Instructions for Submission
Of
Environmental Field Reports (EFR)
With Surface Disposition Applications
Under The Public Lands Act
Revised May 2008
0
Table of Contents
Overview...…………………..……………………………………..………………1
1.0
Planning and Submission……........……………………………………..3
1.1 Planning Phases…………………………....…………………………4
1.2 Submission of the EFR………………...……...…...………..…….….5
1.3 Provincial Planning Areas ……………………………..…………….7
2.0
Completion of EFR Cover Document – For all Dispositions….….….11
3.0
Completion of Supplement A - Sites and Installations…..…..….…....25
4.0
Completion of Supplement B - Access….……..….…….…..….………31
5.0
Completion of Supplement C - Pipeline……..…………….…...……....37
6.0
Completion of Supplement D - Easement………….……….…..……..43
7.0
Completion of Supplement E - Miscellaneous Use………..………….49
Appendix I Provincial Grazing Reserve Template………………….…………….53
Appendix II Chungo Access Management Area………………………………….54
Appendix III Lease Description and Wellsite Sizing Information Template…..…56
Appendix IV Powerline Hazard Assessment Plan Template……………………..58
Appendix V Glossary of Acronyms………….…………………………………...66
1
Environmental Field Report (EFR)
Overview
The Environmental Field Report (EFR) is a generic form outlining information requirements for
surface dispositions as described in ‘Table 1’. Using the EFR, the applicant provides information on
how a site will be constructed, operated and reclaimed to meet acceptable environmental standards as
well as complying with legislation administered by Sustainable Resource Development (SRD).
The EFR does not address requirements subject to other legislation, such as the Water Act and Water
(Ministerial) Regulation, the Alberta Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and its
regulations, and other relevant legislation, including federal legislation such as the Fisheries Act and
the Species at Risk Act.
It is recommended that all applicants review the Alberta Public Lands Operational handbook at
http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/lands/formspublications/managingpublicland/default.aspx
before filling out the EFR. Other useful references and direction can be found on the Lands Division’s
website at http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/lands/usingpublicland/default.aspx
.
Submission Requirements
A completed EFR consists of a cover document and appropriate supplement form(s) specific to the
surface disposition outlined in ‘Table 1’, plus all required attachments and plans. These items must be
submitted for each surface disposition application. For example, an application for a wellsite under a
Mineral Surface Lease (MSL) must include a ‘Cover Document’ and ‘Sites and Installations
Supplement’. An application for an access road under a Licence of Occupation (LOC) must include a
‘Cover Document’ and an ‘Access Supplement’. When applying for a wellsite and access road under
one application (e.g. wellsite and access road under an MSL), the application package must include a
‘Cover Document’, ‘Sites and Installations Supplement’, and an ‘Access Supplement’. Processing the
application will be delayed if the EFR is not filled out completely or is missing information.
The applicant must have qualified personnel conduct on-site assessments of the proposed
development(s) to obtain information required to complete the EFR. Following are some of the
recommended qualifications critical to completing an on site assessment and filling out the forms.
The recommended qualifications are being provided as a guide to assist companies in hiring
individuals and/or consultants to complete the EFR documents. The following list is not all-inclusive;
there may be other qualifications that should be considered:
•
•
•
•
Extensive experience working within Alberta combined with experience in the surface
construction industry.
Knowledge and understanding of Alberta legislation as it applies to public land within
Alberta.
Knowledge and understanding of Alberta policies, land use planning documents, and
guidelines.
Background and/or education in Earth/Biological/Environmental Science or related fields.
2
•
Knowledge and understanding of regional issues, consultation requirements, and
notification process.
•
Knowledge and understanding of Federal Legislation as it applies within Alberta.
When completing an EFR, consider the following:
• The applicant must provide site-specific details regarding environmental issues that need to
be addressed during the construction, operation, and reclamation phases of a project.
• In environmentally sensitive areas and/or areas with multiple use activities, a more detailed
operating plan (in addition to the EFR) may be required before approval is granted. The
specific content of the detailed operating plan should be discussed with the appropriate
Resource/Land Manager(s) during the planning stage of the proposed project.
• The applicant is responsible for ensuring all relevant consents/approvals are obtained for all
proposed activities before starting construction. Consent is also required before the issuance
of TFA’s.
• When a land withdrawal consent request is submitted to a Forest Management Agreement
(FMA) holder, an EFR must be included. (This provides useful details on timber salvage,
location of additional clearings, access, etc., and may expedite the consent process.)
• An EFR is generally required for amendments when lands are added, the location or route
has changed, and/or the width or dimensions have increased. Clarification on EFR
requirements for amendments must be obtained from the local SRD field office. Do not
contact the Edmonton office. If the local SRD field office has waived the EFR requirement,
this information must be reflected on the amendment form.
• An EFR is required for a proposal to install an additional pipeline within an existing
pipeline right-of-way.
• The applicant should be certain of all information submitted on construction methods,
operations, timing constraints, etc., as it will form part of the conditions of approval. To
avoid contravening the approval, the applicant must adhere to the submitted information.
• An EFR is required for all PIL applications.
• See Table 1 for required EFR documents.
Table 1
Disposition Type/EFR Forms Required For Each Activity
Disposition Type
EFR Cover
Required
Supplement Required
Battery Site
MSL
Yes
Sites & Installations A
Compressor Site
PIL
Yes
Sites & Installations A
Heater Site
PIL
Yes
Sites & Installations A
MLL/MSL
Yes
Sites & Installations A
Satellite Site
MSL
Yes
Sites & Installations A
Separator Site
PIL
Yes
Sites & Installations A
Sump
MSL
Yes
Sites & Installations A
Wellsite (industrial)
MSL
Yes
Sites & Installations A
Access Roads
LOC
Yes
Access B
Activity
Plant Site
3
Flowline
PLA
Yes
Pipeline C
Gas Co-op Pipeline
PLA
Yes
Pipeline C
Pipeline
PLA
Yes
Pipeline C
Water Injection Line
PLA
Yes
Pipeline C
Buried/Communications/Fibre-optics
Cable
EZE
Yes
Easement D
Power Line
EZE
Yes
Easement D
Railway Spur Line
EZE
Yes
Easement D
Vegetation Control—actual ROW
clearing with a new power line
VCE
Yes
Easement D
MLP/MLL
Yes
Miscellaneous Use E
Compressor Site—i/c caretaker
residence
MLL
Yes
Miscellaneous Use E
Landfarm Site
MLL
Yes
Miscellaneous Use E
Landfill Site—after soil testing
MLL
Yes
Miscellaneous Use E
Log Storage Site
MLP/MLL
Yes
Miscellaneous Use E
Mill Site
MLP/MLL
Yes
Miscellaneous Use E
Pipe Storage Site
MLP/MLL
Yes
Miscellaneous Use E
Plant Site—i/c caretaker residence
MLL
Yes
Miscellaneous Use E
Power Substation Site
MLL
Yes
Miscellaneous Use E
MLP/MLL
Yes
Miscellaneous Use E
MLL
Yes
Miscellaneous Use E
MLP/MLL
Yes
Miscellaneous Use E
MLL
Yes
Miscellaneous Use E
Campsite—long-term industrial and
commercial
Rig Storage Site
Service Station Site
Tank Storage Site
Tower/Repeater Site
1.0
Planning and Submission
The principles of Integrated Resource Management (IRM) require that proponents plan activities in a
manner that considers the needs of all resources and resource uses/users on the land base. This
approach ensures environmental impacts are minimized and orderly resource development occurs. Ad
hoc planning may result in not only fragmenting the land base, but also has long-term negative impacts
on resources and the environment.
Significant benefits are possible when activities of the various industries (i.e. forestry, energy) are
integrated. This can occur during the planning stages for primary activities (i.e. wellsites, mill sites),
with integration taking the form of planning common access development, location of power lines,
pipelines, etc
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1.1 Planning Phases
1.1.1
Initial Planning Phase
Owing to the uncertain nature of some activities (i.e. exploratory oil and gas wells),
long-term development planning may not be feasible at the initial phase. For most
surface dispositions, however, it is possible to identify the potential for certain
additional related developments such as electrical power [i.e. most gas wells (non-H2S)
will not need electrical power, whereas oil wells will generally require electrical
power].
1.1.2 Critical Planning Phase
The objective of the critical planning phase is to minimize the footprint on the land
base that is associated with new linear developments, such as new rights-of-way for
access roads, pipelines, power lines, all-weather roads, etc. Applications for surface
dispositions that require such new clearing must include a preliminary sketch with the
plan showing all potential related developments that will be required to service the
primary activities (i.e. powerlines, pipelines). The rights-of-way required for these
secondary developments must be clearly sketched on the plan and their purpose
identified (see Figure 1).
Figure 1.
Access Road—LOC 010000
Potential Power Line—Overlaps LOC and PLA
Potential Pipeline
* Communication lines are located on the opposite side of the right-of-way from the power line.
Figure 1. Diagram of access road (LOC), including potential corridor developments.
5
1.2 Submission of the EFR (must be typed)
The completed EFR must be submitted with the surface disposition application to the
Dispositions and Technical Services Branch (DTSB) of SRD (see Table 1). DTSB will ensure
all required pages of the EFR have been included with the application; however, the applicant
is responsible for the content and quality of the submission. If all required pages are
submitted, the application will be referred to the appropriate SRD field office for review.
If a surface disposition application is submitted to DTSB without an EFR, or pages are
missing, the applicant will be advised of the deficiencies and the application will be held for
15 days pending receipt of a completed EFR. If a completed EFR is not received within the
specified time period, the application will be cancelled and an application fee assessed.
The applicant may forward a copy of the EFR to the appropriate SRD field office before
submitting the surface disposition application and EFR to DTSB. Forwarding a copy of the
EFR in this manner gives Land/Resource Managers an opportunity to review the information
before receiving the surface disposition application referral from DTSB.
If the EFR is deficient, SRD field staff will advise the applicant and will not move forward
with the application until the deficiencies are remedied. The applicant is responsible for
providing the SRD field office with the revised EFR. Upon confirmation of a correct
document, the SRD field office will provide Edmonton with operating conditions and a copy
of the revised EFR. The approval document will reflect the most current revised EFR.
An EFR will be rejected if:
• information is missing or wrong
• there is doubt as to whether an on-site assessment was conducted
• some blanks are not filled in (exception: site/project name)
• the land standing has not been completed
• the forms are not typed
6
Figure 2.
EFR Process Flowchart
1.3 Provincial Planning Areas
Completion of the EFR documents requires a significant amount of preplanning and a good
working knowledge of different planning frameworks and/or guidelines specific to
geographic areas of the province. To aid the user of the Environmental Field Report Manual
the province has been divided into planning areas.
The planning areas are as follows: (1) NE Boreal Forest Area, (2) NW Boreal Forest Area (3)
Eastern Slopes/Foothills Area, and (4) Prairie/Parkland Area. Within each planning area there
are numerous planning documents that are specific to the geographic areas as outlined.
Examples of some of the documents are the Eastern Slopes Policy, Access Management
Plans, Integrated Resource Plans, Forest Land Use Zones, etc.
Each specific planning area will provide more detailed information that will aid in the
completion of the Environmental Field Report for the geographic planning area.
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Alberta SRD - Areas
Eastern Slopes/ Foothills
Planning and Operating Considerations for Land Use in the
Eastern Slopes/Foothills Region
The Eastern Slopes/Foothills is made up of four Administrative Management Areas. Southern Rockies
Area with offices located in Calgary and Blairmore; Clearwater Area with offices in Rocky Mtn.
House, Sundre, and Drayton Valley; Foothills Area with offices in Edson, Hinton, Cold Creek, and
Grande Cache; and the Woodlands Area with offices in Whitecourt, Fox Creek, and Barrhead.
The vast majority of the Eastern Slopes/Foothills is governed under the Eastern Slopes Policy, which
established the framework for all activities within the policy area. The following are examples of some
planning documents that should be reviewed prior to working in the applicable geographic region:
•
•
•
Castle River Sub-Regional Integrated Resource Plan
Livingstone-Porcupine Hills Sub-Regional Integrated Resource Plan
Kananaskis Country Sub-Regional Integrated Resource Plan, etc.
8
Parkland/Prairie
Planning and Operating Considerations for Land Use in the Prairie/Parkland Region
The Prairie Area is made of one Administrative Management Areas. Prairie Area has offices located in
Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Calgary, Red Deer, and Wainwright.
Fish and wildlife resources are also important to the region. Approximately 75 per cent of species at
risk live in the Southeast Region, including the swift fox, burrowing owl, and loggerhead shrike. A
large number of the province's pronghorn antelope also live in this area. The following are examples of
some planning documents that should be reviewed prior to working in the applicable geographic area:
•
•
•
Rumsey RID
Rocky RID
Sylvan Lake Management Plan, etc.
Northeast Boreal Forest
Planning and Operating Considerations for Land Use in the Northeast Boreal Region
The Northeast Boreal Region is made of two Administrative Management Areas. Waterways Area
with offices in Fort McMurray and Fort Chipewyan; and Lac La Biche Area with offices in Lac La
Biche, Athabasca, Wandering River, and Sherwood Park. The following are examples of some
planning documents that should be reviewed prior to working in the applicable geographic area:
•
•
•
Cold Lake Integrated Resource Plan – 1996
Lakeland Sub-Regional Integrated Resource Plan – 1985
East Frenchman Lake Local Plan – 1984, etc.
Northwest Boreal Forest
Planning and Operating Considerations for Land Use in the Northwest Boreal Region
The Northwest Boreal Area is made of four Administrative Management Areas. Upper Hay Area with
offices in High Level, Rainbow Lake, and Fort Vermilion; Peace Area with offices in Peace River and
Manning; Smoky Area with offices in Grande Prairie and Valleyview; Lesser Slave Area with offices
in Slave Lake, High Prairie, and Wabasca. The following are examples of some planning documents
that should be reviewed prior to working in the applicable geographic area:
•
•
•
Grazing Reserve Guidelines for Kleskun, Blueberry, Wanham Grazing Reserves
Wapiti Sand Dunes Land Use Zones – 1998
Sturgeon Lake Puskwaskau East Sub-Regional Integrated Resource Plan SRD-1C, etc.
9
Smoky Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Grazing Reserve Guidelines for Kleskun, Blueberry, Wanham grazing reserves
Wapiti Sand Dunes Land Use Zones - 1998
Sturgeon Lake Puskwaskau East Sub-Regional Integrated Resource Plan SRD-1C
Saskatoon Mountain natural Area Management Plan
County West Integrated Management Plan
Bear River-Wapiti Local Integrated Resource Plan - SRD 195-1C
Smoky - Peace Point Local Integrated Resource Plan - SRD-1C
NW1 Smoky Area Land Management Referral Map:
http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/lands/geographicinformation/resourcedataproductcatalogue/wildlifereferrals
moky.aspx
Key Ungulate Areas, as per NW1 Smoky Area Land Management Referral Map and the following
link: http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/fishwildlife/guidelinesresearch/pdf/landuse/UngulateWinterRange.pdf
Special Access Areas, as per NW1 Smoky Area Land Management Referral Map
Trumpeter Swan Guidelines, as per NW1 Smoky Area Land Management Referral Map and the
following link:
http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/fishwildlife/guidelinesresearch/pdf/landuse/TrumpeterSwan.pdf
Sheep and Goat Guidelines, as per NW1 Smoky Area Land Management Referral Map and the
following link: http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/fishwildlife/guidelinesresearch/pdf/landuse/SheepGoat.pdf
Wetland Management in the Settled Area of Alberta – An Interim Policy:
http://www.environment.alberta.ca/2111.html
Peace Area
Grazing Reserve Guidelines for, Bear Canyon, Manning, Three Creeks and Whitemud Grazing
Reserves
Keg River Sub-regional Integrated Resource Plan
Key Ungulate Areas, as per NW3 Peace Area Land Management Referral Map and the following link:
http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/fishwildlife/guidelinesresearch/pdf/landuse/UngulateWinterRange.pdf
Special Access Areas (as per NW3 Peace Area Land Management Referral Map)
Trumpeter Swan Guidelines, as per NW3 Peace Area Land Management Referral Map and the
following link:
http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/fishwildlife/guidelinesresearch/pdf/landuse/TrumpeterSwan.pdf
Wetland Management in the Settled Area of Alberta – An Interim Policy:
http://www.environment.alberta.ca/2111.html
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2.0 Cover Document
Completion F EFR Cover Document – For All Surface Dispositions
The cover document and the appropriate supplement form(s) must be submitted for each surface
disposition application. All blanks must either be filled in or ‘N/A’ noted where applicable.
