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Is well classification determined solely by gas-oil ratio (GOR)?

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Can historical well classifications be evaluated using today's rules?

What is one of the most common misconceptions about well classification?

How to Suspend a Well in OneStop

Compliance

Mar 31, 2022

Overview

Suspending a well in AER OneStop is a regulatory reporting process used when a well becomes inactive and the licensee must complete the initial suspension requirements. Suspension is not only an operational status change. It is a compliance process that requires the licensee to determine the applicable suspension class, complete required field work, and report the suspension through OneStop.

This guide summarizes the OneStop workflow for submitting an initial well suspension and highlights the information operators should confirm before starting.

When This Process Applies

Directive 013 requires licensees to complete the initial suspension and reporting requirements for inactive wells within 12 months from the Directive 013 inactive status date. The inactive status date is calculated based on the definition of an inactive well. If the well has never produced or has no volumetric activity reported on Petrinex, the final drill date is used as a status date.

Operators should confirm the inactive date and suspension requirements before submitting the suspension in OneStop.

Risk-Based Suspension Requirements

Inactive wells are divided into three risk categories: low, medium, and high. The applicable category determines the suspension requirements that must be met. Operators should review Directive 013 to determine which category applies to the well and what field work, testing, or documentation is required before reporting the suspension.

OneStop Navigation

To begin, log into OneStop and accept the required agreement. From the top-left Operate menu, select Reporting, then Well Suspension, then Initial Suspension. Use the search function to locate the correct well licence number and select the licence intended for suspension.

Before moving forward, confirm that the selected well is correct. Selecting the wrong licence can create incorrect reporting and unnecessary follow-up.

Required Information

After selecting the well, enter the required contact information. The next screen will display the well licence suspension information. Fields shown in the training material include suspension date, suspension class, well operational type, downhole operation, inhibitor program, routine suspension, gas over bitumen well, H2S content, and CO2 content.

The information entered should reflect the actual well condition and the suspension work completed. If a field does not align with the well file or field records, confirm the correct value before submitting.

Validation and Submission

Once the required information is entered, validate the submission. Validation helps identify missing or inconsistent information before the suspension is filed. Correct any validation issues, save the application, and submit it through OneStop.

Key Considerations

Operators should keep records supporting the suspension, including field work, testing, dates, and any relevant well status information. Common issues include incorrect licence selection, incorrect inactive dates, incomplete contact information, or selecting the wrong suspension class.

Need Assistance?

Benoit Regulatory supports operators with well suspension reporting, Directive 013 compliance, OneStop submissions, and well licence status management. If you need help preparing or reviewing a suspension submission, our team can assist.

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