THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR IN THE CANADIAN PROVINCE OF ALBERTA MAY BE ABLE TO MORE EASILY MANAGE ITS ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS WHEN A NEW COMPUTER-BASED INFORMATION SYSTEM IS ROLLED OUT.

The residents of petroleum-rich Alberta have long had mixed feelings about the oil patch. They like the tax revenue and employment it provides, but they are also concerned about its potential negative effects on their air, water, wildlife and social systems. To help our clients address these multiple impacts, Golder is working on a computerized flowchart and data management system that can help oil and gas companies keep track of the steps that they take to comply with the government’s rules and regulations.

The system is to help track which environmental impact assessments and other documents have been filed, which permits have been applied for and received, when renewals of permits must be done, and track the wide array of compliance issues. Even small oil and gas companies may operate or have a part ownership in dozens of wells, pipelines and other infrastructure elements, and the database can help them avoid unintentional non-compliance.

A map-based interface will allow users to click on specific wells, pipelines or other areas of interest to find their status, deadlines for next steps and other information.

The result is much more than compliance – it helps the energy sector contribute to a more sustainable future, economically and socially, for the human and animal inhabitants of the province.