About Us
Reducing the Risk of Orphans
To reduce the risk of future orphans, Alberta has a comprehensive regulatory system that includes proactive requirements and processes. When a site is orphaned, the OWA is an industry-funded backstop to close sites in a timely and efficient manner.
Reactive system
When companies cannot meet their responsibilities to safely decommission and reclaim their oil and gas sites, the AER may designate sites as orphans for the OWA to manage.
- Close sites
- The OWA conducts risk assessments to prioritize sites and closes them using an area-based approach for efficiency. The OWA can also close sites that have an active company with a working interest in the site -- the active company reimburses the OWA for their portion of the costs. Alternatively, if working interest partners perform the closure work, the OWA reimburses them for the defunct company’s portion of the closure costs.
- Carry out operational activities
- The OWA may manage, maintain and operate sites for a limited time to bridge to other long-term solutions.
- Appoint a Receiver
- The OWA may apply to appoint and fund a receiver to assist in transitioning productive assets to new responsible parties, with AER approval.
