New pilot programs are being launched to improve the reclamation of oil and gas wells in Alberta.

The Government of Alberta announced plans to launch two pilots next year that will aim to make the process clearer and more effective.

The Well Site Reduction Pilot will allow the Alberta Energy Regulator to certify portions of reclaimed well sites that meet reclamation standards, as opposed to waiting until the entire site reclamation is done first.

Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz was quoted in a provincial release explaining the pilot's intended effect.

"These pilots demonstrate our commitment to reducing red tape while ensuring that all companies clean up their sites when decommissioned. The pilots are the first step in improving the current reclamation certificate issuance process for well sites and associated facilities. If successful, they will help make the reclamation process faster, clearer and more effective."

It would be limited to 100 applications, and land owners will have to consent before participating in the program.

The amount of landowners willing to participate will play a factor in how the pilot is assessed once it's finished.

The province also announced the Reclaiming Peatland Pilot, which is a new tool for well site operators planning to change from peatlands to forest lands.

According to the province, it will "improve site-specific considerations and logistics related to well or access roads in peatlands."

Both pilots are set to launch in February 2024. The Reclaiming Peatland Pilot will run until July 2025, and the Well Site Reduction Pilot is set to end one month after that.

More information on both pilots will be released when they launch next year.

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