OGOA Paragraph 5(1)(b) Authorization
Purpose of the OGOA Paragraph 5(1)(b) Authorization
These authorizations regulate geological activities related to oil and gas exploration. The authorizations are intended to promote the safety of workers and the public, particularly by encouraging persons exploring for and exploiting oil or gas to maintain a prudent regime, to protect the natural environment, to conserve of oil and gas resources, to establish joint production arrangements, and to create economically efficient infrastructures.
Overview of the OGOA Paragraph 5(1)(b) Authorization
The regulatory process applies to geological work or activity relevant to the Oil and Gas Operations Act (OGOA). The following regulatory process applies to OGOA p. 5(1)(b) Authorizations, which include:
- Authority to Conduct a Geotechnical or Engineering Feasibility Program
- Authority to Conduct an Environmental Study
- Authorization to Undertake a Diving Program
- Geological Operation Authorization
- Geophysical Operation Authorization
Process Milestones
The OGOA p.5(1)(b) Authorization 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 consists of the following step:
- Step 1 – Application for OGOA p.5(1)(b) Authorization is submitted by Proponent to the National Energy Board (NEB)
Milestone 2 - Approval determination
Milestone 2 consists of the following 2 steps:
- Step 2 – NEB considers the application and conducts a technical review
- Step 3 – The Proponent responds to information requests (if necessary)
Milestone 3 - Approval issued
Milestone 3 consists of the following 3 steps:
- Step 4 – NWT - NEB determines whether application is approved; ITI Minister approves the Paragraph 5(1)(b) Authorization under OGOA
- Step 5 – (if not approved) Proponent may revise and resubmit application
- Step 6 – (if approved) Letter of Authorization is issued (along with Terms and Conditions and possibly Reasons for Decision and) to Proponent by NEB
In addition, this milestone is influenced by three external activities (all 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 NEB that Benefits Plan has been approved
- NEB determines if there are any significant and adverse environmental impacts from the coordinated environmental review
- If the work or activity is in relation to a Development Plan, confirmation of the ITI Minister’s consent to the approval of a Development Plan is required.
Division des ressources minérales et pétrolières
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Canada