidential.

Review Process

  1. We share all applications on our Public Notice of Application page to encourage public participation in the approval process.
  2. Anyone who believes they may be directly and adversely affected by an application can file a statement of concern (SOC). If we receive an SOC, it may take us longer to process the application.
  3. We will assign the application to a subject matter expert for initial review. If information is missing (i.e., the application is not complete and Directive 065 requirements are missing), we will close the application. Otherwise, we will proceed with a full technical review. We look at
    • the expansion potential of the pool and whether an associated gas accumulation is present;
    • the reservoir fluid volumetric estimates compared with our database estimates;
    • the reservoir pressure history and the effect of reservoir energy depletion on the production performance;
    • the applicant’s evaluation of enhanced oil recovery potential, such as waterflooding and gas flooding; and
    • the applicant’s list of active producers in the pool and their completion details.
  4. We may request additional information (through a supplemental information request) to complete our technical review.
  5. We will decide to approve, close, or deny the application. If we close it, the applicant may reapply without prejudice. If we deny it, the applicant can file an appeal through our appeal process.
  6. We will provide the applicant with a link to the letter with our decision, which is accessible through the Integrated Application Registry Query. We will also share our decision on our Publication of Decision page.