Failure to fill out the document and form(s) completely will result in the EFR being rejected.
New: ......................................Check this box if it is a first submission of an EFR accompanying an
application or amendment. (Note: A surface disposition may be amended
more than once, however each amendment is considered a first
submission.)
Revised:.................................Check this box if there are revisions to the first submission. (Note:
Revised EFRs are to be submitted to the local SRD field office only.)
Date Submitted: ...................Enter the date the EFR is submitted to Edmonton, not the date the EFR
was completed. This date will change when a revised EFR is submitted.
(Note: The date entered on a revised EFR must reflect the date it is
submitted to the local SRD field office).
Department File Number…DTSB will enter the department file number on an EFR accompanying an
application only. The client must enter the department file number on a
revised EFR, or on an EFR accompanying an amendment.
Site/Project Name: Enter the name of the project – include the source and tie-in location. This is
intended for the applicant's use, if information is known or applicable.
A. Communications
Name of Applicant
•
Must be the same name as on application form.
Company Contact Person for EFR
•
Provide the name of the person who can be contacted to answer any questions regarding
information contained in the EFR.
Company Representative Who Conducted the On-Site Assessment
•
Include the name of the company representative who conducted the on-site assessment
for the EFR. It is mandatory to have a company representative conduct an on-site
assessment of the project.
Date of On-Site Assessment
•
Include the date(s) on which the on-site assessment was conducted on the lands for
which application is being made.
Note: SRD will audit EFR’s to ensure field visits have been conducted and information supplied is
accurate.
11
B. Surface Location
Provide the legal land description of the project location(s). If the project has a linear component such
as a pipeline or access complete the ‘to’ and ‘from’ portions. If it is a single location, list once and put
‘N/A’ in the ‘to’ location. Linear dispositions are to be described to the nearest quarter section only.
Proposed Construction Start Date and Ground Conditions
Indicate when the initial clearing and site preparation are expected to commence. This is to advise
SRD as to the time of year (frozen or unfrozen ground conditions) in which the activities will take
place. Dispositions approved for frozen ground conditions (e.g. snow fills and winter access), but
where construction does not occur until non-frozen conditions exist, will require a revised EFR to
reflect the prevailing construction conditions and approval. Construction is not permitted during
adverse ground conditions.
Specify Associated Developments and Required Dispositions
Indicate associated developments that may be required (a lease or facility may be associated with an
access road, or a pipeline may be linked with an off RoW compressor and associated access).
Land Standing (LSAS) Checked for Conflicts
Before filing the application, the applicant must obtain a land standing report and check the land
standings to ensure that possible land use conflicts are dealt with and the necessary consents are
obtained. Land standing reports can be obtained/ordered from Alberta Department of Energy/Crown
Land Data Support in Edmonton. To inquire or request a report phone (780) 422-5727 or email:
crownlanddatasupport@gov.ab.ca. Alternately, use the Electronic Transfer System at
www.Energy.gov.ab.ca. The land standing must be obtained no more than 15 days prior to submission
of application. These reports are not available from the SRD offices or DTSB.
The land standing helps the applicant identify who needs to be contacted, including trappers, holders of
timber dispositions, agricultural dispositions, industrial holdings and/or dispositions, Indian Reserves,
Metis Settlements, FMA’s, RIA’s, etc., and other areas of special concern.
LSAS Review
LSAS should be used to identify any reservations, other surface disposition holders, native land
claim areas, etc.
List all Reservations and associated number found on the LSAS report. Reservations include CNC,
CNT, DHR, DRC, DRS, ERR, HRG, HRS, ISP, NAA, PNT, RDS and SRS. Identify potential
conflicts between the proposed land use and the reservation and describe the mitigation required to
address the conflicts. Explain how mitigation will be implemented. List contact names for the
reservation. Listing of dispositions is not required in this section.
Within a Provincial Grazing Reserve: If ‘Yes’, complete the Provincial Grazing Reserve
template and attach to the Environmental Field Report (Refer to Appendix I).
Within the Chungo Access Management Area: If ‘Yes’, complete the Chungo Area template
and attach to the Environmental Field Report (See template in Appendix II).
Within a Fire Smart Community Zone: If ‘Yes’, contact the local Forest Protection Office for
additional hazard reduction requirements (http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/wildfires/firesmart)
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Permanent/Research Sample Plots (PSP’s) Rangeland Benchmarks located within 100 metres of
lands under application
PSP’s are noted as DRS or PNT reservations on the land standing, and are held by SRD. No activity is
allowed that may cause any disturbance to trees/vegetation within the boundary of these plots,
including hand cutting for surveying purposes. The outside perimeter of the sample plots may be
recognized by blue paint marks on the trees and/or customized ‘Permanent Sample Plot/Research
Area’ flagging tape.
The forest industry also has sample plots and research plots within their areas. If these plots are
registered on LSAS, they will show up as Industrial Sample Plot (ISP) reservations. Not all forest
industry plots are registered on LSAS, and the specific forestry company will need to identify these
plots as part of the consent procedure. It is the proponent’s responsibility to determine their existence.
If the land standing indicates a PSP, the applicant is responsible for determining its location in relation
to the lands being applied for. PSP’s must not be disturbed. This includes additional clearings for
borrow pits, remote sumps, campsites, etc. All construction personnel must be made aware of the
restrictions applicable to PSP’s.
The applicant must indicate if a PSP boundary is located within 100 m of any lands in the application.
If ‘Yes’ (see http://srd.alberta.ca/forests/managing/permanentsampleplot/default.aspx ) specific
information on how far the proposed activity is from the PSP boundary must be included. The legal
land location, down to the legal subdivision, and the GPS coordinates in degrees/minutes/decimal are
to be provided.
Rangeland Management Branch within Public Lands and Forests Division has developed the
Rangeland Reference Area Program for long-term monitoring of the rangeland resource. This program
includes fenced and unfenced reference area sites where species composition and forage production are
monitored in the presence and absence of disturbance. All these areas are protected under PNT or
CNT. For more information visit:
http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/lands/managingpublicland/rangemanagement/monitoringreferenceareas.aspx
The specific objectives of this program include:
•
Determine range health and long-term range trend on species composition and forage
productivity in the presence and absence of disturbance.
• Determine the effects of livestock and wildlife grazing on biomass production, rangeland
soils and plant species composition.
• Assist in determining the characteristics of succession in the presence and absence of
disturbance for each ecological site (range site).
• Provide outdoor classrooms and demonstration sites for range managers, ranchers, students
and the public.
Currently, there are 183 reference area sites that have been and are continuing to be monitored in the
province.
13
Stakeholders and Other Land Users
Aboriginal Consultation
Prior to submission of the EFR, prepare a summary of all planned activities and operations for the
coming season and submit to the appropriate SRD Field Office who will advise if consultation is
needed and if it is, with whom to consult. If consultation is needed, develop a consultation plan using
information contained in “The Government of Alberta’s First Nations Consultation Policy on
Land Management and Resource Development”). A detailed record of the consultation will be
maintained. A summary of results of consultation will be reported back to the ASRD field office prior
to submitting any EFR applications. There are questions in the EFR Cover document to answer. If the
question regarding the need for First Nations consultation is not considered prior to submitting an EFR
application, the processing of the application could be delayed until this matter has been resolved.
Potential Impacts or Conflict with Stakeholders, Disposition Holders, and Other Land Users
Identify stakeholders, disposition holders, recreational users, and other users/activities that may be
impacted by the proposed activity. For example, an adjacent disposition holder would be a boy-scout
camp or ski hill.
Use of Common Corridors for Linear Activities
Using common corridors is an important land management concept. It is expected that existing
clearings will be used/paralleled whenever possible. If a proponent chooses not to parallel existing
clearings, justification must be provided to the respective Land Manager.
Indicate and explain how the proposed project will be integrated with other activities to minimize
impacts and reduce the footprint of development. Stand fragmentation and leaving strips of timber
between two linear disturbances should be avoided. Some exceptions may be made for aesthetic
purposes, wildlife purposes, or noise barrier.
Aesthetic Concerns
Indicate ‘Yes’ if the proposed activity may have detrimental effects on the aesthetics of the
surrounding landscape when viewed from specific vantage points. Landscape design modelling should
be considered near heavily used recreational areas and highways. For example, for projects within
close proximity to culturally significant features provide a brief explanation of the issue(s) and
proposed mitigation (i.e. for line of sight problems, dogleg access/RoW).
Access Management Plan(s) For the Area
The applicant is to provide information on how compliance will be achieved with the existing access
management plan(s). Management Plans or policies could include Access Management Plans,
Integrated Resource Plans, Eastern Slopes Policy, Land Use Zones, etc. Indicate and explain mitigation
strategy if the project will conflict with existing Access Management Plans, Integrated Resource Plans,
Policies or other planning documents for the area. Contact the local Land Manager to determine if
there are local planning or policy documents in place. Local Municipalities may have to be contacted if
the project crosses or is adjacent to municipal boundaries.
C. Wildlife/Environmental Concerns
The Alberta Wildlife Act contains provisions for protection of wildlife and the nests and dens of certain
types of wildlife. In Alberta, the nests and dens of endangered animals, hibernacula of prairie
14
rattlesnakes, upland game birds, and migratory birds (as defined in the Migratory Birds Convention
Act) are protected throughout Alberta and throughout the year. The Act also provides protection for
houses, nests and dens of snakes, bats, beaver, and wildlife in wildlife sanctuaries. Refer to the Wildlife
Act and regulations for further information.
Copies of the Act and regulations are available through the Queen’s Printer (www.qp.gov.ab.ca).
Provisions of the Migratory Birds Convention Act and Regulations, federal Fisheries Act, and Species
at Risk Act may also be applicable in Alberta. Copies of federal legislation are available through the
Justice Canada website at http://canada.justice.gc.ca/en/index.html. Information on federal legislation
is available through local offices of Environment Canada or Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
Information on fish and wildlife resources is available from a variety of sources. The initial points of
contact are the Regional Wildlife and Fisheries Biologists, Fish and Wildlife Division (FWD). Visit the
website for Fisheries Biologist and Wildlife Biologist contact information:
http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/fishwildlife/guidelinesresearch/managementareacontacts.aspx
Resource information can be obtained by reviewing wildlife referral maps, wildlife key area maps,
Water Act Codes of Practice (http://environment.alberta.ca/1398.html ) maps, fisheries maps, and by
conducting an LSAS search. In addition, FWD maintains electronic databases of fish and wildlife
occurrences and populations in Alberta, including information on occurrence of species at risk. The
fisheries and wildlife databases are being combined into the Fisheries and Wildlife Management
Information System (FWMIS). Information on wildlife from the Biodiversity/Species Observation
Database is currently housed in FWMIS. Information on fish species is still housed in the Fisheries
Management Information System. Contact the Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist for the area in question
to obtain information on these databases.
FWD has developed a series of guidelines (including mitigation techniques such as buffers and timing
restrictions) for some land uses in key wildlife areas. These guidelines are available at:
http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/fishwildlife/guidelinesresearch/landuse.aspx. Contact the local Fish and
Wildlife representative for other information not currently on the website (e.g. guidelines for the
protection of northern leopard frogs and their habitat)
Bear Smart
FWD has developed a “Bear Smart” program to reduce bear-human conflicts and increase public
stewardship of black and grizzly bears in Alberta. The company can assist by providing strategies,
information and education materials to staff and contractors. Further information may be found at:
http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/fishwildlife/livingwith/bearfacts/bearsmart.aspx
Within a Key/Critical Wildlife Zone
Wildlife Features
Briefly describe whether the site has any wildlife features including, but not limited to:
• Critical ungulate winter ranges
• Mountain sheep and mountain goat ranges
• Salt licks
• Travel corridors
• Waterfowl nesting, molting or staging areas
• Colonial nesting areas
• Leks
• Dens
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•
•
•
•
Snake hibernacula
Aquatic, riparian and wetland habitats
Species at risk
Other unique fauna or their habitats
Wildlife Timing Constraints (See Provincial Timing Guidelines or F&W referral maps.)
Fisheries Timing Constraints (See Provincial Water Act Codes of Practice for restricted periods.)
Timing restrictions may be used to mitigate some potentially harmful effects of industrial development
on wildlife. Guidelines for timing restrictions to protect some types of wildlife are available at:
http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/fishwildlife/guidelinesresearch/landuse.aspx. Additional information may be
obtained from FW referral maps and guidelines for the applicable SRD region. If timing constraints
apply, the applicant must include the date on which the constraint takes effect and the date on which it
ends for each year.
Timing restrictions on in-stream activities (watercourses and waterbodies) may be required to protect
fish and fish habitat. Information on timing restrictions can be found in the section on watercourse
crossings in this document, and in the Codes of Practice under the Water Act website:
http://environment.alberta.ca/1398.html. In some cases, timing restrictions on in-stream work may be
required to protect wildlife and their habitat (i.e. amphibians such as northern leopard frog). Contact
the local Fish and Wildlife Biologist for further information or review the wildlife land use guidelines
(see previous paragraph.)
The timing restrictions are based in part on weather conditions. Situations may occur in different
geographic areas of the province where temperatures are not severe, and snow free conditions prevail
to allow construction/development to continue. The applicant should contact the local SRD field office
regarding site-specific information.
Within a Caribou Area
Specify the Caribou Protection Plan number and name.
Before any surface dispositions will be approved, companies proposing activities in designated
caribou areas must complete a Caribou Protection Plan (CPP). Caribou Protection Plans are used to
evaluate the amount, duration and location of work taking place in any one caribou range. In order to
do this effectively, CPP’s must be received early enough in the process to allow a review before
surface disposition applications are submitted. This will ensure there is sufficient time for essential
discussions/planning to take place. Templates of the CPP for the various caribou range areas are
available at the specific SRD offices.
The template for the boreal caribou areas is available at:
http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/lands/managingpublicland/landinformation/borealcariboucommittee.aspx
Additional important information regarding industrial development on caribou ranges in Alberta’s
boreal forest is found at:
http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/lands/managingpublicland/landinformation/borealcariboucommittee.aspx ,
including proposed guidelines for industrial development on caribou range and information on caribou
calving.
The following guideline for caribou is currently used in the boreal area of Alberta:
• “Strategic Plan and Industrial Guidelines for Boreal Caribou Ranges in Northern Alberta”
16
•
•
•
1996-97 Operating Guidelines for Industrial Activity in Caribou Ranges in West-Central
Alberta (SRD).
IL 2000-20. West Central Caribou Range Operating Guidelines – Caribou Protection Plans
http://inform.energy.gov.ab.ca/il/Documents/published/IL-2000-20.pdf. Department of
Energy.
EUB Informational Letter IL 94-22. Operating Guidelines for Operating Activity in
Caribou Range North-West Alberta
http://inform.energy.gov.ab.ca/il/Documents/published/IL-2003-23.pdf. Department of
Energy.
Species at Risk
With respect to the EFR, species at risk include:
• Species listed as Endangered or Threatened under the Alberta Wildlife Act
• Species designated as Special Concern in Alberta
• Species in Alberta listed as Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern by the Committee
on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC)
• Species in Alberta listed as Endangered, Threatened or a Species of Special Concern under
the federal Species at Risk Act
In addition to species at risk, there may be other species of special management concern that occur in
the project area. These may include species with a general status of ‘May be at Risk’ or a status of
‘Sensitive’.
‘May be at Risk’ species require a detailed assessment to determine if they are at risk of extinction or
extirpation (detailed assessments are completed by Fish and Wildlife Division as part of its Species at
Risk Program). Species with a general status of ‘Sensitive’ are not at risk of extinction or extirpation
but may require special attention, protection or management to prevent them from becoming at risk in
Alberta.
