Enhanced Approval Process Manual (EAP) - alberta.ca · 2016-03-21 · September 1, 2010 First release of the manual without the appendices. October 27, 2010 • Added appendices

Enhanced Approval Process (EAP) Manual

April 1, 2013

ESRD Enhanced Approval Process Manual

April 1, 2013 ESRD EAP Manual © 2013 Government of Alberta

ii

Revision History

Version Date Description

September 1, 2010 First release of the manual without the appendices.

October 27, 2010 • Added appendices.

• Included more information in table of contents contains for quick referencing.

• List of related documents added.

• First Nations Consultation information updated.

• Enhanced explanation of Standard and non-standard.

TFA detail added.

May 30, 2011 • Updated form names in List of Forms section.

• Added revision history table.

• Added Standard Operating Procedures and links to the documents.

• Changed names of IS&G documents to exclude reference to upstream oil and gas.

• Section 1

o Added Section 1.1 – Introduction.

o Added table to clarify scope of the EAP in Section 1.3.

o Added Section 1.6 – Using This Manual.

• Section 2 – Revised for clarity.

o Added reference to the Applicant Appeal Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).


• Section 4

o Revised Section 4 to provide clarity and additional information on the LAT and LAT reports.

o Updated Figure 5 to show that

o LAT reports include all applicable provincial and sensitivity section approval standards and operating conditions, and

o The disposition document goes up to schedule E only.



o Added Section 6.1 – Associated Dispositions, outlining the applicant’s responsibility to manage disposition applications.

• Section 7

o Included additional information around application preparation.

o Added Section 7.1 – Data Integrity, identifying why clients can not apply for sites with access under a combined disposition.

o Added Section 7.2 – Plan Information.

o Included additional information in Section 7.3 around planning for temporary incidental activities.


o Described the non-standard application processing process.

o Added reference to the Field Referral of Interim Submission SOP



iii

Version Date Description


o Review of Interim Submissions SOP; Field Referral for Interim Submissions SOP.


o Added reference to the Applicant Appeal SOP.

• Section 11 – Updated references to the Temporary Field Authorization Guideline

• Section 12 – Revised to reflect site entry notification requirements.

• Section 13

o Added to provide details on disposition cancellations and expiries.

o Referenced the Disposition Cancellation and Expiries SOP.



o Added references to technical and administration processing SOPs.

• Section 16 – Added information about making changes to long term dispositions.

• Section 17 – Updated

• Section 18 – Added details for PCS, LAT, and EDS.

• Section 19 – Updated the continuous improvement process.

o Updated the Glossary.

o Update appendices. Specific process flow charts have been incorporated into Standard Operating Procedures.

June 20, 2011 • Section 7

o Clarified section 7.3 to outline the requirements for incidental activities identified on an application plan that may be approved under a Short Term Disposition

• Section 14

o Provided more detailed information in section 14.2 around final submission requirements including the attachment of new LAT Reports and Application Supplements

Dec 1, 2012 Major revisions throughout document. Consolidation and integration of policy changes since June 2011, including simplified process map.

April 1, 2013 • Section 2.1 - Updated to reflect the change in process for the clearance of reservations/notation

• Section 4.0 – Referenced requirement to contact reservation holder

• Glossary updated

Enhanced Approval Process Manual


iv

Table of Contents

Revision History ii

Table of Contents iv

List of Forms vi

List of Documents vii

1.0 Introduction and Context 1

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 Scope of the EAP 1

1.3 Impacts of the EAP 2

1.4 Integrated Land Management and How It Relates to the EAP 2

1.5 Using this Manual 3

Figure 1: EAP Flowchart 4

2.0 The Enhanced Approval Process Overview 5

2.1 The Planning Function 5

2.2 The Approval Function 5

2.3 EAP Disposition Monitoring 6

3.0 External Processes 7

3.1 External Industry Drivers 7

3.2 First Nations Consultation Procedures 7

3.3 Surface Rights Holder Consent Process 7

Figure 2: Disposition Overlap and Requirement for Amendment 8

4.0 Landscape Analysis Tool 9

4.1 LAT Layers 9

4.2 LAT Access 9

4.3 Using the LAT for Pre-Planning 9

4.4 Submitting the LAT Report 10

4.5 LAT User Guide 10

5.0 Integrated Standards and Guidelines 11

5.1 Pre-application Requirements Section 11

5.2 Provincial Features Section 11

5.3 Sensitivity Features Section 11

5.4 Desired Outcomes 11

5.5 Approval Standards 12

5.6 Operating Conditions 12

5.7 Best Management Guidelines 12

6.0 Standard/Non-standard Decision 13

6.1 Associated Dispositions 13

7.0 Application Submission Preparation 14

7.1 Data Integrity 14

7.2 Plan Information 14



v

7.3 Planning for Temporary Incidental Activities 14

8.0 Application Submission 15

8.1 Standard Application Submission 15

8.2 Non-standard Application Submission 15

8.3 Application Form Submission 16

8.4 Electronic Validation 16

9.0 Application Submission Processing 18

9.1 Technical Review 18

9.2 Administrative Review 18

9.3 Field Referral and Review 18

10.0 Applicant Appeal 19

11.0 Formal Dispositions Issued for New EAP Activities 20

11.1 Changes to a Formal Disposition 20

12.0 Notification of Site Entry 21

13.0 Disposition Cancellations and Expiries 22

14.0 Final Submission 23

14.1 Final Plan Requirements 23

14.2 Final Plan Electronic Validation 24

15.0 Final Submission Processing 25

15.1 Technical and Administrative Reviews 25

16.0 Formal Disposition with Extended Term 26

16.1 Changes to a Formal Disposition with an Extended Term 26

16.2 Cancellation 26

17.0 The Compliance Assurance Program 27

17.1 Compliance Assistance 27

17.2 Compliance Incentives 27

17.3 Compliance Monitoring 27

17.4 Enforcement 27

18.0 System Access Information for the EAP 28

18.1 Plan Confirmation Service (PCS) 28

18.2 Landscape Analysis Tool (LAT) 28

18.3 Electronic Disposition System (EDS) 28

19.0 Continuous Improvement 29

20.0 EAP Contacts 30

Appendix 1: Glossary of Terms 31



vi

List of Forms

The forms referenced in this manual are available on the ESRD website. To access the forms, search “Forms Title”

at srd.alberta.ca:

Alberta Land Surveyors Statutory Declaration

GPS Location Plan Statutory Declaration

Application Supplement – Access

Application Supplement – Pipeline

Application Supplement – Sites and Installations

Non-Standard Mitigation Supplement

Consent of Occupant - Form B for Mineral Surface Leases

Consent of Occupant - Form C for Pipeline Agreements



vii

List of Documents

To access the First Nations consultation related documents referenced in this manual, search one of the following

document titles at aboriginal.alberta.ca.

Alberta’s First Nations Consultation Guidelines on Land Management and Resource Development.

The Government of Alberta’s First Nations Consultation Policy on Land Management and Resource

Development

To access the EAP documents referenced in this manual, search one of the following document titles at

srd.alberta.ca.

• Access to Industry Online Services

• Administrative Review of EAP Formal Disposition Application Submissions Standard Operating

Procedure L16.0

• Application Access and Navigation User Manual

• Disposition Cancellations and Expiries Standard Operating Procedure L6.0

• Field Referral of Non-standard Application Submissions Standard Operating Procedure L3.0

• Integrated Standards and Guidelines for the Enhanced Approval Process

• Landscape Analysis Tool User Guide

• Plan Information

• Site Entry User Manual

• Technical Review of EAP Formal Disposition Application Submissions Standard Operating Procedure

L7.0

• Temporary Field Authorization Guidelines

http://www.aboriginal.alberta.ca/

http://www.srd.alberta.ca/


April 1, 2013 ESRD EAP Manual

© 2013 Government of Alberta

1.0 Introduction and Context

1.1 Introduction

Prudent development of natural resources is a complex endeavour. Public expectations for a high degree of

environmental stewardship must be balanced with the competitiveness of industries that contribute directly to

the quality of life Albertans enjoy. The Enhanced Approval Process (EAP) is the process used by certain

clients of Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD) to make surface land use applications

to ESRD. The EAP incorporates processes, procedures, policies, and information technology (IT) systems and

tools to create a streamlined, efficient and effective approval process that enables and supports

competitiveness and sustainable resource development. The EAP is the first step in a long-term commitment

on behalf of government and industry to work together with real and shared accountability for delivering

sustainable, long-term environmental outcomes.

1.2 Scope of the EAP

The scope of the EAP allows Mineral Surface Lease (MSL), Licence of Occupation (LOC - access), Pipeline

Agreement (PLA) and Pipeline Installation (PIL) disposition applications for oil and gas developments on

public land. Disposition applications for the following oil and gas developments on public land are

specifically in scope:

conventional oil and gas developments

un-conventional gas developments (including tight gas, shale gas, and liquids rich gas, coal bed

methane),

in situ cold flow (defined as primary production wells that produce crude bitumen that will flow to a

well without thermal energy)

All disposition types and developments not specifically identified above are excluded and out of scope of

EAP, including:

thermal in situ oil sands operations,

oil sands mines,

coal mines,

un-conventional oil developments (e.g., shale),

regulated pipelines, and

all non-oil and gas developments such as but not limited to forestry roads, sand and gravel operations,

seismic exploration programs, and easements.

Out of scope activity types must continue to use other approval/application processes in place for the activity

(e.g., Environmental Field Report; Geophysical Field Report).

