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Compliance Glossary Term

Surface Use Plan

A document outlining how land above a wellsite or pipeline corridor can be accessed and used during operations. Subcontractors must follow it to avoid disturbing restricted areas or triggering landowner disputes. Non-compliance can result in work stoppages or liability on your crew.

Related Terms

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Compliance

An emissions control device fitted to diesel-powered equipment that traps soot and particulate matter from exhaust. Subcontractors must ensure DPFs are maintained and operational to meet Tier 4 emissions requirements on regulated job sites. Failing inspections or bypassing filters can result in equipment being pulled from service.

Moratorium

Compliance

A government or operator-imposed halt on specific activities, such as drilling or fracking, in a region. For subcontractors, this means work orders stop and contracts may be suspended without pay. Always review force majeure clauses before mobilising to areas under active moratorium discussions.

LDAR (Leak Detection and Repair)

Compliance

A regulated programme requiring subcontractors to inspect equipment for fugitive emissions using specialised tools like optical gas imaging cameras. Findings must be documented and repaired within set timeframes under federal and provincial regulations. Field crews performing LDAR work often require specific training and certification to stay compliant on site.

CCR (Coal Combustion Residuals)

Compliance

Solid and liquid waste materials produced by coal-fired power plants, including fly ash, bottom ash, and scrubber sludge. Subcontractors handling CCR sites must follow strict federal regulations governing storage, disposal, and remediation. Improper handling can trigger significant liability, so verify site-specific CCR compliance requirements before mobilising.

Metering Calibration

Compliance

The process of verifying and adjusting flow meters, pressure gauges, and other measurement instruments to ensure accurate readings that meet regulatory and client standards — subcontractors providing metering services must maintain current calibration records as proof of compliance and to avoid liability for measurement disputes or billing discrepancies.

Bonded Operator License

Compliance

A licence that requires the holder to carry a surety bond as financial assurance that they will meet regulatory obligations, meaning subcontractors and field service companies must maintain this bond coverage to legally operate certain equipment or perform specific scopes of work on a client's site. For subcontractors, holding a bonded operator licence is often a prerequisite for bidding on contracts, as it signals to operators and general contractors that financial accountability is in place if work standards or regulatory requirements are not met.

Latest Compliance News

Compliance

Oklahoma Zero-Tolerance Drug and Alcohol Law Takes Effect November 1 for Safety-Sensitive Workers

Oklahoma's H.B. 3127 establishes a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol standard for safety-sensitive workers starting November 1, 2026. Subcontractors in oil and gas, construction, and utilities need to review their policies now to stay compliant and contract-eligible.

20 hours ago
Compliance

Investment Climate Brightens for Canadian Oil and Gas, But Cost Pressures Remain a Real Concern

Industry executives say Canada is becoming more attractive for oil and gas investment under Prime Minister Carney, but high operating costs and an unbuilt pipeline still create uncertainty for Western Canadian field operators.

yesterday
Compliance

Canada Signs Deal to Pipe 1 Million Barrels Daily to Asia, Triggering Major Infrastructure Push

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have signed a pipeline agreement to move over 1 million barrels of Canadian oil per day to the Pacific coast for export to Asian markets, signaling a major construction wave for Western Canadian pipeline contractors.

3 days ago
Compliance

Senate Passes PIPELINE Safety Act as Industry Leaders Push House to Follow

The Senate unanimously passed the bipartisan PIPELINE Safety Act, reauthorizing PHMSA's pipeline safety program for five years. Industry leaders are now pressing the House to pass its companion PIPES Act of 2025 before reconciling the legislation for the President's signature.

4 days ago

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