Emergency Preparedness and Response
The ERCB has extensive regulations and requirements that upstream petroleum licensees must follow to protect the public and the environment during all stages of energy development.
Oilfield emergencies rarely occur because of comprehensive safety features required by the ERCB, but if an emergency does arise, a licensee must be prepared to respond quickly and effectively to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public and to limit damage to property and the environment. Directive 71: Emergency Preparedness and Response Requirements for the Upstream Petroleum Industry details emergency preparedness and response.
ERCB field staff respond to emergencies on a 24-hour basis. In the event of an oilfield emergency, the ERCB assumes a leadership role in coordinating emergency response amongst the operator, the municipality in which the emergency occurs, and the provincial Emergency Management Authority.
Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
Before a sour gas well is drilled, the ERCB requires an applicant to submit a site-specific ERP.
The ERCB reviews a site-specific ERP in detail to ensure that it addresses emergency scenarios and potential hazards to the public and that appropriate measures are in place to protect those in close proximity if an incident were to occur. Beyond the emergency planning zone, potential health impacts would be managed through coordination with municipal responders. In developing a site-specific ERP, a licensee must consult with people living or working within the Emergency Planning Zone and with the local municipal authorities.
For more information on emergency response planning see the section on emergency response.
Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ)
An EPZ is a priority area surrounding a facility, pipeline or well where full-time residents and visitors to the area, such as campers and hunters, may be at high risk during the early stages of an emergency situation. A licensee must meet with people living within an EPZ to discuss emergency procedures. Factors such as the release rate determine how large an EPZ must be.
The hydrogen sulphide (H
2
S) release rate for wells is calculated by using the H
2
S concentration and the maximum flow rate. The H
2
S release volume for pipelines is calculated by using the H
2
S concentration, maximum pipe pressure, length and diameter of pipeline.
In an upstream petroleum emergency, an EPZ provides a geographical area where pre-planned actions are taken promptly. Such actions may include evacuation if time allows, or asking residents to shelter indoors if evacuation is not possible due to factors such as adverse weather conditions or if a sour gas release has already occurred (i.e. pipeline rupture). Often sheltering indoors can be a safer and better option during air quality events of short duration.
Although an EPZ provides a priority area, further actions may be necessary beyond it. For that reason the ERCB requires that industry develops a coordinated emergency response plan with local authorities that can be evoked if necessary during an actual emergency.
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Setbacks
A setback is the minimum distance allowed between a given type of oil or gas well, pipeline, or processing plant and the nearest residence or occupied area. Setbacks vary according to the type of development and whether the well, facility, or pipeline contains sour gas.
Setbacks prevent populated areas from developing too close to energy facilities and energy facilities from getting too close to people. In other words, setbacks provide a buffer zone between the public and the facility in the event of a problem.
Setbacks are different than Emergency Planning Zones (EPZ). EPZs are used for emergency planning and can be significantly larger than a setback because other considerations such as the likelihood of an incident are considered in determining a setback.
[ Click on the above image to view a step-by-step process of a setback]
For a full description of setbacks, refer to EnerFAQs 5: Explaining ERCB Setbacks.
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