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Bulletin 2006-31

September 6, 2006

Directive 042: Measurement, Accounting, and Reporting Plan (MARP) Requirement for Thermal Bitumen Schemes Issues

Directive 042: Measurement, Accounting, and Reporting Plan (MARP) Requirement for Thermal Bitumen Schemes, which details the modification to thermal bitumen scheme approval procedures, has been released by the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) and is effective September 6, 2006.

In addition to the current EUB application requirements, a measurement, accounting, and reporting plan (MARP) must be submitted for these types of schemes. The directive explains what the MARP must contain.

This change has been made to clarify and improve compliance with existing EUB requirements. It is also expected to better allow the EUB to work collaboratively with applicants and licensees to identify potential problems and develop appropriate solutions during the development phase of a scheme and throughout the scheme’s life.

EUB Interim Directive (ID) 91-3: Heavy Oil/Oil Sands Operations and Industry Recommended Practice (IRP) Volume 3.4 both pertain to measurement requirements for heavy oil operations; but they do not directly relate to thermal operations. Measurement requirements for heavy oil/oil sands operations are currently being reviewed, and the information contained in Directive 042, as well as further revisions, will be included in future updates to Directive 017: Measurement Requirements for Upstream Oil and Gas Operations or other directives.

Directive 042 is available on the EUB Web site www.ercb.ca and in paper format from EUB Information Services (telephone (403) 297-8190; address: 640 – 5 Avenue SW, Calgary,
Alberta T2P 3G4).

Comments and questions should be forwarded to Bill Cheung, of the Compliance and Operations Branch: telephone (403) 297-8798; e-mail bill.w.cheung@gov.ab.ca.

<Original signed by>

D. K. Boyler, P.Eng.
Executive Manager
Compliance and Operations Branch