Approval of a Development Plan (Onshore)
Purpose of the Approval of a Development Plan
The Approval of a Development Plan is intended to ensure that both the general approach and technical aspects of a proposed development of a pool or a field have been reviewed and approved prior to any related activities. The Approval of a Development Plan contributes to the stated purpose of the OGO Act, which is to ensure human safety, protection of the environment, the conservation of oil and gas resources, and promote joint production arrangements.
Overview of the Approval of a Development Plan
The authority to issue an Approval of a Development Plan is provided by Paragraph 5.1(4) of the Oil and Gas Operations Act (OGO A).
Process Milestones
The Approval of a Development Plan process consists of three milestones. A “milestone” is a major step in a process that involves a key action taken or decision made. Each milestone, in practice, consists of one or more “steps” which describe the mechanics of how the authorization is processed.
Milestone 1 - Application submitted
Milestone 1
- Step 1 – Approval of a Development Plan Application is submitted by Proponent to NWT Petroleum Resources Regulatory (NWT-PRR)
Milestone 2 - Approval determination
Milestone 2
- Step 2 – NWT-PRR considers the application and conducts a technical review
- Step 3 – The Proponent responds to information requests (if necessary)
Milestone 3 - Approval issued
Milestone 3
- Step 4 – NWT-PRR determines whether Part I of Development Plan is approved; ITI Minister approves Part I of the Development Plan under OGOA
- Step 5 – (if not approved) Proponent may revise and resubmit application
- Step 6 – (if approved) Letter of Approval to Part 1 of the Development Plan (subject to consent by NWT Executive Council) is issued (along with Reasons for Decision and Terms and Conditions) to Proponent and ITI for Executive Council
In addition, this milestone is influenced by two external activities (both of which occur immediately prior to Step 4):
- ITI – Petroleum Resources reviews and approves Benefits Plan; ITI Minister either approves or waives Benefits Plan. If the Benefits Plan is approved, ITI – Petroleum Resources informs NWT-PRR that the Benefits Plan has been approved
- NWT-PRR determines if there are any significant and adverse environmental impacts from the coordinated environmental review (environmental assessment process must be completed).