71. The trial period referred to in section 174 of the Act begins on the first day of extraction and must not exceed(1) 240 consecutive days when extracting petroleum and natural gas; and
(2) 365 consecutive days when extracting from gas shale.
The exploration licensee submits to the Minister for approval, at least 30 days before the projected date for the work prior to extraction, a detailed program of the projected tests during that period.
The program must be certified by an engineer. It indicates in particular(1) the depth interval and a description of the geological formations and zones in which the projected tests will take place;
(2) geological, geophysical, petrophysical and hydrostatic information, as well as drilling results justifying the projected tests;
(3) the location, present condition and characteristics of the well where the projected tests will be carried out and a description of the geological formations, whether consolidated or not, traversed by the well and an interpreted seismic profile indicating the location of zones where any projected tests are to be carried out;
(4) the nature, purpose, duration and project schedule of each projected test;
(5) methods used to dispose of extracted substances.
The Minister approves the program with or without amendment.
O.C. 1539-88, s. 71; O.C. 1381-2009, s. 39; O.C. 1092-2015, s. 1.