WC129 MarApr2023 - Flipbook - Page 33
among other things, upholds the “polluter-pay
”The nature of the oil and gas industry necessarily exposes the
principle,” provides guidance to struggling
operators to help them manage and maintain
province’s water resources to certain risks of contamination.”
their assets and operations, improves the system of assessing the capabilities of oil and gas
operators prior to issuing regulatory approvals,
and creates five-year rolling spending targets
detailed financial information and in imposing additional confor reclamation that active site operators must meet.6
In 2020, the Liabilities Management Statutes Amendment Act
ditions on licensees.9 Such conditions may include the types and
number of licences or approvals that may be held, additional
came into effect, enabling the OWA to accelerate and better
scrutiny at the time of application for licences and approvals, a
manage clean-up operations. The OWA may provide care for
requirement to provide security, requirements concerning the
sites when the licensee is unable and introduce measures to preminimum or maximum working interest percentage permitted,
vent damage to the on-site assets. The OWA may manage, mainand a requirement to address outstanding noncompliances of
tain, operate, and sell assets for transitions to a new responsible
current or former AER licensees that are associated with the
party. When a licensee ceases operations, the OWA may apply to
applicant or its officers, directors, or shareholders. 10
appoint a receiver to assist in the transition to a new responsible
These changes are welcome and promising but must be
party who will assume the associated obligations. The OWA
monitored diligently to ensure they are and remain effective.
may also enter into an agreement to conduct work on behalf of
The need to protect water resources is constant and economic
remaining owners of a well or facility, when the AER so directs.7
Further to Directive 067: Eligibility Requirements for Acquirconditions may pose greater challenges from time to time.
ing and Holding Energy Licences and Approvals,8 the AER
For resources visit watecanada.net/ma23resources
has greater discretion in requiring licence applicants to provide
THANK YOU
FOR SPONSORING
April 11 at the Wilfrid Laurier Campus Lazaridis Institute
Water Canada and Wilfrid Laurier have joined forces to bring
current and future generations of #waternerds together to
cultivate an inclusive, diverse, and thriving water sector.
Learn more about Downstream: bit.ly/3HGp7To
Contact jackie@actualmeadia.ca if you’re interested in sponsoring a future Downstream event.
WAT E R C A N A D A . N E T
WATER C AN ADA • M ARCH/APRIL 2023
33
