The AER’s fundamental objective in regulating enhanced recovery schemes is to ensure maximum recovery is attained and to ensure scheme operations are conducted in an equitable manner that is in the best interest of the public and the environment. Although optimal operating practices may vary for each reservoir, there are fundamental principles and practices that the AER expects to be performed in order to ensure its objective is met. ER scheme applications that comply with these fundamental principles and meet certain criteria may qualify for a quick review.
Applications that qualify for a quick review will be dispositioned under an accelerated process that shifts the review emphasis from scheme design (application) to scheme performance (audit). The alternate process involves a more detailed review of the application.
An application to implement a new ER scheme and an application to amend an existing ER scheme approval must meet the following criteria to qualify for a quick review.
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Question |
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Application type is Waterflood |
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Application is for a new ER scheme |
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The type of amendment is to add injection well locations(s) and/or amend the approval area (Amendments only) |
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There are no outstanding concerns from well licensees |
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The injection fluid is Class II - produced water (brine) without H2S and/or Class IV - non-saline water |
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The injection will commence in all proposed injection wells within three months of receipt of approval |
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The entire proposed approval area within the AER’s Pool Order boundary for the subject pool |
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Your interpretation of pool extent corresponds to the AER’s Pool Order boundary for the subject pool |
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The proposed voidage replacement ratio (VRR), on a monthly basis, for the scheme is 1.0 |
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No gas-cap gas is or will be produced from the subject pool during the operation of the ER Scheme |
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The appropriate concurrent production (CCP) approval has been issued |
Question 20a (Question 20 must be answered) |