Planning for species at risk includes determining the occurrence, or likely occurrence, of species at risk
and species of special management concern, and their habitat or habitat features; an assessment of the
potential effects of the proposed development on the species and their habitat; and, a description of the
mitigation required to protect the species and its habitat. Mitigation can include, but is not limited to,
the use of buffers, timing of operations, control of access, design and location of facilities, and the
avoidance of key habitats and habitat features. There may be cases where the presence of species at
risk is not identified until construction or other activities have commenced. In this event, the proponent
shall still undertake an assessment of the effects of development on the species and its habitat and
propose mitigation for these effects.
Approximately 75 percent of species at risk in Alberta occur in the ‘Grassland Natural Region’
therefore species at risk are likely to be located within the vicinity of most proposed developments in
the southern part of the province. Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division recommends that a predevelopment inventory be conducted on all native grassland habitats within the ‘Grassland Natural
Region’ due to the high concentration of species at risk and limited site-specific information on
species’ occurrences.
Contact the local Fish and Wildlife Biologist for information on inventory protocols. Pre-development
inventories are to be conducted by qualified personnel (individuals or companies with the necessary
17
knowledge and experience to evaluate species at risk). Data from pre-development inventories is to be
submitted to Fish and Wildlife (on the proper load forms) for entry into FWMIS; contact the local Fish
and Wildlife Biologist for further information. Searches of existing databases (FWMIS, FMIS and
ANHIC) may provide additional relevant information regarding the presence of species at risk and
species of special management concern in the vicinity of the proposed development.
Information on species at risk in Alberta, including species recovery plans, is available at:
http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/fishwildlife/speciesatrisk/recoveryteams.aspx
An electronic copy of the General Status of Alberta Wild Species 2005 is available at:
http://srd.alberta.ca/fishwildlife/speciesatrisk/generalstatus.aspx
Species listed as Endangered or Threatened in Alberta can be found at:
http://srd.alberta.ca/fishwildlife/speciesatrisk/default.aspx
Rare Plants: Information can be obtained from the Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre
(ANHIC) at. http://www.cd.gov.ab.ca/preserving/parks/anhic/flashindex.asp, or contact the ANHIC
office at (780) 427-5209 or conduct site-specific surveys as necessary.
Information on species listed by COSEWIC is located at http://www.cosewic.gc.ca/index.htm and
http://www.especesenperil.gc.ca/species/search/default_e.cfm.
Information on recommended inventory protocols for species at risk can be found at:
http://srd.alberta.ca/fishwildlife/guidelinesresearch/inventoryguidelines.aspx
Information on the Species at Risk Act, listed species, residence descriptions, and other information can
be found on the SARA Public Registry at http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/default_e.cfm
Environment Canada maintains a searchable database with information on the distribution of SARA
listed endangered, threatened and special concern species in Canada (by range and occurrence) at
http://www.speciesatrisk.gc.ca/default_e.cfm
Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre Database Search Date
Contact ANHIC and request a search for element occurrences (rare flora and fauna) on lands impacted
by the proposed project. Indicate when the search was completed and explain any conflict(s) identified
and describe the proposed measures to mitigate the conflict.
For more information you can go to http://www.cd.gov.ab.ca/preserving/parks/anhic/flashindex.asp, or
contact the ANHIC office at (780) 427-5209 or conduct site-specific surveys as necessary.
Access Restrictions Required
FW referral maps and guidelines for the applicable SRD region are to be used to obtain information on
access restrictions. If the activity is in a wildlife zone that requires public access to be managed, details
on where and how this will be done must be provided.
Within or Adjacent (within 100 m) to Protected Areas
The land standing must be reviewed to determine if the lands under application are protected by
notations (i.e. Natural Area, Ecological Reserve). When a proposed activity falls within a protected
area, the activity will need to be relocated to avoid that area in nearly all cases.
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Any environmentally sensitive areas in the vicinity (within 100 m) of the proposed activity will require
special measures for protection. For example, native prairie, wetlands, riparian areas, coulees, river
breaks, etc., are very sensitive and require special protection measures.
Identify any unstable slopes, seepage or water source areas in the vicinity of the proposed activity.
Indicate if there are any signs of unstable slopes, springs, or seepage on the lands being applied for,
and provide information on mitigative techniques that will be implemented to address the issue(s).
Identify Other Potential Resource Conflicts
The intent is to identify resources (i.e. gravel, old growth timber, sand dunes) that may be impacted by
the proposed project. Include a description of techniques that will be used to mitigate these effects.
Also identify activities, dispositions, interests, etc., that may be affected and the proposed mitigative
measures that will be implemented.
The SRD Land Manager should be consulted regarding issues such as soil stripping vs. no stripping.
An example checklist of what constitutes a sensitive area can be found in “R&R/03-2, Siting an
Upstream Oil and Gas Site in an Environmentally Sensitive Area on Private Land”.
(http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/protenf/landrec/factsheets/DevelopmentOnSensitiveSites-v7.pdf.)
Principles for Minimizing Surface Disturbance in Native Prairie and Parkland Areas (EUB IL 2002-1)
is available at: http://www.ercb.ca/docs/ils/ils/pdf/il2002-01.pdf. IL 2002-1 also contains a link to
Petroleum Industry Activity in Native Prairie and Parkland Areas: Guidelines for Minimizing Surface
Disturbance (Native Prairie Guidelines Working Group, 2001).
The Public Lands Operational Handbook should also be consulted
http://srd.alberta.ca/lands/formspublications/managingpublicland/default.aspx
Special requirements for operating in the Hay–Zama Lake complex in northwest Alberta, an important
migratory bird habitat area, are described in the EUB Interim Directive ID 96-01
http://www.ercb.ca/docs/ils/ids/pdf/id96-01.pdf
Within a Permafrost Area - If ‘Yes’, specify the Permafrost Protection Plan Number and Name.
Permafrost can be encountered in the northern third of the Province. The local SRD Area office should
be contacted for general locations.
D. Historical Resources
Check the current Listing of Historic Resources to determine if the targeted lands are described on the
listing http://culture.alberta.ca/heritage/resourcemanagement/landuseplanning/default.aspx. If the
affected lands are not described on the listing, check the “Not Listed” box. The Land Use Planning
Section of Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture do not need to be contacted.
Targeted lands that are described on the listing require clearance under the Historical Resources Act.
An “Application for Historical Resources Act Clearance”
(http://tprc.alberta.ca/heritage/resourcemanagement/landuseplanning/Pdf/Activity_Administration_For
m.pdf), must be submitted to the Land Use Planning Section, Historic Resources Management
Branch, Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture. Further information on the form and the process can
19
be found at: http://culture.alberta.ca/heritage/resourcemanagement/landuseplanning/default.aspx
Each historical resource and the land parcel described on the listing have been assigned a historical
resource value (HRV), ranging from 1 through 5. Check the HRV of the affected lands. Surface access
may not be granted or may be restricted to portions of those lands that have been assigned an HRV of
1, 2 or 3. If surface access is granted, extraordinary conditions may be applied. Lands that have been
assigned an HRV of 1, 2 or 3 will also have reservations/notations attached on LSAS.
Activities that are targeted for lands that have been assigned a HRV of 4 or 5 will likely require a
Historical Resources Impact Assessment. Although reservations/notations may be placed on HRV 4
lands, it is not the intention of the Cultural Facilities and Historical Resources Division to place
reservations/notations on all lands of “High” potential (i.e., HRV 5 lands).
E. Vegetation and Timber Cover
Vegetation
Provide information on the landscape that will be impacted by the proposed project. Mark all
applicable landscapes the project will be traversing/impacting (i.e. native grassland, cropland, shrubby
wetland).
Timber Salvage
Timber salvage is a basic operating requirement for all industrial and commercial uses of public lands.
The applicant is responsible for determining the estimated volume, by species, of merchantable timber
that is present on lands covered by the application.
In areas covered by timber dispositions (FMA, CTL, DTL, CTP, etc.), details on salvaging, decking
requirements, notification when the timber is decked and timelines for removal/hauling are to be
worked out among the applicant and the timber disposition holder/salvage operator/purchaser.
Merchantable Timber Present
If ‘Yes’, indicate the approximate volume in cubic metres or the number of tree length loads, by
species, on the required lands. ‘Other’ would be Black Poplar, Birch, Tamarack, and Fir. If either
species is present salvage should be discussed with the timber disposition holder or the Area Office in
the pre-planning stage. If merchantable timber is present, check ‘Yes’ box and whether or not it is
subject to a timber disposition. Indicate the estimated volume and/or number of loads of timber to be
salvaged by species.
Specify the Timber Disposition or FMA(s) Shown on the Land Standing
From the LSAS report identify if the lands traversed are under a timber disposition (i.e. FMS, CTL,
DTL, CTP) and provide the relevant information above, estimated volume by species, of merchantable
timber that is present on lands covered by the application. Some parts of the White and Green Areas
have not been allotted under disposition. However, the timber maybe allocated under management
strategy to an adjacent disposition holder, the local SRD Area office should be contacted for more
information.
Utilization Standards for Salvage
The specifications for merchantable timber can vary with the different Forest Management Units
(FMU) and FMA’s. From the LSAS report, determine the applicable FMA, Coniferous Timber
Licence (CTL), Coniferous Timber Permit (CTP), Deciduous Timber Allotment (DTA), Deciduous
Timber Licence (DTL), Deciduous Timber Permit (DTP) or Local Timber Permit (LTP) holder.
Contact the applicable timber authority holder to determine the specifications for timber salvage.
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For lands not included in any of these timber authorities, contact the local SRD Area office to
determine the applicable utilization standards. Provide the utilization standards for the applicable
coniferous and deciduous species in the space provided.
All timber salvage shall be carried out in accordance with the Timber Management Regulations and, as
applicable, the Alberta Timber Harvest Planning and Operating Ground Rules and Forest
Management Agreement Timber Planning and Operating Ground Rules, and any additional conditions
that the Minister may prescribe.
Timber Salvage Waiver Requested
Any request for a timber salvage waiver must be justified.
Name of Salvage Purchaser
If the applicant has determined that merchantable timber is present in sufficient quantity to warrant
salvage, and a salvage operator/purchaser has been found at the time of application, provide the name
of the purchaser. If this information is not known at the time of application, indicate ‘Not known at this
time’.
Note: In the White Area of Alberta the disposition holder does not pay Timber Damage Assessment
for the salvaged wood. It remains property of the Crown and has to be disposed of under
Disposition to another party. Disposal would be under a TM66, LTP or CTP disposition.
When Will Salvage Be Removed/Hauled?
Indicate the time frame within which the wood will be hauled from the decked location to a wood
manufacturing plant, or to a central decking site along an all-weather road. This could either be a
specific date or a general statement (i.e. prior to spring break-up, the following winter, during the
summer).
Where salvage operations are conducted under frozen ground conditions or winter access, the operator
is responsible for moving the salvage to a site with all-weather access to ensure the wood can be
removed.
Note: An agreement or TM88 signed by purchaser and disposition holder must be submitted to the
SRD field office prior to salvage being hauled. A Local Timber Permit or Forest Product
Permit (TM66) must be purchased before removing the salvage if the disposition is located in
the White Area. The operator is responsible for moving the salvage to a site that is accessible to
ensure that the wood can be removed. This may require forwarding the wood to a site with allweather access. A copy of the TM88 or equivalent must be submitted to the SRD field office to
ensure proper tracking of ownership, transport and manufacturing can occur.
F. Soil and Vegetation Management
Soil salvage, storage, replacement, and handling procedures shall be in keeping with those outlined in
Section 6.0 Site Disturbance, Clearing and Soil Management, of the Public Lands Operational
Handbook. (http://srd.alberta.ca/lands/formspublications/managingpublicland/default.aspx). Soil
surveys are generally required on agricultural land (White Area) and pasture/grazing land (Green Area)
depending on the size/magnitude of the project and the soil sensitivities of the area. It is recommended
to discuss soil sensitivities with the local Land Manager/owner to assist in determining if a survey is
required. In many instances, due diligence rather than a regulatory requirement is the deciding factor.
Remember the Alberta Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act requires an operator to
conserve and reclaim ‘specified land’.
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Note: Projects on specific public land may require a soil survey on agricultural lands, re-entry on
reclaimed sites, or for heavy saline sites, that will aid in the reclamation phase. The applicant is
to determine this requirement during the planning process.
Soil Sensitivities
If applicable, describe any soil-related characteristics apparent on the site and the access that may have
implications for soil handling, site construction and reclamation. For example, are there salinity
concerns, a shallow depth to the water table, a shallow depth to bedrock, are soils gravelly or stony, are
there deep organic deposits or do the organics exist as veneers or blankets over mineral soil, etc.?
• Surface Expression
Surface expression is the form (grouping of slopes) and pattern of the land (i.e.
topography). Identify the surface expression(s) of the site and, if applicable, the access. Is it
level, inclined, undulating, rolling, ridged, hummocky, steep, terraced, an apron, fan,
blanket, veneer, etc.?
• Site Drainage
Identify the drainage or range of drainage that exists for the site and, if applicable, the
access. Is drainage very poor, poor, imperfect, moderately well, well, rapid, or very rapid?
Or is it a range of these factors? Additional mitigation, site preparation or route alignment
may need to be considered to minimize footprint or environmental impacts. For reference
material visit the Canadian Soil Classification System website, AGRASID website, or
reference the Pre-harvest Assessment Handbook on the SRD website.
Problem Vegetation/Weeds/Invasive Plants on or Near the Site
Describe any areas of problem vegetation on the site or close enough to possibly affect the proposed
site. Problem vegetation areas commonly consist of weed infestations—noxious weeds in particular. Is
there a risk of weed spread to the site if it is developed? If so, explain. If problem vegetation or weed
infestations are noted adjacent to the site the applicant should indicate this on the EFR, as it may result
in future enforcement actions or non-issuance of reclamation certificates. The ranking system can be
found on the SRD external website.
G. Incidental Activities
Public Lands Operational Handbook:
http://srd.alberta.ca/lands/formspublications/managingpublicland/default.aspx
Listed below are some general guidelines that apply when choosing locations for additional clearings:
• Borrow pits are to be located at least 50 m from any watercourse or waterbody, any
highway or other right-of-way as directed by a Land Manager, or located in an area where
runoff will not result in siltation of the watercourse or waterbody.
• Campsites are to be located at least 100 m from any watercourse or waterbody.
• Consult with the SRD field office before obtaining borrow material, and use variable width
right-of-way clearing wherever possible.
• Before clearing an area, the site should be tested to ensure the soil conditions and water
table levels are suitable for the intended use.
• Site preparation should follow construction and reclamation strategy as per cover document
or supplement (ensure incidental clearings have been covered as part of the supplement and
appropriate sections).
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• Based on timber value, prioritize the location of clearings as follows:
o Existing clearing (no trees)
o Non-merchantable timber
o Aspen stand
o Mature timber
o Reforested area
The applicant should identify and outline on the application map, plan/sketch, any proposed additional
incidental activities (i.e. borrow pits/areas, campsites, salvage decks, temporary access). When
incidental activities are identified on the EFR and outlined on the plan, no additional approval is
required. If the incidental activity is not approved under the disposition, a separate authority is
required.
Note: The areas for incidental activities approved in this manner are for temporary use only and do
not form part of the surface disposition.
Before identifying activities the applicant is responsible for obtaining an LSAS report to determine
whether any conflicts/existing land rights exist for the lands under application. The SRD field office an
be contacted if conflicts cannot be determined through the LSAS report.
H. Core Operating Conditions
Prior To Entry, Confirmation Number
099
The holder shall contact and advise the departmental officer of its intentions:
• prior to entry upon the lands for a stated purpose,
• prior to any additional construction during the term of this authority,
• at the completion of operations or construction, and
• upon abandonment of this activity.
Upon contact prior to initial entry on the land, the departmental officer shall issue a
confirmation number that shall be maintained on file by the holder and be provided to the
departmental officer on request.
