Open AccessLiability for Suspension/Discontinuation, Abandonment and Reclamation in Alberta: An Update
Author(s) -
Nickie Vlavianos
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
alberta law review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1925-8356
pISSN - 0002-4821
DOI - 10.29173/alr1385
Subject(s) - abandonment (legal) , statute , liability , land reclamation , energy law , pipeline transport , suspension (topology) , business , law , finance , political science , environmental science , environmental law , environmental engineering , mathematics , archaeology , homotopy , pure mathematics , history
This article outlines the current regulatory framework for suspension/discontinuation, abandonment, and reclamation liabilities in Alberta. The focus is on the recent amendments introduced by the Energy Statutes Amendment Act, 2000. First, jurisdictional issues that arise regarding these liabilities are discussed. Then the current liability regime for the suspension and abandonment of oil and gas wells and other upstream facilities is reviewed. A similar review is conducted of liabilities associated with discontinuing and abandoning pipelines in Alberta. The liability regime applicable to the reclamation of wells, facilities, and pipelines is then considered. The article concludes with a review of the Energy Statutes Amendment Act's, 2000 amendments to the Orphan Fund.