From the Archive:
Regulatory Intelligence
Can an oil well use a temporary flaring permit for a long economic production test?
Category:
Flaring and Venting
Research Basis
Archive Period
1999-2025
Records Reviewed
33
Primary Topics
well testing; cleanup; stabilized flow; Section 3; oil wells; production flaring
Current Reference
AER Directive 060; AER Directive 040
Common Question
Can an oil well use a temporary flaring permit for a long economic production test?
Archive Findings
Historical records indicate that flaring should last only long enough to reach cleanup or stabilized flow, then the operator must move to the solution gas conservation path.
Engineering Insight
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Separate test objectives from production objectives. If the purpose is deliverability, keep the request tied to cleanup, stabilized flow, test duration, and minimum flare volume. If the purpose is production, use the conservation economics path.
Current Guidance
Current Directive 060 covers duration limits for well-test flaring and the solution gas management requirements that apply after testing. Directive 040 supports pressure and deliverability testing expectations.
Related Regulatory Insights
Historical newsletter insights that reference the same directive, manual, rule or regulatory requirement.
Oct 1, 2025
AERH2S Model Released and Directive 040 Testing Reminder
This issue covers the release of the AERH2S model, site-specific risk assessment guidance, and recurring Directive 040 pressure-testing and packer isolation testing reminders. It connects H2S modelling, well testing, and compliance deadlines that operators should track before submitting or updating well-licensing materials.
Aug 1, 2025
Directive 040 Testing Reminder and 2025 Directive Updates
This issue combines Directive 040 pressure-testing reminders with updates to Directives 059, 008, 087, and 011, the 2026 closure spend requirement, Alberta Capital Cost Index information, P&NG term extensions, and BC pipeline environmental items. It is a strong compliance-monitoring resource for operators planning annual obligations.
Oct 1, 2024
Directive 040 Testing Reminder and 2024 AER Directive Feedback
This newsletter provides annual Directive 040 and packer isolation testing reminders, well-testing content, and feedback-related updates for Directives 060, 071, and 020. It is a practical compliance article for operators managing recurring testing obligations and regulator feedback cycles.
May 1, 2025
Benoit+ WellFile and Key 2025 Directive Updates
This issue introduces Benoit+ WellFile and summarizes regulatory updates involving Directive 040, Directive 060, Directive 039, Directive 020, pilot-technology guidance, shallow-rights reversion, Saskatchewan orphan matters, and BC EIMS items.