Lands under the jurisdiction of other agencies and ministries are not a part of the Landscape Analysis Tool

(LAT) because the EAP framework cannot guarantee all jurisdictional and stakeholder requirements will be

followed. As such, a LAT report cannot be generated for the following land types:

Canadian Forces bases (with exceptions,

see below)

Ecological Reserves

Heritage Rangelands

Metis Settlements

National Parks

Natural Areas

Private lands

Provincial Parks

Provincial Recreation Areas

Special Areas

Treaty First Nations Lands

Wilderness Areas

Wildland Provincial Parks

Willmore Wilderness Park

ESRD does not administer or approve land use in Wildland Parks, Wilmore Wilderness Area, Provincial

Parks, Provincial Recreation Areas, Special Areas, National Parks, Treaty First Nations Lands, Metis

Settlements or Canadian Forces bases (see exceptions below) because they are under the jurisdiction of other

agencies or Ministries. Neither EAP or EFR applications for activity on these land types will be accepted by

ESRD.

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ESRD does administer land use on the Cold Lake and Wainwright Air Weapons Range; however activities on

these lands will not generate a LAT Report. To ensure that land use requirements agreed to with the

Department of National Defence (Canada) are adhered to, the EFR process must be used. Until such time the

EAP has been revised to address this risk, all activities on the Canadian Forces bases, including Cold Lake and

Wainwright Air Weapons Ranges, is excluded from the EAP and the LAT.

ESRD does administer land use on Natural Areas, Wilderness Areas, Ecological Reserves and Heritage

Rangeland types of parks; however activities on these lands will not generate a LAT Report. To ensure land

use requirements agreed to with the Department of Tourism, Parks and Recreation are adhered to, the EFR

process must be used. For these types of parks, the lands are excluded from the EAP and the LAT.

The EAP indirectly addresses the requirements of other provincial legislation, such as the Water Act and Water

(Ministerial) Regulations, the Alberta Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and its regulations, and

federal legislation such as the Fisheries Act and the Species at Risk Act. However, applicants are responsible

for ensuring that they are in compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements of other Alberta

government ministries, the federal government, and municipal acts and regulations.

All licenses, authorizations and approvals issued by ESRD under the Public Lands Act, should not be taken to

mean the proponent (applicant) has complied with other provincial statues, municipal or federal legislation.

1.3 Impacts of the EAP

The EAP enables industry and ESRD to work from a common information base that supports improved

planning and operations. ESRD’s expectation for managing and mitigating risks to landscape sensitivities is

available and known, allowing industry to identify and develop strategies to address site specific sensitivities,

and understanding the outcomes to which they are being measured.

The EAP streamlines application submissions and approvals by providing:

integrated standards and guidelines,

access to information required for project proposals,

well defined submission requirements,

clear decision points, and

targeted timelines for submission processing.

The processing timelines and process flows identified for the EAP (e.g., upfront consent requirements, ability

to appeal a rejected application) are compliant with the Public Lands Administration Regulation (PLAR).

1.4 Integrated Land Management and How It Relates to the EAP

The EAP supports Integrated Land Management (ILM) as a strategic, planned approach for use of the land and

resources. The EAP incorporates key principles of ILM by ensuring that social and environmental values are

considered when managing industrial footprint and by ensuring that stewardship efforts are supported.

The ILM approach has been integrated into many aspects of the EAP including:

Recognition of access management planning: Identification of joint access needs in an area by

multiple land user groups contributes to alignment of corridors and reduction of overall footprint.

Provincial approval standards and operating conditions: The approval standards and operating

conditions recognize that Integrated Land Management Plans may be built with exceptions to the road

access standards due to the more comprehensive nature of planning required for these plans. The

established approval standards also require applicants to maximize opportunities for integration and

minimize their footprint.

Development of the Landscape Analysis Tool (LAT): The landscape sensitivity report from the LAT

provides applicants with the information necessary to reduce the footprint and minimize the impact of

activities on the landscape.

For additional information on ILM, search “Integrated Land Management” at srd.alberta.ca.

Page 2 of 35

http://srd.alberta.ca/Default.aspx




1.5 Using this Manual

This manual describes each component of the EAP in a linear fashion as depicted in the EAP Flowchart in

Figure 1. The main functions of the process are described at a high level in Section 2. Detailed information on

each function is provided in Sections 3 to 17. System access information is provided in Section 18, followed

by continuous improvement opportunities (Section 19), and additional reference information (Section 20,

Glossary).

Each component of this document should be read in its entirety, along with referenced supporting

documentation and the EAP online training module provided on the EAP website. The EAP website can be

found by clicking on the EAP link at srd.alberta.ca

Page 3 of 35





Figure 1: EAP Flowchart

Expiry/Cancellation

External

Industry

Drivers

Integrated Standards and

Guidelines (IS&G)Pre-application Requirements

Approval Standards

Operating Conditions

Best Management Guidelines

Application

Submission

Application

Submission

No

Non-standard

Formal Disposition

(4 years)Notification

of Site Entry

Standards Met

by Proponent?

Accepted

Formal

Disposition

(Longer Term)

Invalid

Electronic

Validation

Yes

Standard

No

Non-standard Mitigation

Supplement Accepted

First Nations Consultation Process

Surface Rights Holder Consent Process

Landscape

Analysis Tool

(LAT)

Construction/

Resource

Development

Appeal

Accepted

Rejected

Disposition

Required for long

term?

Field Referral

Technical/Admin

Review

Non-standard Application:

Accepted

Standard Application: Accepted

Appeal

Rejected

Non-standard Mitigation Supplement Rejected

Standard or Non-standard: Rejected

Yes

Appeal Process

Application

Refused

Application

Refused

Technical/Admin

Review

Monitoring Function

Legend

External Drivers

Planning Function

Approval Function

Monitoring Function

Separate Function

Process

Document

Data Input/Output

Decision

Preparation

Predefined Process

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2.0 The Enhanced Approval Process Overview

This section provides an overview of the EAP using the EAP Flowchart (Figure 1) as a point of reference.

2.1 The Planning Function

The key features of the planning function are described below. Detailed information on these features is

provided later in this document.

Applicants consider external drivers to determine the level of risk involved in proceeding with a project.

Applicants may discuss their proposed activities with ESRD field staff.

Applicants must utilize the Landscape Analysis Tool (LAT) to plan their activities and generate a report

that identifies site sensitivities and the associated approval standards and operating conditions for the

proposed project.

Applicants must obtain an up to date “detailed” Land Standing report to identify consent requirements,

and land reservation and notation requirements relating to a proposed project. Applicants must contact

the holder of all reservation/notations and provide a package of information on the proposed activity to

ensure the proposed activity is permitted and impacts are mitigated. Applicants will document this

communication in the appropriate EAP Supplement.

Applicants must meet First Nations Consultation requirements where applicable and obtain consent

from prior surface rights holders before making application for a short term disposition to ESRD.

Applicants can access all approval standards, operating conditions, pre-application requirements and

information, and best management guidelines on the ESRD website by searching “Integrated Standards

and Guidelines” at srd.alberta.ca.

Applicants may choose not to meet one or more approval standards. The applicant will decide which

approval processing stream to take (e.g., standard or non-standard) based on their ability to meet

approval standards as detailed in the LAT Report for the proposed project.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements of other

Alberta government ministries, the federal government, and municipal acts and regulations.

2.2 The Approval Function

The key features of the approval function are listed below. This phase begins when ESRD receives a

submission for a new standard or non-standard disposition application. More detailed information on these

features is provided later in this document.

All submitted applications undergo electronic validation to ensure completeness.

If the submitted application is valid, it proceeds through technical and administrative reviews.

If the submitted application is made with technical or administrative errors, the application will be

cancelled and the applicant will be notified via email as soon as cancellation occurs.

If deemed acceptable through the technical and administrative reviews, and a standard application was

submitted, the submission will be approved and the applicant will receive a formal disposition with a

short term tenure of four (4) years.

If the submitted application is non-standard and is deemed acceptable through the technical and

administrative reviews, the application will undergo a field referral.

The field will review the mitigation strategies proposed on the Non-standard Mitigation Supplement for

the non-standard submission application. A formal disposition with a short term tenure of four (4) years

will be issued once the field recommends approval of the mitigation strategies.

If the mitigation strategies of the submitted non-standard application are not suitable or can not be

agreed upon between the applicant and ESRD, the application is rejected.

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The applicant may choose to appeal the decision following the appeal process under the Public Land

Administration Regulation.

Prior to the end of the four (4) year term a final plan application submission can be made. A final plan

submission that is deemed acceptable through the technical and administrative reviews and compliant

with legislative requirements will be approved, and the applicant will receive a formal disposition for a

longer term.

2.3 EAP Disposition Monitoring

The key features of the monitoring function are listed below. This phase begins when ESRD issues a formal

disposition. More detailed information regarding the entire compliance assurance program is provided later in

this document.

Inspections of dispositions can occur at any time once site entry notification has been submitted to

ESRD. Information in support of the submitted application (e.g. regulated industry standards) may be

requested during an inspection.

All components of the formal disposition are subject to inspection. The disposition holder must read and

understand the obligations committed to under the disposition.

All non-compliance discovered through monitoring activities will be followed up and may result in the

use of a range of tools available through the compliance assurance program, including enforcement

action, prevention and education.

Site entry and final plan submission must occur before the end of the four (4) year term of the formal

disposition, or the formal disposition will be cancelled upon expiry.

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3.0 External Processes

3.1 External Industry Drivers

There are certain factors that influence industry project plans that are addressed prior to entering the EAP.

Examples of external factors include sub-surface rights, market drivers, business decisions, safety and

engineering standards, new technology and additional provincial and federal legislation and regulation.

Once industry decides to apply for a disposition through the EAP, upfront planning is essential and required as

detailed here.

3.2 First Nations Consultation Procedures

First Nations Consultation must follow existing Government direction identified in Alberta’s First Nations

Consultation Guidelines on Land Management and Resource Development, and The Government of Alberta’s

First Nations Consultation Policy on Land Management and Resource Development. These documents provide

direction on how to execute the consultation process as defined by case law. To access these documents,

search the titles as aboriginal.alberta.ca.

