D40.3: Summary of Basic Minimum Requirements

Regulations pertinent to Alberta well testing are contained in the Oil and Gas Conservation  Regulations. Section 11.102 authorizes #AER Directive 40 (D40) to set well test requirements and standard procedures, as well as compliance and enforcement protocols.

Well licensee’s must comply with all minimum requirements defined in D40. Failure to comply will result in enforcement, which escalates in steps up to an ordered shut-in of wells, pools, or units. All tests must also comply with the acceptable survey standards outlined in D40. All tests, regardless of objective, must be submitted in digital PAS file format. Initial subsurface reservoir pressures are required for both Oil and Gas wells, and self declared commingled gas wells, in accordance with normal drilling spacing unit (DSU’s) well counts. Absolute open flow (#AOF) deliverability testing is also required for gas (#LNG) wells, and a production test (field notes) must be submitted. Flaring and venting must be permitted as per D60, and production test submissions from oil and gas wells will be checked for compliance. Annual test requirements and standards are also outlined.