Public Notification Requirements in Saskatchewan

Overview

Saskatchewan public notification requirements are an important part of many oil and gas regulatory applications. Notification helps ensure that affected parties have an opportunity to review and respond to proposed activities before an application proceeds.

This guide summarizes the general public notification process referenced in Saskatchewan Directive PNG009 and highlights the key steps operators should understand before beginning notification.

Regulatory Context

The notification requirements are based on the Oil and Gas Conservation Act and The Oil and Gas Conservation Regulations, 2012, Part II. Operators should confirm the current public application requirements on the Saskatchewan government website and review Directive PNG009: Public Notice Requirements before starting the process.

Directive PNG009 identifies the notification requirements for different types of applications and the applicable surrounding area requirements. Depending on the application, notification may be required to mineral lessees, mineral lessors, operators, well licensees, or other parties surrounding the application area.

Determining Who to Notify

Before notification begins, the operator must determine who is required to receive notice. This depends on the type of application, the lands involved, and the surrounding area requirements in the directive. Once the affected parties are identified, the operator can either begin the public notification process or seek consent in lieu of notification where appropriate.

Directive PNG009 includes example notification and consent materials. Operators should use the current forms and examples to ensure the notice is complete and valid.

Consent in Lieu

If an operator chooses to obtain consents instead of completing the full public notification period, the consent records should be saved. If requested by the Saskatchewan Ministry, the operator must be able to provide the consents within the required timeframe. The training material notes a 48-hour response expectation if the Ministry requests the supporting consent information.

Public Notification Process

Where public notification is required, the operator should complete the public notification form with the appropriate application and contact information. Empty fillable forms are available through Publications Saskatchewan.

After the form is completed in accordance with Directive PNG009, it is submitted by email to the Saskatchewan public notice submission address. Public notices are generally updated weekly. The training material indicates that forms should be submitted by the preceding Wednesday to be posted by Friday, with the 21-day notification period beginning on the Friday of posting.

The operator must also send the public notice form to the required offset parties, excluding the Crown. These notices must be sent by registered mail or another signature-confirmation delivery method. For undisposed Crown land, an electronic copy of the notice must be provided to the appropriate government email address with supporting documentation.

Validity and Re-Notification

A public notice remains valid for one year after completion unless otherwise approved. If the applicant becomes aware that offsetting parties have changed, and that change would affect the impacted parties, the operator may be required to re-conduct the public notice process before submitting an application.

Need Assistance?

Benoit Regulatory supports operators with Saskatchewan notification requirements, application preparation, public notice coordination, and regulatory submissions. If you need assistance determining notification requirements or preparing public notice materials, our team can help.