Microfiche Replacement Project
On August 25, 2008 the ERCB began a long-term project to scan all microfiche into searchable PDF files.
All Well Files (well information including application, disposition, survey plan and other correspondence) previously stored on microfiche are now available in PDF. For details on pricing and how to order please click here for Publications and refer to the 2010 Publications Catalogue.
When the files are off-site, they will not be available for viewing or order processing. As a result there will be an additional delay to order processing time equivalent to the amount of time the microfiche is off-site.
Weekly Plan
The Weekly Plan for scanning is outlined below. The microfiche files listed below will not be available for viewing or order processing for the dates indicated. This schedule is our best estimate as of February 16. This plan may change at short notice. We will try to keep changes to a minimum.
Date
Microfiche Off-site*
|
Data Set
|
Application Numbers
UWI
|
| Jan 25 – Feb 18 | Miscellaneous Files | G Orders, Progress Reports – Acid Gas |
| Feb 1 – Feb 25 | Drill Stem Tests | 00/06-17-001-01W4/0 to 00/05-36-019-04W5/0 |
| Feb 8 – Mar 4 | Drill Stem Tests | 00/12-02-020-01W4/0 to 00/16-25-034-06W4/0 |
| Feb 15 – Mar 11 | Drill Stem Tests | 00/11-26-034-06W4/0 to 00/05-29-042-18W4/0 |
| Feb 22 – Mar 18 | Drill Stem Tests | 00/15-29-042-18W4/0 to 00/11-26-053-08W4/0 |
| Mar 1 – Mar 25 | Drill Stem Tests | 00/10-27-053-08W4/0 to 00/10-33-063-21W5/0 |
| Mar 8 – Apr 1 | Drill Stem Tests | 00/16-33-063-21W5/0 to 00/05-30-078-09W6/0 |
| Mar 15 – Apr 8 | Drill Stem Tests | 00/06-30-078-09W6/0 to 00/13-13-126-11W6/0 |
* dates are inclusive
3-Month Scanning Plan
The 3-Month Scanning Plan is outlined below. The Approximate Start Date indicates when we will start scanning the data set. For detailed information on which files will be out for scanning, please refer to the Weekly Plan.
|
Approximate Start Date
|
Data Set
|
| End January | Drill Stem Tests |
| End March | Facilities |
All Microfiche Data Sets
|
Data Set
|
Dates on Microfiche
| Status |
| AOF (Gas) | 1962 - 1999 | Available in PDF |
| Applications | Prior to Oct. 2003 | Available in PDF |
| Approvals | Prior to Oct 2004 | |
| BHP (Oil) | Prior to 1990 | Field and Pool Available in PDF |
| Board Orders | 1962 - March 1999 | |
| Coal Exploration - Coal Analysis | Current | |
| Coal Licences and Permits | 1962 -March 1999 | |
| Coal Logs | Current | |
| Coal Mine Files | Current | |
| Coal Mine Plans | Current | |
| Coal Production | Prior to 2000 | |
| Coalbed Methane Analysis | Prior to Aug. 2005
(approximately) | Available in PDF |
| Core Analysis | Current | |
| Directional Survey | Prior to 2007
(approximately) | Available in PDF |
| DST | 1962 - March 1999 | |
| Facilities | Prior to September 1995 | |
| Fluid Analysis | Prior to 1999 | Water Analysis Available in PDF |
| Miscellaneous | Various | |
| Pipeline Transfers | Current | |
| Pipelines | Current | Available in PDF |
| Progress Reports | | Oil Sands and Enhanced Oil Recovery Available in PDF |
| PVT | Prior to 2005
(approximately) | Available in PDF |
| Special Core | Prior to 2005
(approximately) | Available in PDF |
| Well Files | Prior to Oct. 2003 | Available in PDF |
| Well Logs | Current | Available in TIFF |
| Well Production | Prior to 1962 | |
| Well Transfers | Current | |
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Project Overview
The ERCB is pleased to announce the launch of the Microfiche Replacement Project .
On August 25th, 2008, the ERCB began scanning all data currently stored on microfiche into searchable PDF format. Over the next three to four years about 38 million images and 1.5 million documents will be converted.
The Microfiche Replacement Project is being initiated to enhance the products and services provided by the ERCB and alleviate problems that have been experienced with microfiche availability, as discussed in Bulletin 2008-08, February 7, 2008.
In total about 2 per cent of the microfiche inventory will be unavailable at one time. It will mainly be business as usual during the project.
However, while the selected fiche are being scanned, there will be no access to these files. Customer order fulfillment for files that are out for scanning could be delayed by up to 3 weeks, in addition to normal processing time.
Throughout the project we are planning to keep you updated on which files are out for scanning. A weekly and 3-month rolling plan will be viewable from this Web page.
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Questions and Answers
Q: When will the PDF files be available to customers?
A: We are aiming to make the PDF files available as quickly as possible. Scanning of the microfiche files is the first step in the process. As the data sets become available, we will notify you on this web page and in the Publications Catalogue. The PDF files will be available through Information Services in the same way that you place orders for microfiche today.
Q: When the Microfiche Replacement Project is completed, will the PDF files be available through the internet?
The PDF files will be available through Information Services in the same way that you place orders for data today. As outlined in the ERCB Catalogue you can place orders via e-mail at infoservices@ercb.ca or in person.
Q: When will well files be scanned?
A: At this time, the well files data set has not been scheduled. Well files will be scanned within the timeframe of the total project.
As the scanning order becomes more defined, updates will be posted on the Web. Please refer to Weekly Plan or 3-Month Scanning Plan
Q: Why are the microfiche files not available while they are being scanned?
A: In order to ensure that the project is completed within a reasonable time, the scanning vendor has to process about 50 000 images a day. This is an aggressive throughput rate. In order to allow the vendor to achieve this, we must minimize disruptions. Recalling microfiche would disrupt the operation.
Q: Why are the microfiche files that are being scanned not available for 3 1/2 weeks?
A: In order to allow for adequate time for inventory, shipping, receiving, scanning , and quality checking, the fiche will be unavailable for up to 3 1/2 weeks.
Q: What if I require immediate access to data for a hearing or land sale?
A: We ask that you plan ahead for such events. We will be posting a 3-month plan on the Web to keep you informed about what data sets are going to be scanned and a more detailed weekly schedule of what specific files will be out.
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Contact Information
If you have questions that are not addressed here, please e-mail us at FRP_Communications@ercb.ca or contact Barbara Lauer, the Interim Project Manager at 403-297-2537.
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