<Location & Telephone No.>
Adverse Ground Conditions
105
Any activity on the land during adverse ground conditions must be suspended if the activity is
likely cause unacceptable damage to vegetation or soil, as may be determined by the holder or
the department.
Sample Plots
108
No entry is allowed within the boundaries of any research or sample plot.
Reclamation - Interim
127
The holder shall reclaim all disturbed land surfaces within two growing seasons. Interim
reclamation, including site and debris clean-up, slope stabilization, recontouring with subsoil,
and spreading of topsoil shall be done progressively and concurrently with operations.
Reclamation - Final
128
Final surface reclamation must meet the requirements for the specific activity in place at the
time of abandonment.
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Noxious Weeds
131
The holder shall cut, keep down and destroy all noxious weeds and restricted weeds as per the
Public Lands Act.
Waste Material Disposal
135
The holder shall remove all garbage and waste material from this site to the satisfaction of the
department, in it s sole discretion.
Watercourse/Water Body - No Material To Be Deposited
148
The holder shall not deposit or push debris, soil or other deleterious materials into or through
any watercourse or water body or on the ice of any watercourse/water body.
Erosion Prevention
158
The holder shall take all precautions and safeguards necessary to prevent soil and surface
erosion to the satisfaction of the department in its sole discretion.
Natural Drainage - No Interruption
161
The holder shall not create any interruptions to natural drainage, including ephemeral draws
that may result in blockage of water flow.
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3.0 Sites and Installations
Completion of Supplement A – Sites and Installations
The cover document and the appropriate supplement form must be submitted for each surface
disposition application. All blanks must either be filled in or ‘N/A’ noted where applicable.
Failure to fill out the document and form(s) completely will result in the EFR being rejected.
Completion of Supplement A — Sites and Installations
New: ……………………… Represents a first submission. Check this box if it is a first submission of
an EFR accompanying an application or amendment. (Note: A surface
disposition may be amended more than once, however each amendment
is considered a first submission.)
Revised: ……………………Check this box if there are revisions to the first submission. (Note:
Revised EFRs are to be submitted to the local SRD field office only.)
Date Submitted:
Enter the date the EFR is submitted to Edmonton, not the date the EFR
was completed. This date will change when a revised EFR is submitted.
(Note: The date entered on a revised EFR must reflect the date it is
submitted to the local SRD field office).
Department File Number: ..DTSB will enter the department file number on an EFR accompanying
an application only. The client must enter the department file number on
a revised EFR, or on an EFR accompanying an amendment.
Site/Project Name:…………Intended for the applicant's use, if information is known or applicable.
Enter the name of the project – include the source and tie-in location. If
a revision or amendment is submitted the ‘Date Submitted’ must also be
changed.
Pipeline Installation:
For PIL Applications fill in only the areas that are required.
A. Site Description
Stability Concerns:
• The applicant is to identify any stability concerns that may influence construction
procedures/requirements (i.e. cut and fills, backslope requirements, padding).
Well Type:
• Provide information as to what the well produces (i.e. oil, sweet or sour gas, coalbed
methane, etc.).
Well Depth:
• Provide information as to well depth.
Flare requirements:
• Indicate flare type.
25
Zones to be Produced:
• Refers to spacing requirements by EUB. Company to indicate the anticipated number of
zones that will be completed and produced. Indicate the inter-well spacing in meters as per
EUB guideline.
Note: Spacing location may impact or affect the surface location.
B. Vehicle/Equipment Access
How Will the Site Be Accessed?
Provide detailed information as to access requirements for construction, development, operation, and
maintenance purposes.
Determine if access to the site is required, if so, identify whether existing access will be used or if new
access is required. If new access is required, the ‘Access Supplement’ must be completed. Specify the
last or adjacent company name and disposition number of the access to the pipeline installation site. If
all weather access to the pipeline installation is required, an LOC disposition is required.
Note: If access is part of the ‘Sites and Installation’ application then an ‘Access Supplement’ must be
submitted.
C. Contamination Prevention
The disposition holder is expected to take all necessary precautions to prevent deleterious materials
from leaving the site.
If the site boundary is <100 m from a water body, check ‘Yes’ and indicate the distance to the water
body proper, as well as, to the top of the break in slope to the valley crest.
Development within the 100 m buffer shall not occur unless adequate mitigation is proposed, reviewed
by Land and Resource Managers, and approved by the SRD field office.
Provide details if other methods of contamination prevention will be used or required (tanks, lined
pits/sumps, compliance with EUB Guides 50, 55 & 58, etc.).
D. Sump
Type of Sump
If a remote sump is required, and the location is known, provide the legal land location down to the
legal subdivision, and the GPS coordinates in degrees/minutes seconds. In addition, all remote sumps
require signage containing the following information:
• Company name
• Disposition (i.e. MSL) number
• Indication that it is a remote sump
• Legal location
A remote sump may require a separate disposition i.e. multi-sump location.
Proposed Mud Type
Check the appropriate box to indicate the proposed mud type. Check off more than one box if needed.
Disposal
If land treatment occurs off lease a separate disposition is required for a land farm. Indicate the
26
anticipated disposal method and provide the approximate date of disposal.
Mix Bury and Cover
Mix, bury and cover occurs when drilling waste solids (and sometimes fluids or the total wastes) are
stabilized by mixing with subsoil on the wellsite or remote sump site. The waste is incorporated into
the subsoil below the rooting zone and above the water table. The ratio of subsoil to waste is at least
three parts subsoil to one part waste by volume.
Landspreading Disposal Method
A disposal method whereby the drilling waste is spread on-site and incorporated into the subsoil.
Typical methods for land spreading are:
• Ripping subsoil and spreading and incorporating the waste on-site
• Spreading (squeezing) the waste on-site, drying and incorporating
Key point here is that the waste/soil mix is not buried. Instead, it is left as a mix within the rooting
zone.
Off-Site Options
Landspraying Disposal Method
Landspraying occurs when the waste is sprayed off-site onto topsoil and may or may not be
incorporated. The landspray area is determined based on a calculated loading rate or a maximum
application rate.
Typical methods for landspraying are:
• Applying the waste on cultivated land (off-site) and incorporating by cultivation
• Applying the waste on vegetated land and the waste is not incorporated
Landspray While Drilling
The landspray while drilling disposal method occurs when drilling wastes from approved mud systems
are sprayed off-site onto topsoil at low application rates. The application is conducted during the
drilling operation and must be applied at an application rate of 40 cubic meters per hectare or less.
The key difference from the previous landspray method is that this method is restricted to three mud
systems:
• freshwater gel
• gypsum water
• nitrate gypsum water
Since the method is restricted to the three systems that are generally considered non-toxic, many of the
testing requirements for landspraying have been waived.
Note: Alberta Sustainable Development's Lands Division has suspended the authorization of
Landspraying While Drilling (LWD) on public rangeland, native prairie throughout the
province. (See Public Lands Update IND 2001-1).
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Pump-off Disposal Method
Pump-off occurs when drilling waste and clear liquids are applied off-site, normally onto vegetated
land, following a calculated loading criteria. Clear liquids are not normally incorporated into the
topsoil.
The typical pump-off method is to pump drilling waste through hoses or irrigation equipment such as a
big gun, sprinklers, gated pipe, or perforated hose onto the land adjacent to the well-site or remote
sump.
Disposal on Forested Public Lands (DFPL)
A landspraying disposal method and occurs when drilling wastes from approved mud systems are
slurried, then sprayed off-site onto specified lands held under disposition by the company holding the
MSL, at low application rates. Disposal is limited to the following:
• mineral surface leases (MSL), which includes well sites, remote sump sites and some short
access roads,
• pipeline agreements (PLA), which includes pipeline-right-of ways, and
• license of occupations (LOC), which includes developed and undeveloped roads.
This approval is limited to the application of freshwater gel chemical mud systems.
Special approval from EUB is currently required, contact Sean Wade (403) 297-8178. EFR approval
and notification of commencement of disposal are required by SRD.
E. Source of Water
Water Required
Identify the source/site of all water withdrawals for oil and gas well drilling or hydrostatic testing. If
this information is not known at the time of application, it must be provided to the SRD field office
prior to use. In the Green Area at this time, temporary water withdrawal and use of up to 5,000 m3 may
occur without a Water Act licence. Additional lands required for access to a water source must be
approved by the SRD field office before clearing or snowplowing.
For the White Area, temporary water withdrawal requires a Water Act licence for all sources except
withdrawal from borrow pits under the terms specified in the Water Act, Appendix B, Schedule 3, of
Regulation 205/98.
The Water Act Code of Practice on the temporary diversion of water for hydrostatic testing is available
at the following website: http://www.qp.gov.ab.ca/documents/Codes/DIVERSE.cfm. More
information can also be found at: http://www.environment.alberta.ca/1398.html
Offsite Source
If applicable, indicate the name, location and type of water source (i.e. beaver dam, creek).
Access to Water Source
Use existing access wherever possible. If access is required to the source location, check ‘Yes’ and
attach a site sketch (generally on survey plan).
Wetlands, waterbodies and watercourses are important features on the landscape and have important
ecological, social and economic values. Withdrawal of water for industrial use must ensure that these
ecological, social and economic values are not negatively affected by the withdrawal. Use existing
access and ensure that the bed and shoreline are not altered. Do not withdraw water from small
28
wetlands (e.g. less than 2 ha), as these sites may be particularly sensitive to the effects of water
withdrawal.
F. Construction Strategy
Vegetation Removal
Following the timber salvage operation, state if the line/site will be cleared by a tracked unit, or
whether the company is using minimal disturbance (mulcher/hydro-axe). Refer to R&R 03/3,
Revegetation Using Native Plant Materials: Guidelines for Industrial Development Sites for additional
guidance http://www.environment.gov.ab.ca/info/library/5927.pdf
• What is the length of windrows on each side of the right-of-way?
• Will the surface vegetation be removed? If so, from what part of the line?
Brush Disposal (woody debris)
What will be done with the brush? What areas will be burned and/or rolled back? Explain.
Topsoil Handling/Topsoil Stripping Width
Topsoil handling is very important, especially on agricultural lands. What is the method that will be
used and how much topsoil will be salvaged?
Objective: To provide a plan showing the construction techniques that will be used.
G. Reclamation Strategy
Where not already noted, explain the reclamation measures to be used, such as watercourse crossing
removal, erosion control, revegetation, etc. This includes all phases of development, from initial
construction to interim production/maintenance, for the proposed activity land base. See Sections 7
(Vegetation Management) and 10 (Reclamation) of the Public Lands Operational Handbook for
specific information.
Consult with Land and Resource Managers where necessary on goals, objectives and plans for
reclamation. This consultation may be required in key/critical wildlife zones, caribou range, species at
risk habitat, protected areas, and environmentally sensitive areas.
Objective: Provide an overview of the reclamation techniques to be used and timing schedule for
completion of operations. This should also address the issue of soil settling or slumping.
In areas where erosion potential is minimal, lower seeding rates can be used in conjunction with
rollback of woody debris to assist in colonization by adjacent native species. The use of fertilizer is
discouraged since it stimulates the establishment and growth of weedy species and reduces species
diversity. Contact the SRD field office with any questions.
Lease Description and Wellsite Sizing Information Template
Complete and attach the lease description and Wellsite Sizing Template (Refer to Appendix III) if a
non standard wellsite is required as per the Lease Description and Wellsite sizing document.
Using the Wellsite Spacing Recommendations Manual as reference, applicants can plan wellsite
29
size in an acceptable manner.
http://srd.alberta.ca/lands/formspublications/usingpublicland/pdf/Typical%20Rig%20Layouts%20text
%20and%20drawings%20Apr%2021-03.pdf
This manual assists the applicant in providing a visual reference that can be used by both the applicant
and the regulator for justifying wellsite size. It is expected the applicant will use the standard sizes for
both oil and gas, which are based primarily on depth, as the working area for applications. These are
shown in the manual as drawings, with the size indicated by diagramming typical set-ups for drilling,
completions, and production. For both oil and gas, sizing is based on shallow wells being less the
1,000 m in depth and deep wells being greater than 1,000 m in depth.
In a similar manner, the manual also provides information on additional space requirement for slope
considerations, berms, soil storage, etc., which increases the total wellsite size.
Example 1
If an applicant applied for a wellsite to drill a shallow gas well (less than 1,000 m in depth), and there
were no slope concerns, soil stripping or requirement for berms, the applicant would apply for a 100 m
x 80 m wellsite and fill in the form’s Sketch # as number ‘3’, reflecting the template shown in the
manual for shallow gas operation. At the bottom of the form, the Working Area and Total Area would
be the same.
Example 2
If an applicant was applying for a wellsite to drill a deep oil well (greater than 1,000 m in depth), and
there were slope concerns and two-lift stripping was required, the applicant would indicate a Working
Area of 110 m x 120 m and fill in the form’s Sketch # as number ‘1’, reflecting the template in the
manual for deep oil operation. They would then calculate the additional slope requirements (including
slope ratios) and the additional width required for the stripping piles, fill out the form appropriately,
and indicate a Total Area of perhaps 130 m x 140 m. The size applied for would therefore be 130 m x
140 m.
The form shown in section H, Lease Description and Wellsite Sizing Information is also shown as the
last page in the Wellsite Spacing Recommendations Manual.
Notes: The manual contains inter-provincial information on many spacing requirements, all measured
from the center of the well, for application both within and outside the perimeter of wellsite. It
also provides sketches of flare pit construction for both Alberta and British Columbia.
For wellsite applications (MSL’s), section H, Lease Construction and Wellsite Spacing Information of
‘Supplement A’ must be completed. Detailed information may be found on the following website:
http://srd.alberta.ca/lands/formspublications/usingpublicland/pdf/Typical%20Rig%20Layouts%20text
%20and%20drawings%20Apr%2021-03.pdf
30
4.0 Access
Completion of Supplement B – Access
The cover document and the appropriate supplement form must be submitted for each surface
disposition application. All blanks must either be filled in or ‘N/A’ noted where applicable.
Failure to fill out the document and form(s) completely will result in the EFR being rejected.
Completion of Supplement B — Access
New: .....................................Check this box if it is a first submission of an EFR accompanying an
application or amendment. (Note: A surface disposition may be amended
more than once, however each amendment is considered a first
submission.)
Revised: ................................Check this box if there are revisions to the first submission. (Note:
Revised EFRs are to be submitted to the local SRD field office only.)
Date Submitted: ..................Enter the date the EFR is submitted to Edmonton, not the date the EFR
was completed. This date will change when a revised EFR is submitted.
(Note: The date entered on a revised EFR must reflect the date it is
submitted to the local SRD field office).
Department File Number:…DTSB will enter the department file number on an EFR accompanying
an application only. The client must enter the department file number on
a revised EFR, or on an EFR accompanying an amendment.
Note: Sections 2 (Predisturbance Planning Framework) and 4 (Surface Access Management) of the
Public Lands Operational Handbook should be consulted when dealing with new access
development, extension or upgrading existing access. Before a road is approved, the applicant
may be requested to present the advantages and disadvantages of any alternate proposals, the
rationale for selecting a particular route, and the trade-offs made.
A. Type of Access/Dimensions
Indicate the type of access road based on the following guidelines:
•
•
•
•
Undeveloped dry (no grade): <10m R0W, usually temporary
Undeveloped frozen: <10m RoW, usually temporary
Dry weather: low grade, no gravel, 15-20m RoW, usually only accessible during dry
conditions
All weather (permanent): all season, grade development, graveled, usually 15-20m RoW
Right-of-Way Width
For initial access, it is recommended that existing seismic lines/trails be used for access into well sites
and other developments. Any widening of these lines for or during winter operations should be
minimized. The applicant must provide a description of the access development planned for the
disposition. In some cases, the plan may be to go in on a winter access with minimal development of a
narrow right-of-way of 8-10 m.
Once the well or development has been proven to be a producer, the applicant generally plans to move
to a wider right-of-way (i.e. 20 m) for development of a high-grade road. In this case, the 20 m right31
of-way width can be applied for with the understanding there will be no additional clearing beyond
the 8-10 m width indicated in the form until the well or development is a proven producer.
