Alberta government announces pilot projects to improve responsible reclamation work
EDMONTON, AB – The Alberta government says it will launch new pilot projects testing ways to speed up oil and gas well site reclamation while protecting the environment.
Provincial officials say reclamation is an important part of oil and gas projects, and suggests it’s essential that well sites are safely, quickly and effectively reclaimed for future generations. Alberta’s government says it is committed to ensuring companies clean up their sites when decommissioned and is exploring new ways to make that process clearer.
In the coming months, the province says it will launch two new pilots aimed at helping improve the current reclamation certificate process while maintaining the highest environmental standards. These pilots are anticipated to test ways to certify portions of reclaimed sites and help reclaim peatlands.
“These pilots demonstrate our commitment to reducing red tape while ensuring that all companies clean up their sites when decommissioned,” says Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas. “The pilots are the first step in improving the current reclamation certificate issuance process for well sites and associated facilities. If successful, they will help make the reclamation process faster, clearer and more effective.”