Completion of First Nations consultation is required prior to submitting an application. If consultation is not

complete a submission can not be made through the EAP.

When making application for EAP after September 7, 2012, the applicant will no longer be required to attach a

document (e.g., Record of Decision; Pre-consultation Assessment Request) to the application. Rather, the

applicant can enter the First Nations Consultation (FNC) number attached to that activity or case file as

follows:

For consultations started before September 7, 2012, the consultation number (e.g., FTH20109999) can be

entered in the space on the EAP submission application. Validation of the number will occur through EDS,

and a hands-on file review will occur to ensure that either a Pre-consultation Assessment form (indicating

no consultation was required), or a Letter of Adequacy is on record.

For consultations started after September 7, 2012, the applicant can apply by identifying the First Nations

consultation activity number (e.g., FNC20129999) on the application. The EDS will perform validation

that will assess whether the FNC number is valid and that there is a decision on record. If an adequacy

decision is not on record, or an FNC number is invalid, the applicant will receive an error message.

Information on the First Nations consultation process for public land, and the EDS application process can be

found by searching “First Nations consultation lands” at srd.alberta.ca

3.3 Surface Rights Holder Consent Process

Prior to making an application, the applicant must obtain consent from other occupants. It is the applicant’s

responsibility to ensure that all required consents have been managed appropriately. To determine if public land

is occupied applicants can:

Contact Crown Land Searches at: (780) 422-1395, or Fax: (780) 422-9522 and request a Land Standing

report for the proposed project lands, or

Access Alberta Energy’s Electronic Transfer System (ETS) to generate a Land Standing report.

The Land Standing report will assist the applicant in determining overlap or double coverage of the proposed

location with existing dispositions and rights holders. If consent is required, the consent document must be

attached to the online interim submission. ESRD does not require the crossing agreements.

When obtaining consent from Forest Management Agreement (FMA) holders, the applicant must use a valid

LAT report number to track the consent. This LAT report number must be included in the consent

documentation and must match the LAT report used in the interim submission. FMA holders need this LAT

number to track dispositions in their area, plan for operations and integration where applicable.

Applicants who require consent from grazing lease holders must use:

Consent of Occupant - Form B for Mineral Surface Leases, and

Consent of Occupant - Form C for Pipeline Agreements.

Page 7 of 35


http://www.energy.alberta.ca/Ourbusiness/1076.asp




These forms can be found by searching “Lands Forms” and looking under Oil & Gas Conventional or search the

form titles at srd.alberta.ca.

Figure 2 can be used to determine whether double coverage is acceptable or if the existing disposition requires

amendment. For assistance with the process and all possible overlap situations, call the Lands Division

Reception at (780) 427-3570 to be forwarded accordingly.

Figure 2: Disposition Overlap and Requirement for Amendment

Type of Overlap Action Required Amendment Required

Lease over lease

(ex. MSL over MSL)

Leases cannot overlap. If a specific area of land

is needed for development, the applicant must

negotiate with the existing lease holder. The

lease holder must submit an amendment to

delete the portion of land desired, or cancel the

lease. The amendment or cancellation must be

filed prior to EAP submission. If the new

application is received and the amendment or

cancellation is not in process, the new

application will be rejected as a double

coverage.

Yes, if the purpose of the

existing and proposed activity

are the same

No, if the proposed disposition

is for a permit, licence,

agreement or easement

Any disposition over

an agricultural or

timber disposition

Prior rights holder consent required Sometimes, contact

[email protected] for

further information

Agreement (PLA) or

Licence (LOC) over

existing

Consent required from existing disposition

holder

Sometimes, contact

[email protected] for

further information

Linear disposition

crossing a linear

disposition

(PLA, LOC)

Crossing agreement between companies needed;

ESRD doesn’t require a copy

No

Page 8 of 35





4.0 Landscape Analysis Tool

The Landscape Analysis Tool (LAT) is a web enabled geo-spatial mapping tool that illustrates base and sensitive

landscape features associated with a land location considered for development. The LAT is designed to:

Provide users with the ability to view and map their proposed projects, and general LAT reports on their

projects.

Identify landscape sensitivities and base features associated with the proposed project.

Link approval standards and operating conditions to base and sensitive landscape features.

Assist the applicant in making the decision to submit a standard or non-standard application.

Produce a report that can be uploaded through the EDS as part of an application.

Be used as a risk management tool. Site sensitivities are identified for industry users to focus their planning

and operational efforts.

LAT reports only identify certain ESRD requirements. Applicants must ensure other regulatory requirements are

met and that they contact the holder of all reservations and notations to ensure the proposed activity is permitted.

LAT reports can not be run on lands that are out of scope of EAP as described in the scope section of this

document.

4.1 LAT Layers

There are approximately eighty (80) data layers in the LAT that provide information on soil, vegetation,

municipal and other business boundaries, parks, road and utility corridors, topography, hydrology and wildlife.

The data layers assist users in determining the appropriate placement and orientation of a proposed project.

Base features in the LAT provide information on other resource users (e.g., Forest Management Agreements;

municipalities) and landscape values to be addressed (e.g., vegetation, soil, water bodies). Sensitivity features

are identified specifically where they exist on the landscape. These features have operational requirements that

need to be implemented or addressed to meet desired outcomes related to the specific sensitivity feature.

Sensitivity layers in the LAT include wildlife values (including species at risk), Grassland and Parkland

Natural Regions, among other layers. Due to issues with referencing legal breaks and boundaries of water

bodies and watercourses, the LAT does not specifically define these boundaries; therefore applicants should

carry out site visits to address and identify appropriate setbacks.

4.2 LAT Access

The LAT can be accessed electronically and confidentially through SecureXnet with a valid user identification

number and password. Users with an existing SecureXnet user identification number and password have

access to the LAT.

To obtain the access request form and instructions on obtaining a user ID for the LAT, the Electronic

Disposition System (EDS), and the Plan Confirmation Service (PCS) search “Access to Industry Online

Services” at srd.alberta.ca.

4.3 Using the LAT for Pre-Planning

Users are able to navigate through the LAT for their planning needs. The LAT provides users the ability create

a proposed project shapefile or upload a proposed project shapefile to determine the sensitivities and

conditions associated to a project location and/or activity. A LAT report can be generated at any time and as

often as desired to support decision making relative to proposed projects. A unique LAT report number is

generated with each LAT report. Generating a LAT report does not obligate the applicant to make a

submission to ESRD.

Once an applicant submits a request to generate a LAT report they may sign out of the system without losing

the report. When the system has generated the LAT report, the applicant will receive an e-mail notification and

a web link to the report, comma separated value file, and a shapefile for the proposed location and activity

being considered.

Page 9 of 35





LAT reports are maintained on the system for thirty (30) calendar days before being automatically removed by

the system. LAT reports remain valid until the LAT has been updated with revised layers and/or approval

standards and operating conditions.

4.4 Submitting the LAT Report

All EAP application submissions must be accompanied by a valid LAT report. The EDS will validate LAT

reports for correct dates and uniqueness of LAT report numbers once submitted. If a LAT report is determined

to be invalid, the applicant will be notified immediately by the EDS.

LAT reports are valid until the LAT has been updated with revised layers and/or approval standards and

operating conditions. As part of the LAT update process ESRD will notify industry of the changes at least one

month ahead of the planned update.

The approval standards and operating conditions identified in the LAT report form part of the disposition

document terms and conditions.

Each LAT report consists of the following:

1. LAT Number – an identification number for an individual project is automatically generated for each

LAT report. The LAT number is associated with the project as it moves through the EAP, and is used

when obtaining consent from other land users.

2. LAT Date and Time - a date and time stamp is automatically generated for each LAT report to ensure

the submission is based on the LAT version used to generate the LAT report.

3. Project Name and Description - a specific project title and description created by the applicant to track

the project within their organization.

4. Disposition and Purpose Type - the proposed disposition and purpose type selected by the applicant

that directs the LAT system to select the appropriate approval standards and operating conditions

associated with the proposed project location.

5. Note to Applicants – provides direction to applicants on the standard/non-standard decision,

overlapping approval standards and operating conditions, and a LAT disclaimer pertaining to the

requirement for ground truthing to ensure that all approval standards and operating conditions can be

maintained throughout project site operations.

6. Base/Sensitive Feature Analysis – the analysis summarizes where an activity intersects a spatial layer.

The results are limited to naming the layer intersected or indicating, by yes or no, if the layer was

intersected.

7. Summary of Affected Sensitivities by Quarter Section - lists the project by quarter section and

identifies the sensitivities at that location. This allows applicants to view the sensitivities that exist and

provides an opportunity to alter or change the proposed project to avoid sensitivities.

8. Site Project Map - a spatial representation of the proposed project designed to serve as a reference for

companies as they plan additional projects. The site project map does not meet plan standards for

submission in EDS.

9. Approval Standards and Operating Conditions - a list of the approval standards and operating

conditions that directly link to the data layers being intersected. All approval standards listed in the LAT

report must be adhered to unless a non-standard application is being submitted. The operating

conditions must be adhered to regardless of standard or non-standard submission stream selected.

4.5 LAT User Guide

The LAT User Guide is available on the ESRD website. To access the guide, search for “Landscape Analysis

Tool User Guide” at srd.alberta.ca. The user guide includes information on how to navigate through the LAT,

generate a LAT report, and includes contact information for user assistance.

