GENERAL ORDER 293/95

SCHEDULE A

SITE ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS:

The soils of surface leases must be documented prior to construction so that the reclamation of the land can be planned effectively. Surface lease means all leases, easements, and rights-of-way which may be required for a well site, access road or pipeline.

It is recommended that the owner of the development be familiar with the Weed Control Act and its regulations to ensure that the construction, management, and reclamation of the surface lease is in compliance with this Act.

The level of effort required to conduct site assessments will vary depending on local conditions, but the following requirements are the minimum information which must be filed with the Provincial Agricultural Land Commission and the owner of the land:

Site Information:	well name and well site approval number petroleum company location and legal description of property name and address of landowner date of site inspection name and address of person conducting the site assessment
Site Description:	a brief description of the surficial geology. This information is available from published soil surveys and government reports. the agricultural capability rating from published resource inventory maps, such as the Canada Land Inventory maps. a rating of the surface drainage as good, moderate or poor. a description of the site topography, indicating the gradient and aspect of slopes.

Sampling Procedures:
The primary purpose of the site assessment is to document the soil quality, quantity, and profile of the surface lease. Soil sampling can be done with hand tools, an auger, or construction equipment. The following procedures must be followed:

• the soil conditions of a well site must be sampled at five locations: one sample must be taken 5 m inside from each corner of the surface lease boundary, and one sample must be taken at the center of the surface lease.
• access roads and pipelines greater than 500 m in length require one sample on the centerline of the surface lease for every 250 m in length.
• soil samples must extend 20 cm below the B horizon, or to a maximum depth of 100 cm below the surface of the ground.

Soil Assessment:
A visual analysis of the soil at each sample location must include the following information:
 

Sample Number	A Horizon:  Depth (cm)    Description		B Horizon:  Depth (cm)    Description

The A horizon is the upper portion of the soil profile that has been significantly altered by accumulation of organic matter and by weathering processes. This layer is commonly referred to as "topsoil". The B horizon is the soil layer below the topsoil that has been altered by weathering but has little or no visible accumulations of organic matter.

The description of each horizon must include its texture class, based on the Canadian Soil Classification System.

The A horizon from the five samples from a well site must be combined and thoroughly mixed. A portion of this combined sample must be sent to a laboratory for an analysis of its organic content, pH, and texture.

Photographs:
Photographs must be taken which show the condition of the surface lease prior to disturbance. Each photograph should be labeled with the date and WA #, and should be numbered so that additional information can be summarized in the following table:
 

Photo #	Location	Direction	Comments

Sketch Map:
The site assessment must include a sketch map of the surface lease which shows the following information:

• location of where the soil samples were taken
• location and direction of the photographs
• boundaries of the well site, access road, and pipeline right-of-ways
• current vegetation and land use
• topographical features such as, slope direction and drainage patterns
• location and description of works required to prevent soil erosion from runoff