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Focus Streamlines Wellsite and Pipeline Licensing for Oil
and Gas Producers CALGARY, ALBERTA-Focus continues to streamline the wellsite and pipeline regulatory licensing process for oil and gas producers active in Alberta and northeastern British Columbia. Since 2004, Focus has developed, piloted and implemented two innovative processes to improve development of oil and gas reserves. These processes: Remote 3D Planning and Virtual Surveys which incorporates Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology have reduced the time required to license wells and pipelines and reduced many of the inherent project risks associated with capital exploration programs. Using these processes, Focus has unrivalled project experience and has spotted more than 1500 wells, route selected 2000 km of pipelines, routed 600km of access roads, and completed Virtual Surveys on over 100 wells and 60 pipelines for a number of producers. Virtual Surveys, developed by Focus, relies on the use of remote sensing and other geospatial data and tools, such as LiDAR and high-resolution multi-spectral satellite imagery to create a survey plan. LiDAR is a tool that can capture an accurate three dimensional view of what is on and above the ground. Combined with digital base mapping and high-resolution multi-spectral satellite imagery, a survey plan can be prepared that is suitable for regulatory licensing purposes within the scope of approved pilot projects. Used in conjunction with a field scout, this new survey process offers time savings over the traditional process in remote and difficult to access areas primarily on Public lands. The Government of Alberta's Sustainable Resource Development (SRD) Branch recently announced the extension of the LiDAR Pilot Projects program in support of Virtual Surveys for well sites on Public Lands. Focus along with SRD and the Alberta Land Surveyors' Association are working together to develop draft standards and procedures for this new type of survey. It is hoped those recommendations will be finalized by spring 2007. Remote 3D Planning leverages Focus' sophisticated 3D viewing technology and unmatched Western Canadian surface land database to assist with planning entire wellsite and pipeline development programs in an interactive session. In doing so, Focus assists oil and gas producers and their key stakeholders, including land agents, field consultants, engineers and geologists to improve coordination for landowner consultation, improve construction suitability & budget analysis, enable optimal lease layout selection and improve pipeline and access road routing prior to heading out into the field. Focus is a multi-disciplinary consulting firm providing a range of engineering, geomatics, planning and project management services to clients involved in oil and gas, oil sands, infrastructure, land development and environmental projects. Clients rely on Focus to deliver world-class technical solutions that optimize their investments, improve their competitive position and increase their long-term success. Focus employs more than 1400 staff in 20 offices throughout Western Canada. |
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