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http://www.srd.alberta.ca/ManagingPrograms/EnhancedApprovalProcess/Default.aspx




5.0 Integrated Standards and Guidelines

The Integrated Standards and Guidelines (IS&G) provide consolidated ESRD direction regarding oil and gas

industry use of public land in Alberta. The IS&G reflect the outcomes ESRD strives to achieve for provincial

features and sensitivity features. Collectively, the Desired Outcomes, Approval Standards, Operating Conditions

and Best Management Practices for each feature reflect ESRD’s public land use footprint expectations and public

land use impact mitigation expectations. To access the IS&G, search for “Integrated Standards & Guidelines” at

srd.alberta.ca.

Some sections of the IS&G are preceded by a brief “Note” which provides information and context that is not

enforceable and is not tied to an approval standard or operating condition.

Caribou Protection Plans (CPPs) are not required for application submissions related to activity types in scope of

the EAP. The IS&G have integrated the requirements of CPPs into the approval standards and operating

conditions.

The document does not identify other provincial, federal or municipal requirements that may be associated with an

activity.

5.1 Pre-application Requirements Section

This section of the IS&G outlines what applicants need to know and do as part of their planning, application

and post-approval work. This section identifies pre-application requirements and pertinent information that

applicants need to understand prior to applying for dispositions under the EAP. The information in this section

does not form part of the disposition document.

This section addresses and provides additional direction on:

LAT

Species at Risk,

Reservations and notations,

Government-approved high level plans (e.g., Integrated Resource Plans, Public Land Use Zones),

Road classes,

Consent,

First Nations consultation,

Crown-owned waterbodies on private land, and

Access control methods.

5.2 Provincial Features Section

Provincial features are those base features that span the province (e.g., land, soil) and are within the purview of

ESRD’s regulatory responsibility. In each provincial section Desired Outcomes, Approval Standards,

Operating Conditions and Best Management Guidelines are identified. The standards, conditions and

guidelines are considered to contribute to and help meet desired outcomes.

5.3 Sensitivity Features Section

Sensitivity features are those that are specific to an area of the province (e.g., caribou, grizzly bear). Like

provincial features, all sensitivities are within the purview of ESRD’s regulatory responsibility. Similarly,

Desires Outcomes, Approval Standards, Operating Conditions and Best Management Guidelines are identified

for each sensitivity feature. The standards, conditions and guidelines are considered to contribute to and help

meet desired outcomes.

5.4 Desired Outcomes

Desired outcomes are defined for each provincial and sensitivity feature. These outcomes describe the intent

that the standards, conditions and guidelines are aiming to meet, in whole or in part. Desired outcomes are

used to direct and inform land use and compliance action. The statements themselves are not enforceable.

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5.5 Approval Standards

Approval standards identify ESRD expectations on what disposition holders will be held accountable to during

construction, operation and maintenance of an approved disposition. Approval standards provide siting, timing

and other site related requirements.

The specific and applicable provincial and sensitivity section approval standards associated with an EAP

application and disposition are identified on a valid LAT report.

Approval standards form the basis for applicants to decide whether to route applications through the standard

or non-standard application processing stream. The EDS does not make this decision; nor do technical and

administrative reviews by ESRD staff direct or validate this decision. If an applicant agrees that the proposed

activity can conform to the approval standards, a standard application can be made. If an applicant chooses

that the proposed activity will not conform to the standards, or is unable to conform to the standards, the Non-

standard Mitigation Supplement needs to be submitted, and a non-standard application must be made. When

the applicant submits the application, the applicant is indicating their informed decision regarding the

application processing stream.

Approval standards form part of the disposition document through the LAT report, and are subject to the

compliance assurance process and enforcement actions where appropriate. As such, applicants must

understand what approval standards apply to the dispositions issued to them by ESRD.

5.6 Operating Conditions

Operating conditions specify what disposition holders must comply with as a part of construction, operation

and maintenance of an approved disposition. They are non-negotiable and must be adhered to for activities in

the field.

All applicable provincial and sensitivity section operating conditions associated with an EAP application and

disposition are identified on a valid LAT report.

Operating conditions form part of the disposition document through the LAT report and are subject to the

compliance assurance process and enforcement actions where appropriate. As such, applicants must

understand what operating conditions apply to the dispositions issued to them by ESRD.

5.7 Best Management Guidelines

Best management guidelines provide information to assist with planning and identify desired practices while

operating on Alberta’s public land. The noted practices could be considered when identifying mitigation

measures for non-standard applications.

Guidelines do not form part of the disposition document, are not mandatory, are not cross-referenced in the

LAT report, and are not subject to the compliance assurance process and enforcement actions.

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6.0 Standard/Non-standard Decision

Prior to submitting an application to ESRD, the proponent must generate a LAT report to identify all of the

provincial and sensitivity section approval standards that are applicable to the proposed activity. The applicant

must determine if the application will be submitted and processed through the standard or non-standard route.

Standard submissions are EAP submission applications where the applicant agrees to meet the approval

standards associated with the proposed activity and location.

Non-standard submissions are EAP submission applications where the applicant does not agree to meet the

approval standards associated with the proposed activity and location. Non-standard submissions require the

applicant to identify alternative mitigation strategies on the Non-standard Mitigation Supplement.

Non-standard submissions that are rejected can be appealed.

Applicants are encouraged but not required to conduct on-site assessments and hold discussions with the ESRD

field office prior to submitting an application. ESRD staff are available to discuss and give advice regarding

approval standards and mitigation strategies; however it is the applicant’s responsibility to determine if all

applicable approval standards will be met and make the decision to apply with a standard or non-standard

submission.

A non-standard submission may be triggered if a new strategy or technology is available to mitigate risks to a site

sensitivity but the technology is not yet provided for in the IS&G. ESRD will make efforts to include new

technologies into the IS&G as part of the continuous improvement process.

6.1 Associated Dispositions

When making an application through the EDS, applicants have the ability to associate certain applications

(such as associating an LOC for an access road with a MSL for a well site). In some cases applicants may

choose to apply for one as standard and the other as non-standard. If this occurs, each associated application

will be processed through the individual processing stream as submitted. One will be processed as standard

and the other as non-standard.

Associated applications may be approved one before the other, or may be rejected or refused while the other is

approved. It is the applicant’s responsibility to manage each disposition application and approval appropriately

to ensure that proper approvals are received prior to construction activities. It is also the applicant’s

responsibility to ensure that any required application cancellations are managed properly.

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7.0 And Application Submission Preparation

Correct preparation for online submissions to gain an ESRD disposition is vital in ensuring that applications are

accepted through technical, administrative, and field reviews. It is the applicant’s and their agent’s responsibility to

ensure that the standard/non-standard decision has been made using the proper information, and that all of the

information and documentation submitted is correct, complete, and aligns with the overall application.

Specifically, applicants and agents must confirm that the:

• Standard/non-standard decision is made based on the approval standards identified on a valid LAT report,

• LAT reports at a minimum include all of the lands identified on the application plan and application

submission,

• LAT report number used in a submission matches the LAT number referenced in any FMA consent

documentation,

• First Nations consultation for the case file related to the activity in the application submission is complete,

and the land list on referenced First Nations consultation documentation matches in whole or in part the

land list on the EAP application,

• Technical requirements of the plans are met,

• Company email addresses are correct, and

• Land list information in the application and attachments match.

7.1 Data Integrity

Data integrity is vital to the EAP. As such, access roads can not be applied for through an MSL or PIL

application. All access roads must be applied for under a separate LOC regardless of the length of a proposed

access road. This will ensure that ESRD records are accurate according to the land use activity and that

dispositions issued by ESRD provide the proper rights to the disposition holder. For more information on these

requirements search “Disposition Plan Types Format” at srd.alberta.ca

7.2 Plan Information

Applicants can submit application plans in various types and formats such as sketch plan, LiDAR survey, GPS

plan, or legal survey as part of an EAP application. Direction on all application plan requirements can be found

by searching “Plan Information” at srd.alberta.ca. The plan information web page provides direction on all

disposition plan requirements including:

Disposition plan types and formats

Disposition plan submission standards

Content requirements for disposition plans

Director of Surveys policy

Survey manual for public lands surveys

7.3 Planning for Temporary Incidental Activities

Incidental activities and temporary uses shown on an authorized plan for a new formal disposition may be

approved if they comply with the Temporary Field Authorization (TFA) Guidelines as amended from time to

time. This authorization is limited to: borrow pits, log decks, temporary work spaces, push outs and bank

stabilization within identified sizing and proximity limits shown in the TFA Guidelines. Incidental activities

and temporary uses shown on an authorized plan that comply with the TFA Guidelines shall be permitted

during the four (4) year term of the formal disposition; a TFA is not required for these activities. However, any

incidental activities identified on the authorized plan must be included on the EAP Application Supplements

within the “Incidental Activities” section of each form. The form will help the applicant determine if the

proposed activity falls within the parameters of the TFA Guidelines.

The disposition holder must obtain a separate TFA before commencing any incidental activities or temporary

uses that are not shown on the authorized plan, not included in the list of authorized activities above, and are

outside of the size and proximity restrictions identified within the TFA Guidelines.

To access the TFA Guidelines search “Temporary Field Authorization Guidelines” at srd.alberta.ca.

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8.0 Application Submission

Applicants must use the EDS to make online application submissions. A User ID number and password are

required to access EDS. For information on how to request a User ID, search for “Access to Industry Online

Services” on srd.alberta.ca.

Further details regarding EDS can be found in the Application Access and Navigation User Manual. The manual

can be accessed by searching “Application Access and Navigation User Manual” at srd.alberta.ca.

During the submission process the applicant will be required to electronically endorse the validity of the application

submission information, and agree to be bound by the submission and the subsequent disposition issued by ESRD.

If an application submission is deemed invalid by an automated validation check in the EDS, the system will

immediately notify the applicant at their work station of the invalid fields within the application. The applicant has

the ability to correct invalid information and resubmit during the same session.

