Edmonton March Luncheon
Title: Specified Enactment Direction 004 (SED 004): Pipeline Conservation and Reclamation Approvals under EPEA
About the presentation: Specified Enactment Directions (SEDs) set out conservation and reclamation requirements under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) that companies must follow.
Specified Enactment Direction 004 (SED 004) sets out the application and technical requirements for pipelines requiring approval under EPEA, in accordance with Schedule 1, Division 3 of the Activities Designation Regulation. It also details the postconstruction reclamation assessment report requirements for EPEA-approved pipelines regulated by the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER).
Released in July 2025, SED 004 replaced two outdated Government of Alberta guidance documents. A draft version was issued on June 10, 2024, with public feedback accepted until July 10, 2024, supporting transparent engagement in the development of the final direction.
This presentation will cover:
- Overview of the EPEA Approval Process for Regulated Pipelines
A high-level walkthrough of approval requirements, regulatory triggers, and proponent responsibilities under EPEA.
- Overview of SED 004 and Its Objectives
The intent of SED 004, alignment with regulatory expectations, and how it modernizes and clarifies conservation and reclamation requirements for pipelines.
- Key Technical Requirements, including:
o Soil Conservation – Survey requirements, salvage, handling, storage, and replacement requirements to support equivalent land capability.
o Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) – Expectations for mitigation planning, implementation, and documentation during construction and reclamation.
o Final Reclamation and Postconstruction Reclamation Assessment (PRA) – Criteria, methodologies, and reporting requirements to demonstrate successful reclamation outcomes.
SED 004 provides greater clarity, consistency, and transparency for industry while supporting effective oversight and responsible closure outcomes for Albertans.
Speaker: Nadia Cruickshank, P. Ag., is a Senior Reclamation Specialist with the Alberta Energy Regulator, where she has worked since 2015. Based in Edmonton, she brings 23 years of experience in environmental sciences, with a strong focus on land conservation and reclamation.
Nadia holds a diploma in Biological Sciences from NAIT and a degree in Land Conservation and Reclamation Sciences from the University of Alberta.
Her current work primarily supports in situ oil sands development, though she regularly contributes to closure activities across multiple sectors, including pipelines and mining. Nadia is committed to open engagement and collaboration with industry and stakeholders to help achieve responsible, effective closure outcomes for Albertans.
Outside of her professional life, Nadia is passionate about the outdoors and enjoys equestrian sports, hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.
Lynette Esak, MSc, PAg, PMP, is a Soil Specialist with the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) on the Oil and Gas Surface EPEA team. She focuses on regulatory reviews of EPEA applications—including sour gas plants and pipelines—and provides technical oversight on submissions under the Soil Monitoring Directive (2009), including the new SED 004 requirements and EPEA pipeline approval template.
Lynette brings extensive experience from her prior roles in environmental assessment within AER’s Mining division, as well as regulatory and project work with Health Canada, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, and the environmental consulting sector. Her background spans oil and gas, pipelines, oilsands and coal mining, in‑situ development, and transportation.
She holds an MSc in Soil Science and a BSc in Agriculture from the University of Alberta and is registered as a Professional Agrologist in Alberta and a certified Project Management Professional.
Date:
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Time:
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Venue:
University Club, University of Alberta
11435 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G9
Cost:
$40 – A&WMA Members
$50 – Non-Members
$15 – Students (includes hot lunch & coffee; GST included)
Webinar Access: Individual ($20) | Group ($80)
Details:
Please register by Friday, March 6 to secure your spot and help us plan for lunch.
Online registration and payment options, including credit card payments, are available through the links below: