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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ERCB RELEASES DIRECTIVE ON OIL SANDS INSPECTIONS
Calgary, Alberta (December 17, 2008) The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) has issued Directive 073: Requirements for Inspection and Compliance of Oil Sands Mining and Processing Plant Operations in the Oil Sands Mining Area, which represents a major step in the evolution of Alberta’s regulation of oil sands mining operations.
The Directive was issued in draft form earlier this year. The final version reflects feedback from government, industry and the public and consultations with Alberta Environment.
Directive 073: Requirements for Inspection and Compliance of Oil Sands Mining and Processing Plant Operations in the Oil Sands Mining Area details ERCB regulatory requirements that operators of oil sands mining and processing plant operations must follow as well as the expectations of ERCB field inspectors. The Directive includes an updated manual for field staff to follow during inspections to ensure inspections are conducted in a consistent manner, as well as providing a guide to industry for what operators can expect during and following an inspection. The requirements in Directive 073 become operational immediately.
The ERCB has more than tripled the number of inspections conducted this year at mineable oil sands facilities over the 18 inspections conducted in 2007. Each inspection or incident response can take up to one week to complete.
The ERCB believes that compliance in meeting or exceeding regulations and standards is the responsibility of the energy industry. The ERCB expects that companies understand the requirements and have the infrastructure in place to ensure compliance.
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Directive 073: Requirements for Inspection and Compliance of Oil Sands Mining and Processing Plant Operations in the Oil Sands Mining Area can be found at www.ercb.ca
For more information, please contact:
Davis Sheremata
ERCB Communications
Ph: 403-605-4216
Email: davis.sheremata@ercb.ca
NR 2008-32