8.1 Standard Application Submission

A standard application submission is an EAP application where the applicant agrees to meet the approval

standards associated with the proposed activity location.

Applicants will complete an online application in the EDS for a standard submission and must include the

following in the submission package:

1. Valid LAT report (attached in the form that it was received from ESRD)

2. Application Supplement form (attached as an un-scanned .pdf file) – 1 of 3 supplements attached based

on the activity being applied for

3. First Nations Consultation case file number (as of September 7, 2012, no attachment is required)

4. Required consents, reflecting the same LAT report number (attached as a .pdf or .doc file)

5. Code of Practice Notification(s) (attached as a .pdf or .doc file)

6. Application Plan Package (See Section 7.2 Plan Information of this document)

Upon successful submission of an application, a copy of the completed application form will be emailed to the

applicant, and a disposition number will be assigned. Following the submission a technical review and an

administrative review is completed by ESRD. The target timeline for the technical and administrative reviews of

standard application submissions and the issuance of a formal disposition is five (5) business days.

8.2 Non-standard Application Submission

A non-standard application submissions is an EAP submission where the applicant does not agree to, or is

unable to, meet the approval standards associated with the proposed activity and location. Non-standard

submissions require the applicant to identify alternative mitigation strategies on the Non-standard Mitigation

Supplement.

Applicants will complete an online application in EDS for a non-standard application submission and must

include the following in the submission package:

1. Valid LAT report (attached in the form that it was received as from ESRD)

2. Application Supplement form (attached as an un-scanned .pdf file) – 1 of 3 supplements attached

based on the activity applied for

3. First Nations Consultation case file number (as of September 7, 2012, no attachment is required)

4. Required consents, reflecting the same LAT report number (attached as a .pdf or .doc file)

5. Code of Practice Notification(s) (attached as a .pdf or .doc file)

6. Application Plan Package (See Section 7.2 Plan Information of this document)

7. Non-standard Mitigation Supplement (attached as an un-scanned .pdf file)

A Non-standard Mitigation Supplement is required for all non-standard submission packages. The Non-

standard Mitigation Supplement identifies the approval standard numbers that will not be met by the applicant.

The Supplement also outlines the applicant’s proposed alternate mitigation strategy for the approval standards

that are not being met. The proposed mitigation strategy should mitigate the risks posed to landscape

sensitivities and support the desired outcomes for the approval standard under consideration.

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During the submission process the applicant will be required to electronically endorse the validity of the

application information and agree to be bound by the application and the subsequent disposition issued by

ESRD.

Upon successful application submission, a copy of the completed application form will be emailed to the

applicant and a disposition number will be assigned. The application will then undergo a technical review and

administrative review by ESRD.

Once an application submission has been validated for technical and administrative accuracy, the non-standard

submission will be referred to the appropriate ESRD field office for review. Field office staff will evaluate the

proposed alternate mitigation strategies identified on the Non-standard Mitigation Supplement in consultation

with other ESRD field divisions and referral agencies. If the alternate mitigation strategies are accepted by the

field office, the application is forwarded by the field office to Head Office and recommended for continued

processing. If the mitigation strategies are not accepted by the field office, the applicant is notified by the field

office, and the application is forwarded by the field office to Head Office. The Field Referral of Non-standard

Application Submissions Standard Operating Procedure outlines the process, procedures, roles and

responsibilities for the field referral of non-standard applications. The SOP can be accessed by searching

“Field Referral of Non-standard Application Submissions” at srd.alberta.ca.

A rejection of a non-standard application by a field office is appealable under the Public Land Administration

Regulation. To appeal a decision, call toll free by dialing 310-0000 and then 780-638-4189, or send an email

to [email protected].

A non-standard application will remain non-standard after field referral and subsequent disposition approval.

The formal disposition will be monitored and inspected according to the disposition approval that includes the

accepted Non-standard Mitigation Supplement.

8.3 Application Form Submission

A copy of the completed application submission form will be provided to applicants after a standard or non-

standard application submission is made to ESRD through the EDS and will include the following

information:

1. Confirmation number – related to the Plan Confirmation Service (PCS) file

2. Application Date

3. Department File Number – disposition type and number

4. Application Type – standard or non-standard

5. LAT Report number and date

6. Type of Application – LOC, MSL, PIL or PLA

7. Water Act Code of Practice Notification- yes/no check box

8. Applicant information – name, client ID, contact information, applicant file number and project name

9. Agent contact information - name, contact information, file number

10. Purpose of application – related to the surface land use

11. Requirement for Consents - yes/no checkbox

12. Completion of First Nations Consultation - yes/no checkbox

13. Discussion with Lands Field Office - yes/no checkbox (discussions are encouraged, but not required)

14. Completion of pre-site visit - yes/no checkbox (pre-site visits although not required, are strongly

encouraged)

15. Legal description of the lands being applied for

16. Additional Remarks

17. Attachments – LAT Report, Application Supplement, Non-standard Mitigation Supplement, Consents,

Code of Practice Notification, First Nations Consultation Record of Decision.

8.4 Electronic Validation

Electronic validation is an automated check done by the EDS once the submit button has been pressed by the

applicant to ensure that an application submission is valid. The electronic validation includes:

• Checks for valid data input (not content),

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mailto:[email protected]




• Checks for an valid client identification number,

• Confirmation that the lands applied for are in Alberta,

• Checks that the applicant is active and not struck by Corporate Registries,

• Confirms that application supplements are submitted using the proper forms, and

• Confirms that a valid LAT report has been submitted (e.g., not out of date)

Once validated, EDS will then:

1. Assign an disposition number to each application submission,

2. Forward documents to ESRD’s Electronic Content Management System (ECM), and

3. Route standard and non-standard submissions for technical review.

The applicant will be notified automatically at their workstation by the EDS if a deficiency is found during

electronic validation. A disposition number will not be generated by EDS until the applicant corrects invalid

information. Once EDS validates the application submission it will be forwarded technical and administrative

reviews.

Prior to the issuance of the formal disposition the applicant may cancel an application submission by

submitting a cancellation request via email to [email protected].

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9.0 Application Submission Processing

9.1 Technical Review

A technical review of all validated standard and non-standard application submissions is conducted by ESRD.

The technical review is a process that determines, validates, and records the technical information provided in

an application by the applicant.

The Technical Review of EAP Formal Disposition Application Submissions Standard Operating Procedure

outlines the process, procedures, roles and responsibilities for the technical review. To access this SOP search

“Technical Review of EAP Formal Disposition Application Submissions” at srd.alberta.ca.

9.2 Administrative Review

An administrative review of all validated standard and non-standard application submissions is conducted by

ESRD following a technical review.

The Administrative Review of EAP Formal Disposition Application Submissions Standard Operating

Procedure outlines the process, procedures, roles and responsibilities for the administrative review. To access

this SOP search “Administrative Review of EAP Formal Disposition Application Submissions” at

srd.alberta.ca.

If any issues with an application are identified in the technical or administrative reviews, the application will

be cancelled and a cancellation notice will be sent to the applicant identifying the issues that caused the

application to be rejected. If this occurs and the applicant wishes to re-submit the application, the identified

issues must be corrected.

The system will not accept the same LAT number in a re-submitted application. All resubmitted documents

(e.g., consent) and supplements must reflect the new LAT number. For this reason, it is critical that applicants

are thorough, and submit complete, well planned and correct applications the first time.

9.3 Field Referral and Review

The field referral and review process requires designated field office personnel to review the portion of the

submitted application that caused it to become non-standard. This enables discussion between industry and

ESRD field staff on the proposed mitigation strategies and how best to minimize impacts to landscape

sensitivities.

The field review will be conducted only on the proposed alternative mitigation strategies identified for the

approval standards that will not be met as identified in the Non-standard Mitigation Supplement.

The Field Referral of Non-standard Application Submissions Standard Operating Procedure outlines the

process, procedures, roles and responsibilities for the field review. To access this SOP search “Field Referral

of Non-standard Application Submissions” at srd.alberta.ca.

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10.0 Applicant Appeal

ESRD provides applicants with the ability to appeal a refusal decision made by the field when alternate mitigation

strategies can not be agreed upon between the applicant and the field office. In cases where the Non-standard

Mitigation Supplement is not accepted by the field, applicants can make a formal appeal to the Public Land

Administration Appeal Board.

To appeal a decision, call toll free by dialing 310-0000 and then 780-638-4189, or send an email to

[email protected].

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11.0 Formal Dispositions Issued for New EAP Activities

If standard and non-standard application submissions are deemed acceptable, then a formal disposition for a short

term will be issued by ESRD. The formal disposition provides a four (4) year authorization from the date of

issuance for industry to conduct resource development activities on lands administered by ESRD. The formal

disposition provides a start date for ESRD disposition fees and land rent.

The formal disposition document includes:

1. The Approval

2. Schedule A – Administrative Conditions

3. Landscape Analysis Tool Report

4. Application Supplement

5. Land Description

6. Non-standard Mitigation Supplement (if applicable)

7. Electronic Signature Page

The formal disposition document is authorized with an electronic signature and is issued to the applicant via email

and retained in ESRD records.

Once the applicant is issued a formal disposition, the fees associated with the disposition are assessed. Fees are

payable to the Crown within thirty (30) days of receipt of invoice.

11.1 Changes to a Formal Disposition

The EAP has been designed to enable and support proper upfront planning by the applicant. If adequate

planning has been done, changes to a formal disposition should be minimized.

If a disposition holder requires changes to a formal disposition prior to site entry, the disposition holder must

cancel the formal disposition and reapply.

Once a formal disposition has been entered upon, there may be instances when a disposition holder can request

changes as a result of unforeseen circumstances in the field. To facilitate this, the disposition holder can

request a Temporary Field Authorization (TFA) from the ESRD field office according to the TFA Guidelines.

