Weeds on Wellsites Update

The Weeds On Wellsites working group met on March 26, 2025.

The meeting was planned to coincide with the release of the Mature Assets Strategy (MAS) report, however the report was delayed and not released until April 3, 2025.

At the meeting Agriculture and Irrigation (AGI) staff discussed their involvement in the Mature Asset Strategy Initiative led by Alberta Energy and David Yaeger, including the engagement process, stakeholder meetings, and upcoming recommendations.

Positive Outcomes:

• Raised awareness of the weeds on well sites issue to participants, including Oil and Gas industry representatives
• Raised awareness of Agricultural Trade impact from weed and pest contamination of grain/hay
• Landowner groups articulated the erosion of trust with Oil and Gas

By engaging and being involved in the Mature Asset Strategy engagements, the Agriculture and Irrigation staff were able to brief the Energy and Minerals Minister and discuss two endorsed actions:

• Adding the Weed Control Act and Agriculture Pest Act to the Specified Enactments of the Responsible Energy Development Act (REDA) and
• Working with the Municipal Governance Act to get cost recovery for municipal work regarding weeds on well sites added to the leaseholders tax roll.

In addition, the Rural Municipalities of Alberta is creating a survey for municipalities to determine the extent of the concerns regarding weeds on wellsites. RMA staff provided an update on the survey development, mentioning the delay but highlighting the progress made. Outlined the survey’s structure, target audience, and categories of questions, and invited feedback from attendees. They are aiming for a three week response window, recognizing that it will fall in the busy season for ASB staff, and hoping to have data analyzed by fall 2025.

Next Steps

Support for the Mature Asset Strategy Cabinet Package

Participants shared insights from the RMA perspective, highlighting disagreements with some premises of the strategy, particularly around municipal taxation. Emphasizing the need to solve outstanding issues before incentivizing Oil and Gas companies. Mention of the upcoming MAS report release to the public.

Reiterated the importance of raising awareness about weeds on well sites and the positive impacts of participating in the mature asset strategy discussions.

Discussed the ongoing work with municipal affairs and energy to respond to the draft report and continue addressing the weeds on well sites issues.

Related Links

Mature Asset Strategy engagement and final report

RMA – Response to the MAS Report