Note: If the entire right-of-way width is cleared initially, and then not required for development, it
will be treated as an unauthorized use of public land and the appropriate enforcement action
will be taken.
If the access road is in identified caribou range, applications for access must be compatible with
requirements for access that have been identified through other planning or operational processes,
including the Caribou Protection Plan.
If electricity is required at a facility, the right-of-way must be planned to ensure the power line is
located on the downwind side. This is required to maximize the tree-free area adjacent to power lines,
thus reducing the potential of falling trees hitting the power line and possibly starting a wildfire, as
well as cutting off power to the facility.
Where a road, pipeline and power line right-of-way are required, it is recommended the power line be
located between the road and pipeline. This greatly reduces clearing requirements and keeps the power
line safe from falling trees. Planning should be consistent with the ‘Powerline Hazard Assessment
Plan’ that has been submitted with the easement application.
B. Topography
Show percent of right-of-way length for each slope/topography classification:
• Fill in the appropriate percentage for each slope classification to total 100 per cent of rightof-way length.
C. Watercourse Crossings
The bed and shore of most watercourses and waterbodies are owned by the provincial government.
Activity at or near watercourses is one of the most critical factors reviewed on public land surface
disposition applications. The applicant should consult the Public Lands Operational Handbook for
additional information.
Disturbance is to be kept to a minimum and special measures must be taken to minimize siltation and
ensure bare soil is revegetated. This may include the use of erosion blankets, silt fences, etc., especially
near fish-bearing waters.
Watercourse crossing structures already in place along existing roads should be used as much as
possible to avoid the need to construct new crossings for equipment/vehicles. If watercourses are
present on the right-of-way, but construction equipment and vehicles will be using existing crossings
on roads currently under disposition, state this in the comments section.
Note: All watercourse crossings and methods must be identified or the application will not be
processed.
The Water Act Code of Practice for Watercourse Crossings applies to all vehicle crossings over
watercourses (http://www.environment.alberta.ca/1398.html) . Exemptions apply to some watercourse
crossing types, as outlined in Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 of the Water (Ministerial) Regulation.
32
Crossing Types Exempted From the Code of Practice for Watercourse Crossings
White Area
Non-fish-bearing Watercourses
*Most ice bridges and snowfills
One-span bridge crossing
Culverts where the flow is equal to or less than
what can be accommodated by a 1.5m culvert
Fish-bearing Watercourses
*Most ice bridges and snowfills
Green Area
All Watercourses
*Most ice bridges and snowfills
One-span bridge crossing
Logfills where no flow is present (frozen to the bottom)
Culverts where the flow is equal to or less than what can be accommodated by a 1.5 m culvert
* See Schedule #2 of the Water (Ministerial) Regulation for a list of watercourses that require an
approval under the Water Act for an ice bridge or snowfill.
For watercourse crossings that are regulated by the Water Act Code of Practice for Watercourse
Crossings (e.g. any crossing with culvert[s] larger than 1.5 m in diameter, or any bridge[s] over one
span), the Notice under the Water Act, Code of Practice for Watercourse Crossings must be submitted
with this application. For a copy of the Notice see the website at:
http://www.environment.alberta.ca/1409.html
Although the Code of Practice does not apply to the ‘exempted activities’, the intent is to apply a
similar standard of environmental protection, including protection of fish habitat, to the water
crossings. Water protection and fisheries conditions are included as part of the approval to reflect the
intent of the standards in the Water Act Code of Practice.
Objective: To ensure the goal of ‘no-net-loss of productive fish habitat’ is considered in the exempted
crossings.
Information to determine fisheries timing constraints is available on the Water Act Code of Practice
Management Area Maps. Refer to these maps to determine:
•
•
•
•
The class of a mapped waterbody as a Class A, B, C or D
The restricted activity period for classes of waterbodies
The location of Class A and B waterbodies
Special conditions for some waterbodies
Refer to the Management Area Maps to determine the class of mapped waterbodies. For an unmapped
waterbody (not shown on the map), refer to Section 7(4) of the Water Act Codes of Practice. An
uncoded waterbody (shown on the map but not coded) is a Class D waterbody unless otherwise
specified in Section 7(3)(b) of the Water Act Codes of Practice.
Generally, Class A, B and C waterbodies are considered fish-bearing. Class D waterbodies are
believed to have limited fisheries value and are generally considered to be non-fish-bearing.
Class A waterbodies are the areas of highest sensitivity for fisheries habitat, and are sensitive enough
33
to be damaged by any type of activity within the waterbody. New crossings in Class A waterbodies are
not allowed except for pedestrian or equestrian crossings.
Note: No crossings will be approved on a Class A waterbody or tributaries within 2 km of the main
stream.
Restricted Activity Periods for mapped Class B and Class C waterbodies are determined by referring to
the maps. Restricted Activity Periods for mapped and unmapped Class A waterbodies are to be
determined by a person with expertise of fisheries in these locations. Restricted Activity Periods do not
apply to Class D waterbodies.
Refer to Section 10(3), (4), and (5) of the Code of Practice for Watercourse Crossings to determine the
restricted activity period for unmapped waterbodies that enter a mapped Class A, B or C waterbody.
Refer to Section 10(6) of the Code of Practice for Watercourse Crossings to determine the restricted
activity period for unmapped waterbodies that enter a fish-bearing lake.
Generally, water-crossing methods considered acceptable for the exempted watercourse crossing(s) are
those that cause no disturbance to the active stream channel, bed or banks of a Class B or C waterbody,
or which involve a Class D waterbody. This includes such methods as clear span bridges, snow fills,
ice bridges, etc. The majority of exempted crossings included in the various SRD approvals fall into
this category.
Crossing method symbols refer to the type of crossing: Bridge (B), Temporary Bridge (TB),
Logfill (LF), Snow-fill (SF), Ice Bridge (IB), Culvert (CU), Open Bottom Culvert (OBC), None
Required (NR).
Watercourse Size Classification
• Ephemeral Draw (vegetated draw, no channel development; include when well defined and
wet)
• Intermittent Watercourse (channel development – width up to 0.5 m)
• Small Permanent Watercourse (channel development – width up to 5.0 m)
• Large Permanent Watercourse (channel development – width more than 5.0 m)
Proposed water crossing methods that include disturbance to the bed or banks of a Class A, B or C
waterbody make up the minority of water crossings (i.e. culvert crossings, bridges with abutments
within the channel, etc.). These should be avoided whenever possible. When this is not possible, the
crossing structure must be properly sized, and advice should be obtained from a person with expertise
in fish and their requirements. This qualified person (defined in the Water Act Codes of Practice)
should determine the nature of any fish habitat that may be present, and the potential impacts on the
aquatic environment and fish habitat resulting from the crossing construction. Assessment of this type
of proposed crossing area should follow the appropriate guidelines outlined in the Guide to the Codes
of Practice for Watercourse Crossings.
Note: Temporary crossings must not be installed or existing ones removed during the restricted
activity periods unless clean water flow and fish passage can be maintained. Generally, this
means any installation or removal should occur before spring break-up. Additional approvals
will be required from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans if in-stream work is proposed
during the restricted activity period.
The applicant must obtain the applicable authorization under the Public Lands Act from SRD for any
activity proposed on locations outside of lands included in the application. Depending on the extent of
the proposed work, a disposition or TFA would be required.
34
All licences, authorizations and approvals issued by Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
under the Public Lands Act and Forests Act, and by Alberta Environment under the Environmental
Protection and Enhancement Act and Water Act, should not be taken to mean the proponent
(applicant) has complied with federal legislation. Proponents should contact Fisheries and Oceans
Canada in the location nearest to them (Peace River, Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge) in relation to
the application of federal laws, including but not limited to the Navigable Water Protection Act and
the Fisheries Act (Canada).
Procedures
Approval of Exempted Water Crossings
For applications involving a watercourse crossing proposed either to cause no disturbance to an
active channel or banks of a fish-bearing watercourse (Class A, B or C), or involving a non-fishbearing watercourse (Class D), the normal LOC application complete with EFR is to be submitted to
DTSB.
For applications involving a watercourse crossing that includes disturbance to an active stream
channel or banks (i.e. culvert, bridge abutments in the active channel) in a Class A, B or C
watercourse, an approval from Water Management, Alberta Environment is required except where
fisheries habitat has been addressed in other plans submitted and approved under the authority of the
Forests Act or Public Lands Act. (This section of the EFR [Supplement B – Access] is to flag the issue
of activity in fish habitat where mitigation and compensation measures may be required.)
Approval of Non-Exempted Water Crossings
For applications with water crossings that include non-exempted crossings (e.g. >1.5 m culvert, twospan bridge), the applicant must submit a completed Notice under the Water Act Code of Practice
applicable to watercourse crossings, along with an application to DTSB. The referral package,
including the Notice, will be forwarded by DTSB to the appropriate regional office of Water
Management in Alberta Environment and to SRD field offices.
D. Construction Strategy
Vegetation Removal
Following the timber salvage operation, state if the line will be cleared by a tracked unit or whether the
company is using minimal disturbance (mulcher/hydro-axe). Refer to R&R 03/3, Revegetation Using
Native Plant Materials: Guidelines for Industrial Development Sites for additional guidance:
(http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/protenf/landrec/factsheets/Revegetation_Using_Native_Plant_Materials.p
df).
• What is the length of windrows on each side of the right-of-way?
• Will the surface vegetation be removed? If so, from what part of the line?
Brush Disposal (woody debris)
What will be done with the brush? What areas will be burned and/or rolled back? Explain.
Topsoil Handling/Topsoil Stripping Width
Topsoil handling is very important, especially on agricultural lands. What is the method that will be
35
used and how much topsoil will be salvaged?
Objective: To provide a plan showing the construction techniques to be used.
E. Reclamation Strategy
Revegetation Strategy
(Check appropriate boxes)
In the reclamation section of the supplements provide information regarding site preparation, seed
mixes, fertilization, timing, etc.
Interim
Describe basic and project specific reclamation that will occur during construction (re-contouring of back
slopes, topsoil replacement, restoration of surface drainage and watercourses, erosion control, revegetation methods, etc.).
Production/Operation
Describe ongoing activities such as monitoring for reclamation success such as vegetation
growth/control, erosion, weeds, etc. Also discuss regular maintenance activities (plowing, fixing ruts,
etc.).
In the reclamation section of the ‘supplements’ provide information regarding site preparation, seed
mixes, fertilization, timing, etc.
Where not already noted, explain the reclamation measures to be used, such as watercourse crossing
removal, erosion control, revegetation, etc. This includes all phases of development, from initial
construction to interim production/maintenance for the proposed activity land base. See Sections 7
(Vegetation Management) and 10 (Reclamation) of the Public Lands Operational Handbook for
specific information.
Objective: Provide a plan that shows the reclamation techniques to be used.
In areas where erosion potential is minimal, lower seeding rates can be used in conjunction with
rollback of woody debris to assist in colonization by adjacent native species. The use of fertilizer is
discouraged since it stimulates the establishment and growth of weedy species and reduces species
diversity. Contact the SRD field office with any questions.
36
5.0 Pipeline
Completion of Supplement C – Pipeline
The cover document and the appropriate supplement form must be submitted for each surface
disposition application. All blanks must either be filled in or ‘N/A’ noted where applicable.
Failure to fill out the document and form(s) completely will result in the EFR being rejected.
Completion of Supplement C — Pipeline
New: .........................................Check this box if it is a first submission of an EFR accompanying an
application or amendment. (Note: A surface disposition may be amended
more than once, however each amendment is considered a first
submission.)
Revised: ...................................Check this box if there are revisions to the first submission. (Note:
Revised EFRs are to be submitted to the local SRD field office only.)
Date Submitted: ....................Enter the date the EFR is submitted to Edmonton, not the date the EFR
was completed. This date will change when a revised EFR is submitted.
(Note: The date entered on a revised EFR must reflect the date it is
submitted to the local SRD field office).
Department File Number:... DTSB will enter the department file number on an EFR accompanying
an application only. The client must enter the department file number on
a revised EFR, or on an EFR accompanying an amendment.
A. Pipeline Description
Right-of-way
Generally the pipeline rights-of-way should parallel existing pipelines, access and/or power line(s) to
the wellsite.
Pipeline to be Buried
Generally pipelines are buried or ploughed in. Justification is required if the applicant proposes to not
bury the pipeline.
Muskeg Areas Present on the Right-of-Way
Pipeline construction is generally conducted under frozen ground conditions due to muskegs, wetlands,
bogs, etc. If a summer operation is proposed, a photo mosaic must be provided that shows locations of
these muskegs, wetlands, bogs, etc., and to what extent the right-of-way will require padding, riprapping, swamp mats, etc.
•
Provide the outside diameter of the pipeline in ‘mm’. This information is used to justify
pipeline right-of-way width.
•
Check the appropriate pipeline product box. Check ‘Other’ and explain if the other boxes
are not applicable. An example of ‘Other’ would be condensate, or fuel gas line.
B. Method of Vehicle/Equipment Watercourse Crossings (outside of PLA)
Activity at or near watercourses, including the associated riparian areas, is one of the most critical
37
areas reviewed on pipeline applications. Disturbances are to be kept to a minimum and special
measures taken to minimize siltation and to ensure that bare soil is revegetated as soon as possible to
prevent erosion. This may include the use of erosion blankets, silt fences, etc.
The right-of-way alignment and location of watercourse crossings must meet the Water Act, Code of
Practice for Pipelines and Telecommunication Lines Crossing a Water Body, and the Public Lands Act
requirements.
The Code of Practice for Pipelines and Telecommunication Lines Crossing a Water Body apply to:
• All pipeline water crossings
• Any vehicle/equipment type of crossing located within the right-of-way that is associated
with the installation or maintenance of a pipeline
There are no applicable exemptions for pipeline water crossings.
With the implementation of the Water Act and Code of Practice for Watercourse Crossings, the
specific issue of water crossings on the pipeline right-of-way will be dealt with under the pipeline
Code of Practice and the Public Lands Act.
The Code of Practice for Pipelines and Telecommunication Lines Crossing a Water Body and Public
Lands Act also apply to activity associated with construction, maintenance and removal of the pipeline.
This is interpreted to include vehicle and equipment type crossings that are associated with the
installation and construction of a pipeline.
When reviewing/assessing pipeline applications, SRD, as the Land Manager, will focus on the overall
land management aspect. The proposed rights-of-way and related activities must meet the land
management objectives, and adequately address concerns related to items such as:
• Timing of construction (frozen, non-frozen conditions)
• Right-of-way alignment
• Use of common/existing corridors (i.e. roads, power lines, pipelines)
• Slope stability, steep slopes, high erosion potential areas, crossing locations
• Access impacts and management requirements (i.e. wildlife, fisheries, recreation)
• Impact on timber—merchantable, reforested areas, salvage, etc.
• Protected areas, conflicts with reservations (i.e. PSP’s, buffers)
• Fish and wildlife concerns
• Initial reclamation, debris disposal, erosion control measures, re-vegetation, etc.
• Other site-specific resource issues
In some instances where land management concern/issues exist (i.e. unstable banks, other land uses),
which must be addressed through the PLA approval, a permanent buffer may be required.
The bed and shore of most watercourses and waterbodies are owned by the provincial government.
Activity at or near watercourses is one of the most critical factors reviewed on public land surface
disposition applications. The applicant should consult the Public Lands Operational Handbook for
additional information.
Disturbances are to be kept to a minimum and special measures must be taken to minimize siltation
and ensure that bare soil is revegetated. This may include the use of erosion blankets, silt fences, etc.,
especially near fish-bearing waters.
Watercourse crossing structures already in place along existing roads should be used as much as
possible to avoid the need to construct new crossings for equipment/vehicles. If watercourses are
present on the right-of-way, but construction equipment and vehicles will be using existing crossings
on roads currently under disposition, state this in the comments section.
38
Procedures
The application for a pipeline shall follow the normal referral process. The application/EFR will be
submitted to DTSB, where it will be referred to the appropriate SRD Area for review.