TFAs are short term authorizations issued to assist and facilitate the needs of the construction and development

on public lands that may be associated with an ESRD disposition.

To access the TFA Guidelines, search “Temporary Field Authorization Guidelines” at srd.alberta.ca.

If the disposition change is outside the limits and guidance of the TFA Guidelines, the TFA request will not be

approved and the applicant may be required to apply for additional dispositions. If the change request is within

the limits of the TFA Guidelines, the field office may issue a TFA subject to the requirement that the final

submission and associated plan identify any land uses that are permanent.

The field office may generate a LAT report to ensure proper conditioning is applied to the TFA. If the change

to the disposition results in changes to the purpose of the disposition, field staff will carefully review the TFA

application to ensure it does not alter the original disposition authorization. The limits within the TFA

Guidelines will assist the issuing officer in these matters.

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12.0 Notification of Site Entry

To better manage industrial operations occurring in the field, notification of site entry by the disposition holder to

ESRD is required. This notification ensures that compliance assurance efforts are focused on dispositions that have

been entered.

The disposition holder has four (4) years to enter onto an approved site of the formal disposition. Upon entry,

disposition holders must notify ESRD within seventy-two (72) hours through EDS. The date of site entry placed

into EDS can not be before the date the formal disposition was issued, and can not be a future date. If the

disposition holder fails to notify ESRD within the seventy-two (72) hour timeline and prior to the four (4) year

term of the disposition, the disposition will expire, be cancelled, and the holder will be subject to the compliance

processes which may include enforcement actions where appropriate. Entry notification is required for each

disposition; a single notification can not be completed for a group of dispositions.

Details on how to create a site entry notification are described in the EDS Site Entry User Manual. To access the

manual, search “Site Entry User Manual” at srd.alberta.ca.

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13.0 Disposition Cancellations and Expiries

Dispositions issued by ESRD can be cancelled by the disposition holder at any time. Expiration of formal

dispositions will occur at the end of the disposition term. ESRD has different requirements of the disposition

holder depending on whether the disposition site had been entered or not entered. Disposition holders must

understand and meet all of ESRD’s requirements for cancellations and expiries.

If a site has not been entered and notification has not been received within the four (4) year term of the formal

disposition, it will expire and be cancelled by the system. If a site has been entered, and has subsequently been

cancelled or has expired based on a failure to notify ESRD, the disposition holder will be subject to compliance

and enforcement actions if cancellation and expiration requirements have not been met by the disposition holder.

To support disposition holder compliance, ESRD will automatically notify the disposition holder through EDS one

(1) year, sixty (60) days and thirty (30) days prior to the expiry date of the formal disposition.

The Disposition Cancellations and Expiries Standard Operating Procedure outlines the process, procedures, roles

and responsibilities for the cancellation and expiration of dispositions. The SOP can be found by searching

“Disposition Cancellations and Expiries” at srd.alberta.ca.

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14.0 Final Submission

Formal disposition holders must make a final application submission to gain a formal disposition with an extended

term. The final submission provides an accurate record of the location of the developed site including any

permanent changes authorized under a TFA.

The final submission must be made prior to the end of the four (4) year term of a formal disposition only if the site

has been entered. During the final submission process the applicant will be required to electronically endorse the

validity of the final submission information and agree to be bound to it and the subsequent extended term of the

formal disposition issued by ESRD.

To make a final submission, applicants complete an online application through the EDS. The submission is

validated through EDS, and a technical and administrative review is completed. Once the application meets review

criteria, a copy of the application is emailed to the applicant by the EDS.

The final submission package will consist of the following documents for the following situations:

1. If NO CHANGES have occurred to the formal disposition AND the original application included a survey

plan:

Statutory Declaration

2. If NO CHANGES have occurred to the formal disposition BUT the original application included a sketch or

LiDAR plan:

Final Survey Plan

3. If CHANGES have occurred to the formal disposition, regardless of whether the application included a

survey, sketch or LiDAR plan:

Updated Final Survey Plan

Consents

Revised LAT Report

Revised Application Supplements

Revised Code of Practice Notifications (if required)

14.1 Final Plan Requirements

Final plan requirements vary based on the nature of variances that have occurred since the formal disposition

was issued, and based on whether a survey or sketch plan was used with the initial application submission.

If the original application submission was made using final plan submission requirements as specified in

Disposition Plan Types Formats document, then a new LAT report and new application supplements are not

required. The final submission will include:

A completed Alberta Land Surveyors Statutory Declaration form for those disposition types that

require a plan of survey. To access the forms search for “Alberta Land Surveyors Statutory

Declaration” on srd.alberta.ca, or

A completed GPS Location Plan Statutory Declaration form for those disposition types that require a

GPS Location Plan. To access the forms search for “GPS Location Plan Statutory Declaration” on

srd.alberta.ca.

Where a survey plan is required with the final submission, then:

the submission shall include a survey plan in the type and format as specified in the Disposition Plan

Types Formats document. To access the document, search for “Disposition Plan Types Formats” at

srd.alberta.ca.

the applicant must attach a newly created LAT report and Application Supplement to ensure that the

land locations are correct and the long term disposition contains the appropriate standards and

conditions.

Where a TFA was used to make a permanent change to the disposition, these lands must be included in the

survey plan and withdrawn from the land base or other occupant-held lands.

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Where an incidental activity was identified in the application plan, or where a TFA was issued for a temporary

use (e.g., log deck), these do not need to be shown on the final plan but they must be included in the

reclamation certificate application for the formal disposition.

Applicants must pay close attention to the newly created LAT report being submitted with a final submission

to ensure that the existing activity still meets all approval standards and operating conditions.

If the applicant determines that they still meet all of the approval standards and operating conditions identified

on the newly created LAT report, then they can proceed with the application for a formal disposition.

If the applicant determines that they will not be able to meet one or more of the newly identified approval

standards and operating conditions on the LAT report, then applicants are advised to forego applying for a

formal disposition with a longer term at this time. These disposition holders are advised to maintain use of

their four (4) year formal disposition until ESRD outlines the process for final submission applications of this

type. This will ensure that disposition holders stay in compliance while transitioning to a formal disposition

with a longer term.

14.2 Final Plan Electronic Validation

An initial validation of the final submission will occur through EDS at the applicant’s workstation. The initial

validation checks the final submission for:

1. Valid client identification number

2. The activity in GLIMPS

3. Valid date input (not content)

4. Confirmation that the lands applied for are in Alberta

5. Site entry notification has been made for the correlated short term disposition

The applicant will be notified automatically at their workstation by the EDS if a deficiency is found during

electronic validation.

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15.0 Final Submission Processing

15.1 Technical and Administrative Reviews

Technical review on a final submission application will occur if the applicant does not submit a statutory

declaration, and a final plan was not originally submitted. If a statutory declaration is included with the final

submission, a technical review will not occur and the submission will be sent directly for administrative

review.

If any issues with an application are identified in the technical or administrative reviews, the final submission

application will be rejected, and a rejection email is sent to the applicant identifying the issues that caused the

application to be rejected. If this occurs, the applicant must reapply correcting all of the identified issues.

Once the administrative review is complete and the final submission is accepted, a formal disposition with a

longer term is issued and the ESRD field office notified.

The financial management system will be updated by ESRD to assess the application fee, additional land use

charges, timber charges, mapping fee, rental fee and other applicable fees.

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16.0 Formal Disposition with Extended Term

The formal disposition with an extended term authorizes the occupation of land for ongoing resource development,

operations and reclamation based on an accurate record of what has been constructed on the site. The formal

disposition with an extended term will replace the formal disposition with a four (4) year term but will maintain

the same disposition number. The disposition will be valid for up to twenty-five (25) years for an MSL, LOC and

PIL dispositions and indefinitely for PLA dispositions.

The formal disposition document with the extended term is issued through EDS to the holder and consists of:

1. The Approval

2. Schedule A – Administrative conditions

3. LAT Report

4. Application Supplement

5. Land Description

6. Non-standard Mitigation Supplement (if applicable)

7. Electronic Signature Page

16.1 Changes to a Formal Disposition with an Extended Term

The EAP is designed to enable and support proper upfront planning by the applicant. If adequate planning has

been done changes to a formal disposition with an extended term should be minimized.

ESRD is working to standardize and formalize the EAP amendment process to address dispositions issued

under EAP. Information will be made available once the process has been fully developed, approved and the

IT enhancements have been implemented. If a critical or emergency change is required, disposition holders

can using the existing TFA process to request such changes.

16.2 Cancellation

The Disposition Cancellations and Expiries Standard Operating Procedure outlines the process, roles and

responsibilities for the cancellation and expiration of a long term disposition. To access the SOP search

“Disposition Cancellations and Expiries” at srd.alberta.ca.

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17.0 The Compliance Assurance Program

An important mechanism for ensuring that ESRD can deliver on its vision and strategies is the compliance

assurance program. The intent of this program is to ensure that the objectives of public policies as reflected

through department initiatives, such as the EAP, are being achieved. Information, improvement opportunities and

other data collected throughout the compliance assurance program will be considered in the continuous

improvement process for the EAP.

The compliance assurance program includes activities which are used to encourage and if necessary compel the

behavioural changes needed to achieve compliance. These activities fall into four major categories: compliance

assistance, compliance incentives, compliance monitoring, and enforcement. Effective implementation of the

compliance assurance program will involve some combination of these four categories of activities.

17.1 Compliance Assistance

Compliance assistance encourages observance of the law through outreach, education, and other promotional

activities. Compliance assistance activities are designed to improve compliance by explaining how to comply

with legal and regulatory requirements.

