Online Permitting and Clearance (OPaC)
As part of an initiative to update and streamline services, Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation and Alberta Culture and Community Spirit have partnered in the creation of a new online application system for Historical Resources Act clearance for small-scale oil and gas developments and for permits to undertake archaeological studies or to conduct research within Alberta Parks and Protected Areas. The Online Permit and Clearance (OPaC) system has two portals, one for applications for Parks-related research and one for applications for Historical Resources Act clearances or archaeological permits. Those interested in research in Alberta Parks should proceed to the Alberta Parks and Protected Areas website for more information. Those interested in applying for clearance for small-scale oil and gas projects or for archaeological permits may find the following information helpful.
Applying for Historical Resources Act Clearance
Proponents and agents have become familiar with the need to consult Alberta Culture and Community Spirit's Listing of Historic Resources as part of the approval processes for small-scale energy projects (well sites and related access roads, Class II pipelines and exploration activities) required by the Alberta Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) and Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (SRD). These processes remain in place and will continue to trigger requirements to obtain Historical Resources Act clearance when resources on the Listing occur within development areas.
For these projects, OPaC is the sole means of applying for Historical Resources Act clearance. Applicants who have used the paper clearance application form for other types of projects may continue to do so, but submission must be by mail, fax or e-mail to the Land Use Planning Section. We hope to expand application of the online system to include other industries in future.
OPaC features include:
- A one-time registration that provides users with individual password-protected accounts to complete, submit and track the progress of their small-scale oil and gas clearance applications.
- Communication by e-mail, notifying users when applications have been received, requesting changes if necessary and sending back approved clearance forms and any other requirements documents.
- A tool that will search the Listing of Historic Resources and identify all Listing entries within the project lands identified.
Detailed instructional materials to assist in using OPaC to prepare, submit and manage clearance applications are available in the User Guide Section below. If you have questions in this regard please contact Rebecca Traquair at 780-431-2373.
Archaeological Permit Processes
Since proclamation of the Alberta Historical Resources Act in 1973, all archaeological studies undertaken in Alberta have required a valid permit. Section 3 of the Archaeological and Palaeontological Research Permit Regulation outlines the qualifications necessary to hold such permits and the conditions under which studies must take place. Permit Regulations are familiar to practising Alberta archaeologists and have not changed. Questions about eligibility to hold permits should be directed to Brian Ronaghan at 780-431-2335.
OPaC has been designed as a comprehensive work flow system to replace former paper-based processes for applications for archaeological permits and amendments and for communication regarding report review processes. Although the basic structure of these applications and the information required for their successful completion mirror former paper procedures, system architecture and some processes are new. All active archaeologists have been supplied a link to OPaC and a temporary password to facilitate initial registration. Newly qualified archaeologists must first contact the Historic Resources Management Branch.
OPaC features include:
- Password-protected accounts through which archaeologists can complete, submit and track the progress of their applications and the newly required report summary submissions.
- A tool to search the Listing of Historic Resources for information on any significant resource in user-defined study areas.
- The ability to upload required supporting documentation in a variety of formats.
- A secure on-line payment mechanism.
- Communication by e-mail, including notification when applications have been received or when changes are necessary; transmission of PDF copies of approved permits and amendments; confirmation of receipt of report summary information for Interim and Final Reports; and notification of the results of report reviews and any required revisions.
Archaeologists must note that, while report summary information for Interim (if allowed) and Final Reports is to be submitted through OPaC, submission of hard copies of Interim and Final Reports is still required to initiate the review process, and digital data submission requirements remain unchanged.
Detailed instructional materials to assist in using OPaC to prepare, submit and manage archaeological permit and amendment applications and report summary submissions are available in the User Guides section below. If you have questions in this regard please contact Martina Purdon at 780-431-2331.
Apply for clearance or permit:
OPaC ApplicationsOPaC User Guides:
OPaC User Guide - Section 1 - Registration and Common Features
OPaC User Guide - Section 2 - Applying for Historical Resources Act Clearance
OPaC User Guide - Section 3 - Applying for Archaeological Permits and Amendments
OPaC User Guide - Section 4 - Submitting an Archaeological Report SummaryForms:
Applicant Agreement
Archaeology Resources Recommended Action Matrix (RAM)
Palaeontological Resources Recommended Action Matrix (RAM)
Permit Transfer Agreement Form
Statements of Justification:
Archaeological Survey Information Bulletin - Statement of Justification (SoJ)
GUIDE - SoJ for Archaeological Historic Resources Impact Assessment
FORM - SoJ for Archaeological Historic Resources Impact Assessment
GUIDE - SoJ for Historical Resources Act Clearance for Small-scale Oil and Gas projects
FORM - SoJ for Historical Resources Act Clearance for Small-scale Oil and Gas projects
GUIDE - SoJ for Historical Resources Act Requirements for projects other than small-scale oil and gas
FORM - SoJ for Historical Resources Act Requirements for projects other than small-scale oil and gas