If the pipeline application includes watercourse crossings that are regulated under the Code of Practice
for Pipelines and Telecommunication Lines Crossing a Water Body, the application must include a
copy of the applicable Notice under the Codes of Practice—Water Act. The Notice shall be submitted,
along with the disposition application (i.e. PLA) to DTSB. DTSB will fax the Notice to the appropriate
regional office of Water Management, Alberta Environment, and include the Notice in the surface
disposition application package referred to the field office. This process became effective December
1, 2000.
Alberta Environment is implementing a one-window procedure for submission of Notices when they
are associated with a ‘Public Lands Act’ surface disposition on public lands.
Note: All watercourse crossings and methods must be identified or the application will not be
processed.
The Water Act Code of Practice for Watercourse Crossings applies to all vehicle crossings over
watercourses. Exemptions apply to some watercourse crossing types, as outlined in Schedule 1 and
Schedule 2 of the Water (Ministerial) Regulation.
Crossing Types Exempted From the Code of Practice for Watercourse Crossings
White Area
Non-fish-bearing Watercourses
*Most ice bridges and snowfills
One-span bridge crossing
Culverts where the flow is equal to or less than
what can be accommodated by a 1.5 m culvert
Fish-bearing Watercourses
*Most ice bridges and snowfills
Green Area
All Watercourses
*Most ice bridges and snowfills
One-span bridge crossing
Logfills where no flow is present (frozen to the bottom)
Culverts where the flow is equal to or less than what can be accommodated by a 1.5 m culvert
* See Schedule #2 of the Water (Ministerial) Regulation for a list of watercourses that require an
approval under the Water Act for an ice bridge or snowfill.
For watercourse crossings that are regulated by the Water Act Code of Practice for Watercourse
Crossings (i.e. any crossing with culvert[s] larger than 1.5 m in diameter, or any bridge[s] over one
span), the Notice under the Water Act, Code of Practice for Watercourse Crossings must be submitted
with this application. For a copy of the Notice see the website at:
http://www.environment.alberta.ca/1409.html
Although the Code of Practice does not apply to the ‘exempted activities’, the intent is to apply a
similar standard of environmental protection, including protection of fish habitat, to the water
crossings. Water protection and fisheries conditions are included as part of the approval to reflect the
intent of the standards in the Water Act Code of Practice.
39
Objective: To ensure the goal of ‘no-net-loss of productive fish habitat’ is considered in the exempted
crossings.
Information to determine fisheries timing constraints is available on the Water Act Code of Practice
Management Area Maps. Refer to these maps to determine:
•
•
•
•
The class of a mapped waterbody as a Class A, B, C or D
The restricted activity period for classes of waterbodies
The location of Class A and B waterbodies
Special conditions for some waterbodies
Refer to the Management Area Maps to determine the class of mapped waterbodies. For an unmapped
waterbody (not shown on the map), refer to section 7(4) of the Water Act Codes of Practice. An
uncoded waterbody (shown on the map but not coded) is a Class D waterbody unless otherwise
specified in section 7(3)(b) of the Water Act Codes of Practice.
Generally, Class A, B and C waterbodies are considered fish-bearing. Class D waterbodies are
believed to have limited fisheries value and are generally considered to be non-fish-bearing.
Class A waterbodies are the areas of highest sensitivity for fisheries habitat, and are sensitive enough
to be damaged by any type of activity within the waterbody. New crossings in Class A waterbodies are
not allowed except for pedestrian or equestrian crossings.
Note: No crossings will be approved on a Class A waterbody or tributaries within 2 km of the main
stream.
Restricted Activity Periods for mapped Class B and Class C waterbodies are determined by referring to
the maps. Restricted Activity Periods for mapped and unmapped Class A waterbodies are to be
determined by a person with expertise of fisheries in these locations. Restricted Activity Periods do not
apply to Class D waterbodies.
Refer to Section 10(3), (4), and (5) of the Code of Practice for Watercourse Crossings to determine the
restricted activity period for unmapped waterbodies that enter a mapped Class A, B or C waterbody.
Refer to Section 10(6) of the Code of Practice for Watercourse Crossings to determine the restricted
activity period for unmapped waterbodies that enter a fish-bearing lake.
Generally, water-crossing methods considered acceptable for the exempted watercourse crossing(s) are
those that cause no disturbance to the active stream channel, bed or banks of a Class B or C waterbody,
or which involve a Class D waterbody. This includes such methods as clear span bridges, snow fills,
ice bridges, etc. The majority of exempted crossings included in the various SRD approvals fall into
this category.
Crossing method symbols refer to the type of crossing: Bridge (B), Temporary Bridge (TB),
Logfill (LF), Snow-fill (SF), Ice Bridge (IB), Culvert (CU), Open Bottom Culvert (OBC), None
Required (NR).
Watercourse Size Classification
• Ephemeral Draw (vegetated draw, no channel development; include when well defined and
wet)
• Intermittent Watercourse (channel development – width up to 0.5 m)
• Small Permanent Watercourse (channel development – width up to 5.0 m)
• Large Permanent Watercourse (channel development – width more than 5.0 m)
40
Proposed water crossing methods that include disturbance to the bed or banks of a Class A, B or C
waterbody make up the minority of water crossings (i.e. culvert crossings, bridges with abutments
within the channel). These should be avoided whenever possible. When this is not possible, the
crossing structure must be properly sized, and advice should be obtained from a person with expertise
in fish and their requirements. This qualified person (defined in the Water Act Codes of Practice)
should determine the nature of any fish habitat that may be present, and the potential impacts on the
aquatic environment and fish habitat resulting from the crossing construction. Assessment of this type
of proposed crossing area should follow the appropriate guidelines outlined in the Guide to the Codes
of Practice for Watercourse Crossings.
Note: Temporary crossings must not be installed or existing ones removed during the restricted
activity periods unless clean water flow and fish passage can be maintained. Generally, this
means any installation or removal should occur before spring break-up. Additional approvals
will be required from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans if in-stream work is proposed
during the restricted activity period.
The applicant must obtain the applicable authorization under the Public Lands Act from SRD for any
activity proposed on locations outside lands included in the application. Depending on the extent of
the proposed work, a disposition or TFA would be required.
All licences, authorizations and approvals issued by Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
under the Public Lands Act and Forests Act, and Alberta Environment under the Environmental
Protection and Enhancement Act and Water Act should not be taken to mean the proponent
(applicant) has complied with federal legislation. Proponents should contact Fisheries and Oceans
Canada in the location nearest to them (Peace River, Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge) in relation to
the application of federal laws, including but not limited to the Navigable Water Protection Act and
the Fisheries Act (Canada).
C. Construction Strategy
Vegetation Removal/Brush Disposal (woody debris)
Following the timber salvage operation, state if the line will be cleared by a tracked unit or whether the
company is using minimal disturbance (mulcher/hydro-axe). Refer to R&R 03/3, Revegetation Using
Native Plant Materials: Guidelines for Industrial Development Sites for additional guidance
(http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/protenf/landrec/factsheets/Revegetation_Using_Native_Plant_Materials.p
df).
• What is the length of windrows on each side of the right-of-way?
• Will the surface vegetation be removed? If so, from what part of the line?
• What will be done with the brush? What areas will be burned and/or rolled back? Explain.
Pipeline Installation
Provide information on the method of pipeline installation.
Pipeline Direction of Construction
Provide the direction of travel and construction. Direction of construction can impact adjacent right of
way use. Use the land location of the source and tie-in locations rather than compass directions.
41
Topsoil Handling/Topsoil Stripping Width
Topsoil handling is very important, especially on agricultural lands. What is the method that will be
used and how much topsoil will be salvaged?
Method of Pipeline Watercourse Crossing
List the crossing locations and clarify how each watercourse will be crossed. No vegetation is to be
cleared within 10 m of a directional drill and/or bore and the banks of a watercourse, unless approved
by the SRD field office.
D. Reclamation Strategy
Address reclamation measures to be used, such as watercourse crossing removal, erosion control,
revegetation, etc., where not already indicated. This includes all phases of development, from initial
construction to interim production/maintenance, for the proposed activity land base.
Objective: To provide a plan that shows the reclamation techniques to be used (usually within one or
two growing seasons).
Re-vegetation strategy
(Check appropriate boxes)
In the reclamation section of the supplements provide information regarding site preparation, seed
mixes, fertilization, timing, etc.
Re-contour/Topsoil Replacement
Provide information as to when this will take place, during reclamation and recontouring, or after
subsidence of trench occurs.
Location of Rollback Areas
What is the plan for grading and re-grading if there is excessive mounding or slumping and settling?
What parts of the right-of-way will be rolled back?
Interim
Describe basic and project specific reclamation that will occur during construction (i.e. re-contouring,
soil replacement, removal of water crossing structures, restoration of surface drainage and
watercourses, erosion control, re-vegetation methods, timing, etc.).
Production/Operation/Vegetation Management Plan
Describe ongoing activities such as monitoring for reclamation success such as vegetation
growth/control, erosion, weeds, leaks, etc. For pipelines in wildlife zones identified on wildlife referral
maps, describe steps needed to control access and to limit line-of-sight to less than 400m.
Provide information on timing and the parts/segments of the right-of-way on which vegetation control
is planned.
42
6.0 Easement
Completion of Supplement D – Easement
The cover document and the appropriate supplement form must be submitted for each surface
disposition application. All blanks must either be filled in or ‘N/A’ noted where applicable.
Failure to fill out the document and form(s) completely will result in the EFR being rejected.
Completion of Supplement D — Easement
New: .....................................Check this box if it is a first submission of an EFR accompanying an
application or amendment. (Note: A surface disposition may be amended
more than once, however each amendment is considered a first
submission.)
Revised: ................................Check this box if there are revisions to the first submission. (Note:
Revised EFRs are to be submitted to the local SRD field office only.)
Date Submitted: ..................Enter the date the EFR is submitted to Edmonton, not the date the EFR
was completed. This date will change when a revised EFR is submitted.
(Note: The date entered on a revised EFR must reflect the date it is
submitted to the local SRD field office).
Department File Number:...DTSB will enter the department file number on an EFR accompanying
an application only. The client must enter the department file number on
a revised EFR, or on an EFR accompanying an amendment.
For VCE applications – provide related disposition (EZE) number.
A. Right-of-Way
Generally, communications/fiber optics lines, railway spur lines and distribution line rights-of-way
will parallel existing linear developments to access the facility being serviced (i.e. wellsite, gas plant).
Indicate if a ‘Vegetation Control Easement’ (VCE) will be required. Provide information regarding type
of vegetation control – hazard tree removal, tree freeing, herbicide application, etc. If herbicide
applications are proposed, additional approvals may be required from Alberta Environment.
B. Wildfire Prevention Strategy (power lines only)
Type of power line construction
Indicate whether the proposed development will be an above ground line or buried conductor. If the
power line will include both above ground and buried conductor, check both boxes. If other power line
configurations are being used, check ‘Other’ (i.e. insulated conductor, bundled insulated conductor,
etc.).
Is the proposed line located within the Forest Protection Area?
If ‘Yes’, a Powerline Hazard Assessment Plan (PHAP) must be attached. (See Appendix IV)
43
Proximity to a community
Indicate whether any portion of the power line will be constructed within 10 km of a community
located within the Forest Protection Area.
Note: Proposed power lines located within 10 km of a community or other high values at risk will
generally require a more comprehensive Power Line Hazard Assessment Plan than will power
lines located in other areas within the Forest Protection Area.
C. Method of Vehicle/Equipment Watercourse Crossings
The bed and shore of most watercourses and waterbodies are owned by the provincial government.
Activity at or near watercourses is one of the most critical factors reviewed on public land surface
disposition applications. The applicant should consult the Public Lands Operational Handbook for
additional information.
Disturbances are to be kept to a minimum and special measures must be taken to minimize siltation
and ensure bare soil is revegetated. This may include the use of erosion blankets, silt fences, etc.,
especially near fish-bearing waters.
Watercourse crossing structures already in place along existing roads should be used as much as
possible to avoid the need to construct new crossings for equipment/vehicles. If watercourses are
present on the right-of-way, but construction equipment and vehicles will be using existing crossings
on roads currently under disposition, state this in the comments section.
Note: All watercourse crossings and methods must be identified or the application will not be
processed.
The Water Act Code of Practice for Watercourse Crossings applies to all vehicle crossings over
watercourses. Exemptions apply to some watercourse crossing types, as outlined in Schedule 1 and
Schedule 2 of the Water (Ministerial) Regulation.
Crossing Types Exempted From the Code of Practice for Watercourse Crossings
White Area
Non-fish-bearing Watercourses
*Most ice bridges and snowfills
One-span bridge crossing
Culverts where the flow is equal to or less than
what can be accommodated by a 1.5 m culvert
Fish-bearing Watercourses
*Most ice bridges and snowfills
Green Area
All Watercourses
*Most ice bridges and snowfills
One-span bridge crossing
Logfills where no flow is present (frozen to the bottom)
Culverts where the flow is equal to or less than what can be accommodated by a 1.5 m culvert
•
See Schedule #2 of the Water (Ministerial) Regulation for a list of watercourses that require an
approval under the Water Act for an ice bridge or snowfill.
For watercourse crossings that are regulated by the Water Act Code of Practice for Watercourse
Crossings (i.e. any crossing with culvert[s] larger than 1.5 m in diameter, or any bridge[s] over one
44
span), the Notice under the Water Act, Code of Practice for Watercourse Crossings must be submitted
with this application. For a copy of the Notice see the website:
http://www.environment.alberta.ca/1409.html
Although the Code of Practice does not apply to the ‘exempted activities’, the intent is to apply a
similar standard of environmental protection, including protection of fish habitat, to the water
crossings. Water protection and fisheries conditions are included as part of the approval to reflect the
intent of the standards in the Water Act Code of Practice.
Objective: To ensure the goal of ‘no-net-loss of productive fish habitat’ is considered in the exempted
crossings.
Information to determine fisheries timing constraints is available on the Water Act Code of Practice
Management Area Maps. Refer to these maps to determine:
• The class of a mapped waterbody as a Class A, B, C or D
• The restricted activity period for classes of waterbodies
• The location of Class A and B waterbodies
• Special conditions for some waterbodies
Refer to the Management Area Maps to determine the class of mapped waterbodies. For an unmapped
waterbody (not shown on the map), refer to Section 7(4) of the Water Act Codes of Practice. An
uncoded waterbody (shown on the map but not coded) is a Class D waterbody unless otherwise
specified in Section 7(3)(b) of the Code.
Generally, Class A, B and C waterbodies are considered fish-bearing. Class D waterbodies are
believed to have limited fisheries value and are generally considered to be non-fish bearing.
Class A waterbodies are the areas of highest sensitivity for fisheries habitat, and are sensitive enough
to be damaged by any type of activity within the waterbody. New crossings in Class A waterbodies are
not allowed except for pedestrian or equestrian crossings.
Note: No crossings will be approved on a Class A waterbody or tributaries within 2 km of the main
stream.
Restricted Activity Periods for mapped Class B and Class C waterbodies are determined by referring to
the maps. Restricted Activity Periods for mapped and unmapped Class A waterbodies are to be
determined by a person with expertise of fisheries in these locations. Restricted Activity Periods do not
apply to Class D waterbodies.
Refer to Section 10(3), (4) and (5) of the Code of Practice for Watercourse Crossings to determine the
restricted activity period for unmapped waterbodies that enter a mapped Class A, B or C waterbody.
Refer to Section 10(6) of the Code of Practice for Watercourse Crossings to determine the restricted
activity period for unmapped waterbodies that enter a fish-bearing lake.
Generally, water crossing methods considered acceptable for the exempted watercourse crossing(s) are
those that cause no disturbance to the active stream channel, or bed or banks of a Class B or C
waterbody, or which involve a Class D waterbody. This includes such methods as clear span bridges,
snow fills, ice bridges, etc. The majority of exempted crossings included in the various SRD approvals
fall into this category.
Crossing method symbols refer to the type of crossing: Bridge (B), Temporary Bridge (TB),
Logfill (LF), Snow-fill (SF), Ice Bridge (IB), Culvert (CU), Open Bottom Culvert (OBC),
None Required (NR).
