Request for Proposal (RFP) WIPC-1601

Conduct a Regulatory Review to Identify Gaps/Barriers to Use of Saline and Low Quality Non-saline Groundwater

Description

PTAC is seeking proposals for a regulatory review to identify gaps/barriers to use of saline and low quality non-saline groundwater. In particular, the regulatory review would focus on issues relating to exploration for these resources, such as mineral rights, gas concentration, and royalties. The project would exclude a review of regulation pertaining to storage or transport of low quality water. The deliverable for this project would be a short briefing paper, and may include options for how gaps our barriers may be resolved. Proponents will require a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of AEP, AER, the Alberta Department of Energy and applicable Federal agencies that may impact regulatory reviews.

Request for Proposal (RFP) SGRC-1601

Develop a Mass Flux Reduction by Mass Removal Model (mass flux replaced by remediation endpoints) to Demonstrate Remediation Success and Protection of Applicable Receptors

Description

The literature suggested that mass reduction (contaminant of concern - CoC) as a result of in-situ remediation efforts could reduce contaminant mass flux. This could protect receptors without meeting applicable remediation endpoints. The main contaminants of concern in the Upstream energy sector are PHC and salinity. The idea is to determine the amount of mass (CoC) to be removed to achieve environmental protection. The goal of this effort is to develop a standard approach of assessing mass flux and residual mass that protect applicable receptors. In addition, there is a need to develop a tool to estimate residual mass and mass flux. This approach should be broader and applicable to all remediation efforts.

Request for Proposal (RFP) SGRC-1602

Develop a Tier 2 SSRA Roadmap for PHC Endpoint Development

Description

There is a need to develop a roadmap for consistent application of Tier 2 SSRA for PHC endpoint development. The goal is to provide a standard and reproducible approach to aid both proponents and approvers. The current Tier 2 SSRA guidance requires approval of this approach before implementation. A standard approach might support an expedited approval or replace the approval requirements. A critical review of parameters, receptors and mass flux would support this approach.

Request for Proposal (RFP) 16-WIPC-04

Risk Assessment: Use of Layflat Surface Hose for the Transport of Alternative Water

Introduction

The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) currently allows for the use of layflat surface hose for the transport of water for short-term use, such as during hydraulic fracturing operations for unconventional development. UnderAER Bulletin 2014-38 Temporary Surface Water Pipelines for the Energy Resource Industry, transport of water that meets the following criteria is exempt from the requirement to obtain a Directive 56 Energy Development License:

  • The source water has a chloride content of 640 milligram per litre or less.
  • The source water has an electrical conductivity of 2.0 decisiemens per metre or less.
  • The source water has a pH value between 6.5 and 9.0.
  • The source water has no hydrocarbon sheen.
  • The source water does not contain any of the following: municipal wastewater, water affected by industrial process, or produced or process water from an oil-and-gas activity.
  • No chemical will be added to the source water or the water at any time during transport in the pipeline.

In accordance to the draft Water Conservation Policy it is an expectation that industry consider alternative water sources to decrease the use of high quality non-saline water. The above limitations preclude certain types of alternative water sources that are currently being considered for use as part of hydraulic fracturing operations in the Duvernay formation. For example, recycled municipal or industrial water, non-potable fresh water, produced water, flowback water, or freshwater comingled with any of these alternatives cannot be transported via layflat surface hose under current regulatory guidance documents. As development of the Duvernay continues, and in accordance to the draft Water Conservation Policy, use of fresh water alternatives is necessary to reduce use of high quality non-saline fresh water sources, and use of surface or subsurface pipelines permitted and licensed via Directive 56 is onerous and uneconomical on such a large scale.

Scope of Study

The scope of this study is to assess the potential use of alternative temporary piping for transport of alternative waters. While vendor specifications and operator experience suggest alternate piping is an option, stakeholders and regulators unfamiliar with these options need independent verification of options and associated risks.

The study will evaluate all potential temporary hose pipe available in Canada for the following criteria:

  • Compatibility with proposed water types (see below)
  • Pressure rating/ certification
  • Operational constraints (if any)
  • Cost
  • Environmental risks and consequences of hose failure related to use

The intent is to validate the options available, focusing on the non-CSA approved pipe, and provide operational recommendations and provide mitigation recommendations. Ideally study will have lab or field operation of various hose in use to aid in layperson understanding.

Use and consequence of failure in both unmitigated and mitigated circumstances should be aligned with the following fluid types:

  • Fresh, treated water (includes treated municipal effluent and treated industrial wastewater that meet Alberta surface release guidelines)
  • Non-fresh, non-saline water (<4,000 ppm TDS)
  • Saline water (>4,000 ppm TDS)

The study should also provide quantification and discussion related to the cost of mitigating environmental risks.

PTAC is the neutral facilitator of these RFPs and PTAC staff will not screen, evaluate or make decisions on what will proceed.Technical questions should be emailed to PTAC at