17.2 Compliance Incentives

Compliance incentives are a set of policies and programs that provide concrete benefits to those organizations

that meet certain compliance objectives. For example clients who continually submit applications that are not

in the form or manner acceptable to the director may have all their future applications subject to a higher level

of scrutiny by the department resulting in longer approval times. Conversely, clients who have a higher level

of compliant inspections may have a reduced inspection frequency.

17.3 Compliance Monitoring

Compliance monitoring is one of the key components the department uses to ensure that the regulated

community obeys laws and regulations. This is accomplished through on-site visits by qualified inspectors,

public reporting of violations, and by reviewing information submitted to it by the regulated industry as part of

self-monitoring and reporting programs.

17.4 Enforcement

Enforcement refers to the actions taken by the department against violators to compel compliance with the law

and or deter future non-compliance. These provisions generally include sanctions in either the administrative

or judicial forum.

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18.0 System Access Information for the EAP

All ESRD client facing IT systems can be accessed with a valid user ID through SecureXnet.

18.1 Plan Confirmation Service (PCS)

The Plan Confirmation Service (PCS) is a secure site available to clients who are involved in the business of

creating plans for application or amendment of surface dispositions on public land.

Plan packages that are approved by the system are processed, encrypted and sent back to the submitter with a

confirmation number. All surface disposition plans identified for digital submission must be submitted to the

PCS website.

The PCS performs a number of functions on files submitted for validation:

Confirmation Number - issues confirmation # if submission is validated successfully

Content - checks to ensure required files are included in submission

Encryption - Encrypts the zipped files following validation

Error Notification - notifies submitter if errors exist

Level Checking - checks CAD file to ensure data is present on specified levels

Virus Checking - checks all submitted files for viruses

Zip - zips files to minimize file size

To access additional information about the PCS, search “Plan Confirmation Service” at srd.alberta.ca.

18.2 Landscape Analysis Tool (LAT)

The Landscape Analysis Tool (LAT) is a web-enabled spatial tool that allows users to plan for EAP in-scope

activities. The process and procedures to use the LAT are detailed in the Landscape Analysis Tool User Guide.

To access the guide, search “Landscape Analysis Tool User Guide” at srd.alberta.ca. To access additional

information about the LAT, search “Landscape Analysis Tool” at srd.alberta.ca.

18.3 Electronic Disposition System (EDS)

The Electronic Disposition System (EDS) provides a web-based solution that includes the following features:

Ability to submit applications and amendments including required attachments. Specified purpose codes

for EZE, LOC, MSL, PLA, PIL, REA, SML and VCE disposition types are included at this time.

Ability to upload an encrypted compressed file containing disposition plans and metadata file.

Ability for applicants using the EFR process to associate two related surface dispositions through the

web page and attach a single plan for the applications.

Ability to perform real time validation through the web interface. Business rule violations will be

displayed back to the applicant at the time of data entry to the database.

Ability to notify applicant of unsuccessful submission and errors.

Ability to automatically notify the applicant of the surface disposition number.

To access additional information about the EDS, search “Electronic Disposition System” at srd.alberta.ca.

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19.0 Continuous Improvement

ESRD strives to ensure that all policy, processes and systems used in the EAP are streamlined, consistent, and

transparent to ensure ongoing effectiveness and efficiency, proper functionality, and ongoing value to clients and

ESRD.

Standard operating procedures will be followed to ensure consistency in LAT and IS&G updates. All new data

layers proposed for the LAT will be analysed prior to inclusion into the LAT to ensure suitability. Considerations

include:

Adequacy of coverage

Completeness and accuracy

Currency

Relevancy to the value being managed

Discussion with, and input from affected stakeholders

To ensure measurability, enforceability and value of the IS&G, the IS&G will be regularly reviewed and updated.

Information from applications, and data obtained throughout the compliance assurance program will contribute to

this process improvement. Applicants and stakeholders are encouraged to identify improvement opportunities to

ESRD staff, who will forward suggestions to ESRD’s Standards and Conditions Committee.

ESRD targets a bi-annual update of the LAT and IS&G on March 1 and September 1. As part of the update

process, ESRD will notify industry of the changes at least one month ahead of the planned update.

Additional improvements may also occur at any time throughout the year if required. Advanced notice of all

changes will be communicated to clients at least one month prior to being implemented.

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20.0 EAP Contacts

Technical Issues - EDS, LAT & PCS Help Desk

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday

8:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Tel: (780) 427-3570

Email: [email protected]

General Business Questions

For business questions related to the EAP process please contact the ESRD Information Centre:

Information Centre

Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development

Main Floor, Great West Life Building

9920 108 Street

Edmonton Alberta Canada T5K 2M4

Hours of Operation:

Mon-Fri: 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 pm

Tel (Edmonton local): (780) 944-0313

Toll Free: 1 877 944-0313

Fax: (780) 427-4407

Email: [email protected]

Accessing EAP Information

The ESRD website contains useful information on the EAP including: this manual, forms, related documents,

training presentations, frequently asked questions, and contact information.

Visit srd.alberta.ca to access information related to the EAP.

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Appendix 1: Glossary of Terms

One glossary of terms has been developed in support of the EAP, its systems and tools. All other manuals direct

clients to this glossary for reference. Not all of the terms below may have been used in this manual, but they may

appear in other manuals related to the EAP.

Adjoin(ing): Siting or locating immediately next to an existing disposition, so that both activities share a common

boundary, or for some disposition types, overlap boundaries (e.g., LOC may overlap a PLA or vice versa).

Adjacent: Siting or locating in close proximity, nearby, or not distant to an existing disposition.

Administrative Review: A process undertaken by ESRD’s Disposition Services Section that validates and records

the administrative information provided in all EAP disposition application submissions.

AOA: Area Operating Agreement. An agreement and approval process that allowed applications to ESRD for

multiple projects in a broad area. This process is no longer is use.

Applicant: A party whose interest has been registered by way of an application to ESRD according to the records

of the department.

Applicant Appeal: The process by which industry can appeal the field’s decision to reject a Non-standard

Mitigation Supplement as part of the field referral process. If invoked by the applicant, the appeal process will

result in an appeal being accepted or rejected by ESRD.

Application Refusal: The refusal of a disposition application by ESRD due to land use issues.

Application Rejection: The rejection of a disposition application by ESRD due to administrative of technical

issues.

Approval Standards: A set of outcome-based criteria that identify preferred siting, timing and site related

considerations for industrial development. Non-compliance with Approval Standards will result in compliance

actions.

Base Feature: Data layers provided through the LAT.

Best Management Guidelines: Recommended operating practices that provide information to industry of desired

practices while planning activities and operating on public land. Guidelines are provided for information only, are

not mandatory, and are not subject to compliance actions.

CAD: Computer Aided Design

Cancellation: Termination of an ESRD issued disposition. There are two types of cancellations: a disposition

cancelled with outstanding obligations, and a disposition cancellation with no outstanding obligations.

CARS: Corporate Accounting and Reporting System

Continuous Improvement: The process by which enhancements will continue to be made to EAP and its

components to ensure they are functioning appropriately and providing the intended value to industry and ESRD.

Data Authority: The person or entity who has the oversight of the content and use of data and information (i.e.

Director of Surveys, Director of Wildlife, etc.). They are responsible for deciding what information is important

for their Business Area(s), for validating that business interests are served by the investment in that

data/information, and for ensuring that the data is managed through its entire lifecycle.

Data Custodian: The person or entity that accepts responsibility for the production, storage, management and

dissemination of the dataset at the request of and on behalf of the Data Authority. General responsibilities of the

role include:

Data Layer: The visual representation of geographic dataset in any digital map environment. In the LAT, a data

layer will have attributes assigned to its represented features.

Deficiency: Characteristic or condition of a application plan package that fails to meet a technical or

administrative standard, requirement or specification.

Delegated Authority: Any person that has been delegated power, duty or function by the Minister under any Act

or regulation.

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http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/condition.html

http://www.investorwords.com/7287/fail.html

http://www.investorwords.com/10302/meet.html

http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/standard.html

http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/specification-spec.html




Designated Director: The ESRD Director as designated by the Working Together Charter as comparable /

equitable in decision making responsibility to the Area Manager. This designation will allow and provide for the

designated director to process applicant appeals if the Area Manager is unable to participate in the process.

Disposition: The authority granted by ESRD pursuant to the Public Lands Act to use public land for specific

purposes and activities.

Disposition Activity Type: The three-letter code associated to the disposition that describes its activity (i.e. MSL,

PIL, LOC, and PLA).

Disposition Holder: The holder of a disposition according to the records of ESRD.

Disposition Number: The official identifier that ESRD assigns for disposition applications and approvals.

Disposition Plan: A representation of the location of a proposed or constructed disposition as outlined by ESRD

standards as specified in the Disposition Plan Types/Formats document and includes:

• Application Plan: The acceptable plan type submitted with a disposition application.

• Authorized Plan: The acceptable plan type used to authorize entry and construction of a disposition.

• Final Plan: The acceptable plan type used to authorize the as-built location of a disposition.

Disposition Purpose Type: The detailed purpose associated with the activity type of a disposition.

Disposition Status: The classification given to applications and dispositions according to the status in ESRD

records. Status types include:

• Application

• Letter of Authority

• Land Amendment Application

• Letter of Authority Amendment

• Active/Disposition

• Cancelled - Outstanding Obligation

• Cancelled

Dispute Resolution: The ESRD process to be used in the event that internal agency consensus on a non-standard

submission application cannot be reached.

DSS: Disposition Services Section

EAP: Enhanced Approval Process

ECM: Enterprise Content Management. The system that allows ESRD to create documents and/or capture a hard

copy in electronic form.

EDS: Electronic Disposition System. A web-based portal that allows applicants to electronically submit

applications/amendments and associated documents, and provides the ability for applicants to provide ESRD with

site entry notification for approved dispositions.