45
Watercourse Size Classification
•
•
•
•
Ephemeral Draw (vegetated draw, no channel development; include when well defined and
wet)
Intermittent Watercourse (channel development – width up to 0.5 m)
Small Permanent Watercourse (channel development – width up to 5.0 m)
Large Permanent Watercourse (channel development – width more than 5.0 m)
Proposed water crossing methods that include disturbance to the bed or banks of a Class A, B or C
waterbody make up the minority of water crossings (i.e. culvert crossings, bridges with abutments
within the channel). These should be avoided whenever possible. When this is not possible, the
crossing structure must be properly sized, and advice should be obtained from a person with expertise
in fish and their requirements. This qualified person (defined in the Water Act Codes of Practice)
should determine the nature of any fish habitat that may be present, and the potential impacts on the
aquatic environment and fish habitat resulting from the crossing construction. Assessment of this type
of proposed crossing area should follow the appropriate guidelines outlined in the Guide to the Code of
Practice for Watercourse Crossings.
Note: Temporary crossings must not be installed or existing ones removed during the restricted
activity periods unless clean water flow and fish passage can be maintained. Generally, this
means any installation or removal should be installed before spring break-up. Additional
approvals will be required from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans if in-stream work is
proposed during the restricted activity period.
All licences, authorizations and approvals issued by Alberta Sustainable Resource Development under the
Public Lands Act and Forests Act, and Alberta Environment under the Environmental Protection and
Enhancement Act and Water Act should not be taken to mean the proponent (applicant) has complied
with federal legislation. Proponents should contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada in the location nearest
to them (Peace River, Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge) in relation to the application of federal laws,
including but not limited to the Navigable Water Protection Act and the Fisheries Act (Canada).
Procedures
Approval of Exempted Water Crossings
For applications involving a watercourse crossing proposed either to cause no disturbance to an
active channel or banks of a fish-bearing watercourse (Class A, B or C), or involves a non-fish-bearing
watercourse (Class D), the normal LOC application complete with EFR is to be submitted to DTSB.
For applications involving a watercourse crossing that includes disturbance to an active stream
channel or banks (i.e. culvert, bridge abutments in the active channel, etc.) in a Class A, B or C
watercourse, an approval from Water Management of Alberta Environment is required except where
fisheries habitat has been addressed in other plans submitted and approved under the authority of the
Forests Act or Public Lands Act. (This section of the EFR [Supplement – Access] is to flag the issue of
activity in fish habitat where mitigation and compensation measures may be required.)
Approval of Non-Exempted Water Crossings
For applications with water crossings that include non-exempted crossings (e.g. >1.5 m culvert, twospan bridge), the applicant must submit a completed Notice under the Water Act Code of Practice
applicable to watercourse crossings, along with an application to DTSB. The referral package,
including the Notice, will be forwarded by DTSB to the appropriate regional office of Water
Management in Alberta Environment and to SRD field offices.
46
D. Construction Strategy
Vegetation Removal
Following the timber salvage operation, state if the line will be cleared by a tracked unit or whether the
company is using minimal disturbance (mulcher/hydro-axe). Refer to R&R 03/3, Revegetation Using
Native Plant Materials: Guidelines for Industrial Development Sites for additional guidance
(http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/protenf/landrec/factsheets/Revegetation_Using_Native_Plant_Materials.p
df).
• What is the length of windrows on each side of the right-of-way?
• Will the surface vegetation be removed? If so, from what part of the line?
Brush Disposal (woody debris)
What will be done with the brush? What areas will be burned and/or rolled back? Explain.
Topsoil Handling/Topsoil Stripping Width
Topsoil handling is very important, especially on agricultural lands. What is the method that will be
used and how much topsoil will be salvaged?
Objective: To provide a plan showing the construction techniques to be used.
A right-of-way cleared for a power line should result in minimal disturbance to the land surface,
leaving the duff and stumps intact except for vehicular access requirements and structure locations.
Disturbed areas with high erosion potential should be reclaimed using rollback or other means
compatible with approved local land management practices. Areas that will need to be seeded to
establish a vegetative cover should use only low-growing species.
Indicate whether the power line structure uses wooden poles or steel towers. Specify the type of
structure (i.e. single pole, wishbone, H-frame, steel tower). Use perch-proof poles in areas where
concentrations of raptors may occur, especially in grassland areas. Powerlines should avoid crossing
wetlands wherever possible as powerlines over or near wetlands can be subject to bird strikes and
cause mortality of waterfowl and other birds.
E. Reclamation Strategy
Address reclamation measures to be used, such as watercourse crossing removal, erosion control,
revegetation, etc., where not already indicated. This includes all phases of development, from initial
construction to interim production/maintenance, for the proposed activity land base. For easements in
wildlife zones identified on wildlife referral maps, describe steps needed to control access and to limit
line-of-sight to less than 400m.
Objective: To provide a plan that shows the reclamation techniques to be used (usually within one or
two growing seasons).
Re-vegetation strategy
(Check appropriate boxes)
In the reclamation section of the supplements provide information regarding site preparation, seed
mixes, fertilization, timing, etc.
47
Interim
Describe basic and project specific reclamation that will occur during construction (re-contouring, soil
replacement, removal of water crossing structures, restoration of surface drainage and watercourses,
erosion control, re-vegetation methods, timing, etc.).
Production/Operation/Vegetation Management Plan
Describe on-going activities such as monitoring for reclamation success such as vegetation growth /
control, erosion, weeds, etc.
Provide information on timing and on the parts/segments of the right-of-way on which vegetation
control is planned.
48
7.0 Miscellaneous Use
Completion of Supplement E – Miscellaneous Use
The cover document and the appropriate supplement form must be submitted for each surface
disposition application. All blanks must either be filled in or ‘N/A’ noted where applicable.
Failure to fill out the document and form(s) completely will result in the EFR being rejected.
Completion of Supplement E – Miscellaneous Use
New: ………………………… Check this box if it is a first submission of an EFR accompanying an
application or amendment. (Note: A surface disposition may be
amended more than once, however each amendment is considered a
first submission.)
Revised: ...................................Check this box if there are revisions to the first submission. (Note:
Revised EFRs are to be submitted to the local SRD field office only.)
Date Submitted: .....................Enter the date the EFR is submitted to Edmonton, not the date the EFR
was completed. This date will change when a revised EFR is
submitted. (Note: The date entered on a revised EFR must reflect the
date it is submitted to the local SRD field office).
Department File Number:….. DTSB will enter the department file number on an EFR accompanying
an application only. The client must enter the department file number
on a revised EFR, or on an EFR accompanying an amendment.
A. Site
The actual size of the site should be based on site-specific conditions as dictated by terrain,
topography, size of proposed development, safety regulations, etc.
Indicate if the site boundary is within 100m from a watercourse. Mitigation should explain need for size
of clearing and incidental structures that maybe needed. Development within the 100m buffer shall not
occur unless adequate mitigation is proposed, reviewed by Land and Resource Managers, and
approved by the SRD field office.
B. Access
Indicate the type of access based on the following guidelines:
In addition to the method and routing of access, provide details on the type of access required based on
the following guidelines:
• Undeveloped (no grade): <10m RoW, usually temporary
• Frozen ground: <10RoW, usually temporary
• Summer (dry: low grade, no gravel 15-20m RoW, usually only accessible during dry
conditions.
• All weather (permanent): all season, grade development, gravelled, usually 15-20m RoW.
Identify water course crossings and method of crossing.
49
C. Waste Management
Plan for and handle any type of waste connected to/resulting from the activity:
• Prevent, or minimize and mitigate any soil/water contamination or other adverse impact on
the environment and natural resources,
• Ensure waste material, debris, refuse or garbage on public lands do not accumulate,
• Ensure levels of waste and its components do not form a hazard to human or animal health,
or detrimentally affect soil quality and surface/ground water quality,
• Ensure there are no adverse effect on germination, growth and sustainability of vegetation,
and equivalent land capability,
• Ensure no off-site releases or migration of wastes occur, and
• Ensure all wastes are handled, recycled, reused and disposed of in accordance with
applicable legislation, standards, guidelines and accepted practice.
D. Site Development Strategy
Vegetation Removal
Following the timber salvage operation, state if the line will be cleared by a tracked unit or whether the
company is using minimal disturbance (mulcher/hydro-axe). Refer to R&R 03/3, Revegetation Using
Native Plant Materials: Guidelines for Industrial Development Sites for additional guidance
(http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/protenf/landrec/factsheets/Revegetation_Using_Native_Plant_Materials.p
df).
• What is the length of windrows on each side of the right-of-way?
• Will the surface vegetation be removed? If so, from what part of the line?
Brush Disposal (woody debris)
What will be done with the brush? What areas will be burned and/or rolled back? Explain.
Topsoil Handling/Topsoil Stripping Width
Topsoil handling is very important, especially on agricultural lands. What is the method that will be
used and how much topsoil will be salvaged?
After construction is completed, the applicant must provide a detailed survey plan of the site,
accurately locating all developments including earthen pits and stating their purpose, and their
respective distances to site boundaries, watercourses and inhabited structures.
Objective: To provide a plan showing the construction techniques to be used.
E. Reclamation Strategy
Address reclamation measures to be used, such as watercourse crossing removal, erosion control,
revegetation, etc., where not already indicated. This includes all phases of development, from initial
construction to interim production/maintenance, for the proposed activity land base.
Objective: To provide a plan that shows the reclamation techniques to be used (usually within one or
two growing seasons).
50
Re-vegetation strategy
(Check appropriate boxes)
In the reclamation section of the supplements provide information regarding site preparation, seed
mixes, fertilization, timing, etc.
Interim
Describe basic and project specific reclamation that will occur during construction (re-contouring, soil
replacement, removal of water crossing structures, restoration of surface drainage and watercourses,
erosion control, re-vegetation methods, timing, etc.).
Production/Operation/Vegetation Management Plan
Describe on going activities such as monitoring for reclamations success such as vegetation growth /
control, erosion, weeds, leaks, etc.
51
Appendix I
Template for Provincial Grazing Reserve (PGR)
EFR Instructions for PGR Template
Communications
A consultation number is issued when the company representative and the PGR Agrologist come to an
agreement on the operating guidelines on the PGR. This is an internal tracking number and does not
provide authorization to enter on the land. However, if this template is required for the EFR, the EFR
will not be accepted unless a consultation number is provided here.
Season
From the perspective of PGR livestock operations, it is important to know if operations will be
occurring during the grazing season and for how long, in order to coordinate grazing operations with
the industrial activities.
Mitigation Strategies
Industrial operational guidelines for each of the PGRs can be found at:
http://srd.alberta.ca/lands/usingpublicland/provincialgrazingreserves/guidelinesassetspecifications.aspx
Use the guidelines provided on the website in conjunction with discussions with the PGR Agrologist to
complete this template.
• Coordinating with livestock activities: This will be negotiated with the PGR Agrologist.
In general, activity must not occur in fields where cattle are grazing; timing of activity
should occur after cattle have been moved to a different field; no activity is permitted that
will disturb the livestock on take-in dates or take-out dates. A rough rotation schedule can
be provided; however, specific dates must be negotiated and coordinated with PGR
Agrologist or pasture manager prior to entry.
• Impacts to Livestock: Indicate all possible impacts to livestock and how these impacts will
be mitigated. In general, operations should be conducted in such a way as to avoid or limit
impacts to livestock movement and to secure the safety of livestock during all industrial
activity. Examples of mitigation techniques are: if the activity prevents livestock access to
water, the surface disposition holder must provide alternate water sources for livestock;
leave all gates as you find them; keep dust to a minimum by watering down roads or
lowering vehicle speeds; fence all well sites drilled on areas grazed by livestock; ensure all
fence line crossings along access routes are manned or installed with appropriate structures
(gates) so cattle can not escape.
• Measures to be taken to prevent spread of weeds: Weed infestations resulting from the
operations are the responsibility of the surface disposition holder. An example of how to
prevent the spread of weeds is steam cleaning of equipment, trucks, etc. prior to entry.
•
Impacts to PGR Assets: Asset specifications for each PGR can be found, along with the
operational guidelines, at:
http://srd.alberta.ca/lands/usingpublicland/provincialgrazingreserves/guidelinesassetspecific
ations.aspx. Use these asset specifications to ensure that any damaged assets are repaired or
rebuilt to these standards.
52
Footprint
The goal of any industrial activity within a PGR is to avoid or minimize any short and/or long-term
loss of forage. To ensure this, certain mitigation techniques can be used such as: using common
corridors, paralleling existing pipelines, reducing the fenced area around the disposition following
development, etc.
Core Conditions
Improvements - Maintain Existing
167
The holder shall repair or replace any existing range improvements (fences, water supplies,
etc.) damaged as a result of its activities on the land.
53
Appendix II
Template For Chungo Area
EFR Instructions for Chungo Template
This supplement is required only for surface dispositions that fall within the area of the Chungo Creek
Integrated Landscape Management Planning Area. To view a copy of the plan you can click on the
following link to the Alberta Chamber of Resources Site.
http://www.acr-alberta.com/Projects/ILM_backgrounder.htm
Date…………..……………… This is the date the template is filled out.
Well/project name…………...This is the name of the well or project, if more than one well.
MSL/LOC/PLA..…………….This is the government surface disposition number. You will only have
this number if this is a revision to an existing disposition, or application.
A. Pre-survey Communication
As outlined in the Chungo ILM plan, all proponents must contact the FMA holder(s) prior to legal
survey to discuss the opportunities to collaborate on road, pipeline, and well locations to minimize
the footprint left by industry. Identify whom you contacted, and how your planning fits in with
theirs.
Prior to survey, P&NG holders
As with the above, the proponent is to contact other P&NG rights holders, whose rights are
crossed, prior to legal survey, to discuss opportunities to share roads, and linear corridors to reduce
the footprint on the land.
B. Post-survey Communications with Other Industrial Parties
After survey confirm with the FMA holder that the proposed alignment will allow for future use
and upgrade for their operations, and whether joint ownership agreements have been reached.
Include which portions are included in the partnership, and any post-use custody transfers.
After survey contact other P&NG rights holders, whose rights are crossed by this activity, to
determine if there are opportunities to collaborate on linear corridors or infrastructure, and whether
joint ownership agreements have been reached. Include which portions are included in the
partnership, and any post-use custody transfers.
C. Result Of Integrated Planning
Total Existing Trunk Access - How many kilometers of existing main trunk roads will be used?
Total Existing Branch Access - How many kilometers of existing Branch roads will be used?
Total New Trunk Access - How many kilometers of new main trunk roads will be constructed?
54
Total New Branch Access -
How many kilometers of new Branch roads will be constructed?
Proposed Linear Corridor -
How many kilometers of new linear corridors are proposed
(pipelines, power lines, etc.)?
Proportion of Corridor Following Existing Disturbances
What percentage of your disturbance follows, or shares, an existing disturbance?
Length of Corridor Following a Corridor on the Chungo Creek Trunk Road Corridor Route
Plan
List how many kilometers.
Length of corridor not following a corridor on the Chungo Creek Trunk Road Corridor
Route Plan
List how many kilometers.
For Any Portion Not Following the Chungo Creek Trunk Road Corridor Route Plan,
Describe Justification
Portions not following the Chungo Trunk road plan may not be approved if adequate justification
cannot be given.
55
Appendix III
Lease Construction Spacing Information
1.
Location
LSD/Quarter
Sec _______
Twp _____
Gas
Sweet
Rge ______
W ______
2.
Well Type
3.
Well Depth
4.
Future Plans/Type of Completions/Production
5.
Rig Type
Single
Double
6.
Mud System
Gel Chem
Hydrocarbon Based
Other
7.
Drilling Waste Disposal
Offsite Sump
Onsite Sump
Oil
Sour
m
Sump area required/sump /spoil pile
8.
