EPAP – Enhanced Production Audit Program
Introduction to Enhanced Production Audit Program (EPAP)
The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) releases Directive 076: Operator Declaration Regarding Measurement and Reporting Requirements, effective January 4, 2010.
Directive 76 sets the requirements of the Enhanced Production Audit Program (EPAP). Operators have to declare the status of their infrastructure as it relates to compliance with ERCB measurement and reporting requirements. The requirements on how the volumes are to be measured are mainly in Directive 017: Measurement Requirements for Upstream Oil and Gas Operations and reporting requirements are mainly in Directive 007: Volumetric and Infrastructure Requirements. It applies to all operators which subject to ERCB measurement and reporting requirements and reporting to the Petroleum Registry of Alberta. It pertains to conventional oil, heavy oil, crude bitumen, and natural gas facilities but does not apply to mineable oil sands.
The ERCB allows a one-year phase-in period for new operators, during which time the EPAP requirements will not be enforced. This period allows operators and ERCB staff to prepare for the first declaration period. ERCB expects operators to take the necessary steps to comply with the new requirements during this time. The ERCB will continue to enforce all other ERCB measurement and reporting requirements during the phase-in period.
Visser's EPAP Service Program
Through Directive 076: EPAP, operators determine the level of assurance (confidence) they have in the processes and procedures they use to; ensure their measurement and production numbers are correct or accurate. EPAP allows operators to identify areas where they are deficient and implement corrective actions.
Visser has developed a 10 phase EPAP service program that will help operators manage EPAP responsibilities from initial evaluation to yearly maintenance. This 10 phase program takes you, the operator, from your current situation to address Directive 076 (EPAP), Directive 017 (Measurement Requirements for Upstream Oil and Gas Operations) and Directive 007 (Volumetric and Infrastructure Requirements) compliance.
This 10 phase EPAP service program provides the necessary level assurance for your signing executives so they may make their declarations with confidence.
The 10 phase program will ensure that the signing executive is well aware of that status of your business process controls and Business Process and Control improvements needed for compliance and, the road map (implementation plan) to ensure compliance.
We work closely with our clients to implement the control plan to ensure EPAP, Directive 017 (measurement) and Directive 007 (reporting) compliance.
The Benefits Of Our 10 Phase EPAP Program
Phase 1 Introduction to the Enhanced Production Audit Program (EPAP)
- Provides our clients a clear and to the point understanding of Directive 076 (EPAP) and its relations to Directive 017 (measurement) and Directive 007 (reporting) requirements.
- Our clients have a good understand the EPAP requirements for compliance.
Phase 2 Analysis of Reporting Facilities
- Analyses the reporting facilities to prioritize the review of facilities, i.e. important (high risk) facilities first and ensure that all (or enough sample) reporting facilities are reviewed.
- Ensure that the client's EPAP budgets are effectively utilized.
Phase 3 Develop Measurement Schematics
- Works with our clients to ensure that the measurement schematics are updated and correct to ensure compliance of Directive 017 and Directive 007.
- Ensure that the clients' schematics truly reflect the physical flow/process for better business decisions making and EPAP compliance.
Phase 4 Identification of Measurement and Reporting the Requirements
- Using EPAP, Directive 017 and Directive 007 and the measurement schematics as guides, we work with our clients to document the existing Business Processes and Controls and provide an objective evaluation of existing controls for compliance in the initial EPAP declaration.
- Highlight and document current Business Process and Control deficiencies so the clients can see what is needed to be in EPAP compliance.
Phase 5 Building the Infrastructure (Business Processes)
- Works with our clients to recommend Effective Business Process improvements to ensure EPAP, Directive 017 (measurement) and Directive 007 (reporting) compliance.
- Highlight the road map to transform existing Business Process to industry best practice Business Process for EPAP compliance.
Phase 6 Building the Infrastructure (Controls)
- Works with our clients to recommend Effective Controls improvements to ensure EPAP, Directive 017 (measurement) and Directive 007 (reporting) compliance.
- Highlight the road map to transform existing to industry best practices Controls for EPAP compliance.
Phase 7 Building the Infrastructure (Evaluation of Controls Plan and Procedures)
- Works with our clients to implement the Business Processes and controls by setting a Control Plan and procedures for compliance in place, and ensure that the plan and procedures are implemented.
- Highlight a step by step effective control plan and procedures for EPAP compliance so our clients know exactly what is needed.
Phase 8 Compliance Assessment Process
- Review the monthly Compliance Report and works with our clients to reduce and/or eliminate Compliance Assessment issues or concerns.
- Reduce penalties and chances of unexpected Production Audits.
Phase 9 Submission of First Annual EPAP Declaration
- Works with our clients to submit the EPAP Declaration with full confidence.
- So the EPAP signing Executive is confident that the operations are in compliance.
Phase 10 Evaluation of Controls
- Highlight Business Process and Controls improvements for Continuous Improvement to ensure continuous compliance of EPAP, Directive 017 and Directive 007.
- So the EPAP signing Executive is confident that the Declaration is backed up by objective evaluations and by industry best practice Business Processes and Controls.