The Alberta Securities Commission Oil and Gas Task Force recently released its recommendations concerning evaluation and disclosure of oil and gas reserves. The recommendations could have a significant impact on the activities of APEGGA members and permit holders. Since the issue concerns, to a great extent, the practice of engineering, geology and geophysics, APEGGA's Practice Review Board (PRB) has commissioned its own inquiry.

Concern has been expressed about problems, whether real or perceived, regarding APEGGA professional members and permit holders issuing reports that overstate oil and gas reserves. Since such practices would have a potential negative impact on the public, it is APEGGA's responsibility, as the regulator of the engineering and geoscience professions, to look into the matter. The purpose of the inquiry is to make a preliminary evaluation as to whether there is sufficient evidence to support such allegations.

In order to gather the necessary information, the Board has prepared the accompanying questionnaire. Any member directly involved with the evaluation of oil and gas reserves or anyone who has a specific interest in or concern about this matter is asked to take a few minutes to answer the questions. Responses will be kept in the strictest confidence and all information received will be used and retained exclusively for the purpose of the inquiry.

Dr. J.C. den Boer, P.Geol., P.Geoph., chair of the PRB Subcommittee conducting the inquiry, notes that there is some urgency for an early completion of the inquiry. Please fill out our survey online or mail, fax a completed questionnaire as soon as possible to:

R.G. Chopiuk, P.Eng.
Director Professional Practice
APEGGA
1500 Scotia One, 10060 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4A2

Fax: (780) 426-1877