M ______
Sketch # From Manual 1 A
Triple
m
x
Coiled Tube
Underbalanced Rig
Other
m
Flare requirements for drilling and production
50 m
35 m
Flare pit
Flare tank
Flare stack
25 m
Position of flare pit/tank (i.e. SW corner)
9. Flare tank spacing requirement
50 m
10. Winter drill
Yes
No
11. Berm requirements
Yes
No
25 m (heavy oil)
If summer, 30 m tree-free clearing required around flare.
Maintain 8 m bare mineral soil around the flare pit.
Width Required
m
Width Required
m
12. Drainage ditch
Yes
No
13. Is brush storage required
Yes
No explain (i.e. fire hazard)
Yes
Topsoil
No
Subsoil
14. Soil storage
Stripping required
15. Construction method
Minimal disturbance
Width required
Pad
m
Cut/fill
Slope requirements: (Cut side)
1:1
2:1
3:1
4:1
Width Required
m
Slope requirements: (Fill side)
1:1
2:1
3:1
4:1
Width Required
m
Explain (i.e. soil type)
16. Wellsite size
Working Area
Total Area
m
m
x
x
m
17. Additional notes:
56
Using the Wellsite Spacing Recommendations Manual as reference, applicants can plan wellsite
size in an acceptable manner.
(http://srd.alberta.ca/lands/formspublications/usingpublicland/pdf/Typical%20Rig%20Layouts%20text
%20and%20drawings%20Apr%2021-03.pdf) This manual assists the applicant in providing a visual
reference that can be used by both the applicant and the regulator for justifying wellsite size. It is
expected the applicant will use the standard sizes for both oil and gas, which are based primarily on
depth, as the working area for applications. These are shown in the manual as drawings, with the size
indicated by diagramming typical set-ups for drilling, completions and production. For both oil and gas,
sizing is based on shallow wells being less the 1,000 m in depth and deep wells being greater than
1,000 m in depth.
In a similar manner, the manual also provides information on additional space requirement for slope
considerations, berms, soil storage, etc., which increases the total wellsite size.
Example 1
If an applicant applied for a wellsite to drill a shallow gas well (less than 1,000 m in depth), and there
were no slope concerns, soil stripping or requirement for berms, the applicant would apply for a 100 m
x 80 m wellsite and fill in the form’s Sketch # as number ‘3’, reflecting the template shown in the
manual for shallow gas operation. At the bottom of the form, the Working Area and Total Area would
be the same.
Example 2
If an applicant was applying for a wellsite to drill a deep oil well (greater than 1,000 m in depth), and
there were slope concerns and two-lift stripping was required, the applicant would indicate a Working
Area of 110 m x 120 m and fill in the form’s Sketch # as number ‘1’, reflecting the template in the
manual for deep oil operation. They would then calculate the additional slope requirements (including
slope ratios) and the additional width required for the stripping piles, fill out the form appropriately,
and indicate a Total Area of perhaps 130 m x 140 m. The size applied for would therefore be 130 m x
140 m.
The form shown in section H, Lease Description and Wellsite Sizing Information is also shown as the
last page in the Wellsite Spacing Recommendations Manual.
Note: The manual contains inter-provincial information on many spacing requirements, all measured
from the center of the well, for application both within and outside the perimeter of wellsite. It also
provides sketches of flare pit construction for both Alberta and British Columbia.
Note: For wellsite applications (MSLs), Section H, Lease Construction and Wellsite Spacing
Information of Supplement A must be completed. Detailed information may be found on the following
website:
http://srd.alberta.ca/lands/formspublications/usingpublicland/pdf/Typical%20Rig%20Layouts%20text
%20and%20drawings%20Apr%2021-03.pdf
57
Appendix IV
Template for Powerline Hazard Assessment Plan
EFR Instructions for Powerline Hazard Assessment Plan (PHAP)
General Information
This assessment is applicable to all power lines within the province of Alberta. However, for
Environmental Field Report (EFR) approval, a Powerline Hazard Assessment Plan (PHAP) is only
required for submissions that fall within the Forest Protection Area (FPA). This also applies to
Vegetation Control Easements (VCE), but not to underground lines.
Please refer to the FIRE WEB site URL Not Created Yet (http://fireweb.env.gov.ab.ca/ and then
click on fire prevention link) for instructions on completing the PHAP. (This site is internal right now
and will be modified for external application). Assessing adjacent forest fuels can reduce
infrastructure losses, wildfire threat, liability, and overall operating costs.
The PHAP is intended to address the issues of Wildfires caused by power line contacts, and the threat
of infrastructure damage from an encroaching Wildfire. The Wildfire Threat Assessment (WTA)
model evaluates Fire behaviour potential, Ignition potential, values at risk, and suppression capability.
The model also has a seasonal component, which accounts for fire behaviour and ignition potential
changes in spring, summer, and fall. (See Appendix A for a description of the model and its
components.)
Date of onsite assessment: __________________
Project # _____________________________
Representative who conducted assessment(s): __________________________________________
Contact Phone #: (_________)______________________
Line Type:
Distribution
Transmission
Line Voltage:
Field Evaluation
Fill out the following tables to arrive at a final Wildfire Assessment Hazard Level. For more
information on the wildfire threat assessment model and associated maps, see Appendix A.
1. Overall Wildfire Threat Potential
Using ASRD’s Wildfire Threat Assessment Model:
• View the Wildfire Threat Potential maps and use them to compare Wildfire Threat – (1)
spring, (2) summer and (3) fall to determine the season when the Wildfire Threat is highest
for the RoW (?).
58
Wildfire Threat Potential
Agricultural Lands* (not present
in model layers)
Spring (April-May)
Summer (June – July)
Fall (September-October)
Highest ranking season
Comments: __________________________________________________________________
Using ASRD’s Wildfire Threat Assessment Model:
• View the Wildfire Threat Map for the season that displayed the highest wildfire threat from
1a. Using the map, estimate the percent of RoW that is represented by each category (low,
moderate, high, extreme) and multiply by the point value to get an average:
For example: 50 percent of the RoW is in moderate wildfire threat potential and 50 percent of the
RoW is in high wildfire threat potential.
(50X3/100) + (50X6/100) = (1.5 +3) = 4.5 Therefore the average = 4.5
Wildfire Threat Potential
Low < 27
Moderate 28-36
High 37-44
Very High 45-52
Extreme >53
Percent of ROW
50%
50%
Points
0
3
6
9
12
Average
1.5
3
Total Points: 4.5
Comments: ______________________________________________________________
2. Fire Behavior Potential
Using ASRD’s Wildfire Threat Assessment Model:
• View the Head Fire Intensity (HFI) maps and use them to compare Head Fire Intensity – (1)
spring, (2) -summer and (3) –fall, to determine the season when the Head Fire Intensity is
highest for the RoW. The season may be the same as in 1a.
Wildfire Threat Potential
Agricultural Lands* (not present
in model layers)
Spring (April-May)
Summer (June – July)
Fall (September-October)
Highest ranking season
Comments: _______________________________________________________________
59
Using ASRD’s Wildfire Threat Assessment Model:
• View the HFI map for the season that ranked highest in 2a. Using the map, estimate the
percent of RoW that is represented by each category (low, moderate, high, extreme) and
multiply by the point value to get an average.
Head Fire Intensity
Low – Non Fuel
Moderate – Rank 1 &2
High – Rank 3
Very High – Rank 4
Extreme – Rank 5 & 6
Percent of ROW
Points
0
3
6
9
12
Average
Total Points:
Comments: ________________________________________________________________
Forest Fuel Types
• State the forest fuel types present along the proposed route, along with the estimated
percentage of RoW edge they represent. List the largest first and work down.
Description
1.
2.
3.
4.
~%
Comments: __________________________________________________________________
3. Ignition Potential
The potential for power lines to cause a wildfire depends on (1) the potential for trees to come
in contact with the conductors and cause an electrical arc; (2) the potential for Fuses to pop and
hot pieces of wire to fall into dry fine fuels and cause an ignition; and (3) the potential for
broken power line wires coming in contact with dry fine fuels on the ground.
Using your judgment:
• State the number of hazard trees per 100 meters of ROW to assess conductors within
the falling arch of trees on both sides of the ROW. A hazard tree can be defined as
either live or dead, having with or without defect singly or combined, and which is
located where it has the potential to make contact with any energized electrical
conductor. Estimate the percent of ROW that is represented by each category (low,
moderate, high, extreme) and multiply by the point value to get an average.
Hazard Trees /100m
Low < 3
Moderate 4 - 10
High 11 - 20
Extreme > 20
Percent of RoW
Points
0
3
6
9
Average
Total Points:
Comments: _________________________________________________________________
60
Windfall
• This addresses the average amount of windfall present in adjacent timber, which can be an
indicator of wind-firmness and blow-down potential (amount of standing timber that has
fallen down). Assess both present windfall as well as susceptible timber along RoW.
0-10%
11-25%
25-50%
>50%
Located in standing burnt timber
% ________
% ________
% ________
% ________
% ________
Comments: ___________________________________________________________
This section recognizes the effects of prevailing winds, slope and access on adjacent timber.
• Location relative to prevailing winds:
This is not an issue if the proposed easement is located between two existing RoWs.
Located between two existing RoWs
% ________
Favorable Side (East/South)
% ________
Unfavorable Side (West/North)
% ________
Cross-country
% ________
Other
% ________
Comments: ________________________________________________________
•
Slope of adjacent timber:
Sloping away
% ________
Flat/Level
% ________
1-5% Towards
% ________
6-20 % Towards
% ________
>20% Towards
% ________
Comments: _____________________________________________________
Individual Hazard Trees:
•
Is there active beaver flooding adjacent to or on the proposed disposition that will influence
trees coming into contact with the power line?
Yes
% ________
No
•
Is there significant insect or disease present in timber adjacent to or on the proposed
disposition that will influence trees coming into contact with the power line?
Yes
% ________
No
61
4. Provincial Values at Risk
Using ASRD’s Wildfire Threat Assessment Model
• View the “Values at Risk” map to estimate the percent of RoW that is represented by each
category (low, moderate, high, very high, extreme) and multiply by the point value to get an
average.
Values at Risk
Low – 0
Moderate – 25
High – 50
Very High – 75
Extreme – 100
Percent of RoW
Points
0
3
6
9
12
Average
Total Points:
Provide a general description of values that would be threatened if a forest fire started from the
proposed power line._________________________
Comments:____________________________________________________________
A FireSmart Community Zone is defined as an approximate 10-kilometre radius that extends from
a city, town, village, hamlet or subdivision boundary, including boundaries within Indian reserves
and Metis land. The community can be as small as 8 dwellings per ¼ section of land.
(This info will be loaded onto the website as a new layer)
•
The ROW is within a FireSmart Community Zone
No
Yes Name:___________________________________________
Comments:_______________________________________________________________
5. Suppression Capability
Using ASRD’s Wildfire Threat Assessment Model
• View the “Suppression Capability” map to estimate the percent of RoW that is represented
by each category (low, moderate, high, extreme) and multiply by the point value to get an
average.
Suppression Capability
Low <15 (best capability)
Moderate 16-30
High 31-60
Extreme > 61(least capability)
Percent of
ROW
Points
Average
0
3
6
9
Total Points:
Comments: ____________________________________________________________
62
Access:
Adjacent to all-weather road
Adjacent to seasonal road
Adjacent to another ROW
Cross-country
% ________
% ________
% ________
% ________
Comments: _______________________________________________________________
Suppression access for cross-country lines
Not Applicable
Vehicular access to any location
Nodwell only to some or all locations
Some Nodwell access, but inaccessible
In-accessible by any heavy equipment
to some or all locations
% ________
% ________
% ________
% ________
6. Engineering Modifiers:
Using your knowledge:
• Identify the type of line that is to be utilized for the RoW
Type of Line
Underground Conductor
Insulated/Wrapped Conductor
Un-insulated Conductor
Points
-80
-30
0
Total Points:
Comments: _______________________________________________________________
Using your knowledge:
• Identify structures utilized on the RoW
Other Equipment
None flammable poles
60’ poles
50’ poles
40’ poles
30’ poles
Points
-40
-40
-25
-10
0
Total Points:
Comments: _________________________________________________________________
63
7.
Total Wildfire Hazard Assessment Points:
Point Range
<5
5-14
15-25
26-39
>39
Wildfire Hazard Assessment Level
No Hazard
Low Hazard
Moderate Hazard
High Hazard
Extreme Hazard
8. Based on your wildfire hazard assessment level ranking above, consider the following hazard
and reduction strategies in support of the PHAP:
Wildfire Hazard Assessment Level
No Hazard: There is no serious wildfire hazard. Hazard trees should still be evaluated and
removed during construction.
Low:
The wildfire hazard is relatively low. Unless a specific stand represents
an immediate threat, any hazardous stands that will be relatively stable for at
least 10-15 years should be left to be addressed during subsequent integrated
harvest operations. The on-site assessor can make these determinations. Bare in
mind that all lines are evaluated for hazard trees on a minimum 5-year cycle.
Hazard trees should also be evaluated and removed.
Moderate:
Moderate wildfire hazard is present. The hazardous areas representing very
serious or imminent danger should be tree-freed during construction. Additional
clearing should be applied to conduct the necessary tree freeing. Other
hazardous areas that will be relatively stable for at least 10-15 years can be left
for future harvest integrated operations. The on-site assessor can make these
determinations. Note that all lines are evaluated for hazard trees on a minimum
5-year cycle. Hazard trees must also be evaluated for all areas not tree-freed.
High:
A high wildfire hazard is present. Some degree of Tree-Freeing should occur
with construction of this power line. The potential for a tree-contact and/or
ignition and spread is very high. Additional clearing should be applied to
conduct the necessary tree freeing. Any areas not tree-freed must be intensely
evaluated for Hazard Tree removal during construction.
Extreme:
The wildfire hazard is extreme. Tree-freeing the entire line must be seriously
considered, as well as possible alternate routes.
64
Criteria for Wildfire Hazard Reduction Strategies
Hazardous Stands
This identifies stands that represent a significant wildfire hazard should a tree to line contact or
some other form of ignition occur. The presence of stands meeting any of the following criteria
should prompt consideration for development of hazard reduction strategies.
Criteria For Stands That Should Be Considered For Tree-Free:
Criteria
1. Power line conductor within the falling arch of standing
hazard trees (See Section 3a and 5b)
2. Black Spruce is present. Density is not a factor
Is Criteria Met
Yes
No
Yes
No
3. Average stand age >100 years in conifers or > 70 years in
deciduous
Yes
No
4. Head Fire Intensity is rated high or extreme
(See Section 2b.)
5. Significant windfall present in stand of trees adjacent to
RoW (amount of standing timber that has fallen down on
forest floor) > 25%
6. Powerline RoW less than 10 meters (See Section 5b.)
7. Significant Values at risk within 2 km of RoW (See Section
4a) (Life and Community values)
8. Powerline RoW within Community Zone (See Section 4a)
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
9. Wildfire threat potential is rated as high, very high or
extreme (See Section 1b)
Yes
No
Comments: _______________________________________________________________________
65
Appendix V
Glossary Of Acronyms
ANHIC – Alberta National Heritage Information Centre
CFHRD – Cultural Facilities and Historical Resources Division
CNT – Consultative Notation
COSEWIC – Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
CPP – Caribou Protection Plan
CTL – Coniferous Timber License
CTP – Coniferous Timber Permit
DRS – Disposition Reservation
DTA – Deciduous Timber Allotment
DTL – Deciduous Timber License
DTP – Deciduous Timber Permit
DTSB – Dispositions and Technical Services Branch
EFR – Environmental Field Report
FMA – Forest Management Agreement Area
FMU – Forest Management Unit
FW – Fish and Wildlife
FWD – Fish and Wildlife Division
GPS – Global Positioning System
HRA – Historical Resources Act
HRV – Historical Resources Value
ISP – Industrial Sample Plot
LSAS – Land Status Automated System
LSD – Legal Subdivision
LTP – Local Timber Permit
PGR – Provincial Grazing Reserve
PNT – Protective Notation
PPP – Permafrost Protection Plan
PSP – Permanent Sample Plot
RIA – Range Improvement Agreement
66
RSP – Research Sample Plot
SRD – Sustainable Resource Development
67