Electronic Validation: Electronic validation is an automated check done by the EDS to ensure that an application

submission is valid.

ERCB: Energy Resources Conservation Board

E-sign: This is the process of electronically signing EAP disposition documents, and is completed through the

ECM system.

Expiry: The date when the term of a disposition ends according to ESRD records.

External Industry Drivers: Factors that influence industry’s activity plans, including market drivers, business

decisions, safety engineering, the level of risk involved in proceeding with a project, subsurface rights, the

economics of a project, and provincial and federal legislation and regulation.

Field Referral: The two step process of referring a non-standard interim submission to the appropriate field office

(Lead Agency), and the subsequent referral(s) to other agencies and registered interest holders by the Lead

Agency. The outcome of the process includes a decision on whether the proposed mitigation strategies (identified

on the Non-standard Mitigation Supplement) will sufficiently meet land management objectives.

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Final Submission: An application submitted through EDS by industry after construction on the site identified in

the formal disposition with the intent of amending the disposition date for a longer term. The final submission

provides an accurate record of the location and site development including any related additional clearings.

First Nations Consultation Process: A distinct process defined by the Government of Alberta's First Nations

Consultation Policy and Guidelines on Land Management and Resource Development (the Guidelines) and

described on ESRD’s website titled “First Nation Consultation Procedures”.

GLIMPS: Geographic Land Information Management and Planning System (GLIMPS). A computerized database

that maintains the official departmental record for all surface interests (activities) on Public Land in the Province

of Alberta.

GPS Location Plan: Is a plan that uses GPS field collected data, representing the location of a disposition.

Green Area: Lands that are typically forested and set aside primarily for renewable and non-renewable resource

development, limited grazing conservation, and recreational use. The Green Area covers about sixty-one per cent

of the province, mainly in the north and along the Eastern Slopes, and is largely owned by the provincial Crown.

ILM: Integrated Land Management. A strategic, planned approach to managing and reducing the human caused

footprint on the land. The goals of ILM are to reduce land-use disturbance relative to what would occur in the

absence of integration efforts, and to foster a stewardship ethic in all land users.

Imagery: Data layers that can be used for visualization and referencing. The LAT uses 2009 SPOT5 five meter

resolution satellite imagery, the Provincial Hillshade and the Provincial Painted Relief.

Incidental Activities: Temporary activities that are incidental to the construction and operation on a disposition as

authorized by ESRD. See Section 5 - Table 1 of the TFA Guidelines for types of activities defined as incidental.

Interim Submission: A standard or non-standard application submitted through the EDS by applicants with the

intent of receiving a formal disposition through the EAP.

IS&G: Integrated Standards and Guidelines.

LAT: Landscape Analysis Tool.

LAT Purpose Type: The detailed purpose associated with the activity type of a disposition. LAT purpose types

link directly to purpose types in the EDS. Linkages are provided in the LAT User Guide.

LAT Report: A system-generated report that includes specific sensitivity and provincial section approval

standards and operating conditions associated with the proposed disposition and activity type.

Land Standing: A report generated by GLIMPS providing information specific to any public land related interests

and/or activities on a given parcel of land.

Land Use Project: An undertaking associated with a specific location and site being developed, (i.e. associated

wellsite, road and pipeline).

Land Use Program: An undertaking associated with multiple projects being developed.

LDB: Land Dispositions Branch

Lead Agency: Sustainable Resource Development Branch /Program area responsible for delivery of a specific

mandate.

Legal Flag: A standard method of identifying if a plan is acceptable for issuing a Short Term Disposition.

LiDAR: Light Detection and Ranging.

LiDAR Plan: A survey plan prepared by an Alberta Land Surveyor which uses LiDAR data representing the

location of a proposed disposition.

LMB: Land Management Branch.

LMIP: Land Management Inspection Program. The program directs inspection frequency and priorities for site

inspections by ESRD according to administrative and environmental risk.

LOA: Letter of Authority.

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LOC: License of Occupation. A disposition granting the right to occupy public lands for an approved purpose, and

may be subject to other dispositions granted for the same area. They are issued primarily for access roads, but may

also be issued for other purposes (e.g. water intake/outfall sites, pier sites, airstrips, reservoirs). The LOC does not

grant any other right to the land. The term of the licence varies depending on the purpose.

Long Term Disposition: A long term authority granted by ESRD for the occupation of land for ongoing resource

development and operations based on an accurate record of what has been constructed on the site. The long term

disposition will replace the short term disposition with the same disposition number. In most cases the disposition

will be valid for up to twenty-five (25) years.

LPMB: Lands Project Management Branch

Metadata: Data that describes other data, serving as an informative label.

MSL: Mineral Surface Lease. A surface disposition issued to mineral producers granting exclusive surface rights

for surface mining and quarries, wellsites for oil and gas extraction, heavy oil/in situ oil sands and battery sites, or

for other purposes incidental to the recovery and production of minerals.

No Entry: A site is considered undisturbed and thus the term “no entry” applies when the maximum disturbance is

surveying and no other site preparation has been completed.

Non-standard Mitigation Supplement: The form that is filled out by an applicant when applying for a

disposition through the EAP non-standard process. The supplement outlines the ESRD Approval Standards that

will not be met by the applicant and the alternative mitigation strategies that will be applied to reduce risks and

meet the desired outcomes in maintaining landscape values.

Non-standard Submission: An EAP interim submission where the applicant does not agree to meet the approval

standards associated with the proposed activity and location. Non-standard submissions require the applicant to

identify alternative mitigation strategies on the Non-standard Mitigation Supplement.

Notification of Site Entry: The electronic notification made by the disposition holder to ESRD that confirms site

entry on an approved short term disposition. For EAP site entry notifications are made through the EDS.

Operating Conditions: The construction, maintenance and operational practices that must be followed once an

activity has been approved. These operational conditions are non-negotiable and must be adhered to for activities

in the field. Non-compliance with Operating Conditions will result in compliance actions.

PCS: Plan Confirmation Service. A web-based system that allows applicants to virus check, level check, zip and

encrypt plan packages prior to submitting to ESRD through EDS.

PGR: Provincial Grazing Reserve

PIL: Pipeline Installation Lease. A surface disposition granting exclusive surface rights for surface right-of-way

installations (generally off the right-of-way) that are incidental to pipeline operation (e.g. pumping station,

compressor site, metering facility).

PLA: Pipeline Agreement. A surface disposition issued for the purpose of a pipeline or flowline.

Plan Package Confirmation Number: The number issued through PCS on a successfully validated plan

submission.

POWS: Public Outreach and Web Services

Pre-application Requirements and Information: Identifies pre-application requirements and pertinent

information that applicants need to understand prior to applying for dispositions under the EAP. Some approval

standards and operating conditions are dependent on the information presented in this document. This document

does NOT identify federal requirements, other Alberta ministry requirements, or municipal requirements for land

use in Alberta.

Record of Decision: The documentation provided by the ESRD to the applicant that satisfies system validation for

First Nations Consultation.

Regulated Pipeline: A pipeline in which the pipeline project length (in km) multiplied by the outside pipe

diameter (in mm) equals or is greater than an index value of 2,690.

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Sensitive Feature: Data layers provided through the LAT that define landscape sensitivities within the province.

These features layers are linked to approval standards and operating conditions that the applicant will have to

address within an EAP Interim Submission.

Shapefile: The format of Environmental Systems Research Institute’s (ESRI) ArcView product. Shape records

store both geometry and attributes for features.

Short Term Disposition: A four (4) year authority granted by ESRD for resource development through the EAP.

Site Entry: The entry onto a site where disturbance or site preparation has occurred for purposes other than

surveying.

Sketch plan: A plan prepared by computer graphics representing the location of a disposition.

SOP: Standard Operating Procedure. An established procedure to be followed in carrying out a given operation or

in a given situation.

SRB: Surface Rights Board

ESRD: Sustainable Resource Development

SSC: Standard Schedule of Conditions. The SSC is the established conditions document that applies to disposition

issuance for applications processed outside of the EAP.

Standards Met by Proponent: The decision point where the proponent determines if, within a disposition

application, the project is able to meet all of the ESRD Approval Standards for the proposed activity and location.

The Approval Standards include a section for Provincial approval standards and for Sensitivity specific approval

standards. All Approval Standards identified on a valid LAT report must be met in order for an interim submission

to be considered “standard”.

Standard Submission: An EAP disposition application submission where the applicant agrees to meet the

approval standards associated with the proposed activity and location.

Statutory Declaration: A legal document defined under the laws of Alberta similar to a statement made under

oath; however, it is not sworn. Statutory declarations are commonly used to allow a person or organization to

affirm something to be true for the purposes of satisfying a legal requirement or regulation when no other evidence

is available or required.

STSS : Surveys and Technical Services Section

Surface Rights Holder Consent Process: A distinct process that must be completed prior to application through

the EAP. Industrial public land users are required to understand the consent requirements of prior surface rights

holders for a proposed project location, and if required, to obtain consent to operate prior to application submission

through EAP.

Survey Plan: A plan of survey prepared by an Alberta Land Surveyor representing the location of a disposition.

Tech: Geomatics technologist

Technical Review: A process undertaken by the Surveys and Technical Services Section that determines validates

and records the technical information provided in all EAP disposition application submissions.

TFA: Temporary Field Authorization. A short term authorization issued to applicants allowing for the use of

public land for specified activities.

Township Plat: Hand drafted spatial representation of dispositions within a township.

White Area: Lands typically owned by individuals and groups (homeowners, farmers, companies, organizations,

etc.), and most of the land suitable for cultivating. A wide range of uses is allowed including agriculture, oil and

gas exploration and development, surface materials development, commercial ventures such as hotels and trail

riding operations, and recreation). The White Area covers about thirty-nine percent of the province.

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