Alberta Alt-FEMP Solutions Under Directive 060
Traditional Fugitive Emissions Management Programs (FEMPs) rely on fixed survey schedules and recurring inspections. But more surveys don't always mean greater emissions reductions.
Intricate helps Alberta oil and gas operators implement Alternative Fugitive Emissions Management Programs (Alt-FEMPs) under Directive 060, allowing companies to focus resources where they deliver the greatest environmental and operational impact.
Our team has successfully executed Alt-FEMP programs since 2023 and has supported more than 20 operators in evaluating, designing, and implementing alternative methane management strategies tailored to their facilities.
What Is an Alt-FEMP?
An Alternative Fugitive Emissions Management Program (Alt-FEMP) is an approved alternative to the traditional Fugitive Emissions Management Program outlined in the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) Directive 060.
Instead of following rigid inspection schedules, Alt-FEMP programs allow operators to use alternative monitoring technologies, targeted survey methods, and risk-based approaches that can deliver equal or better emissions outcomes.
Alt-FEMP programs may include:
- Alternative survey frequencies
- Screening technologies
- Targeted Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) inspections
- Data-driven leak prioritization
- Facility-specific emissions management strategies
- Risk-based repair planning
The goal is simple: achieve meaningful methane reductions while improving operational efficiency.
Why Traditional LDAR Programs Can Fall Short
Many operators using traditional fugitive emissions management and LDAR services face situations where identified leaks cannot be repaired immediately due to:
- Planned facility turnarounds
- Operational constraints
- Economic considerations
- Safety requirements
- Equipment availability
In these cases, repeated surveys often identify the same known leak multiple times without changing the repair timeline.
An Alt-FEMP allows operators to:
- Continue monitoring known leaks
- Prioritize higher-emitting sites
- Focus repair resources where they create the greatest impact
- Reduce unnecessary survey costs
- Improve overall methane management performance
Benefits of an Alt-FEMP Program
Improve Emissions Reduction Outcomes
Redirect inspection efforts toward facilities and equipment with the highest emissions potential instead of repeatedly surveying known deferred repairs.
Optimize Compliance Costs
Reduce unnecessary inspection frequency while maintaining regulatory compliance and environmental performance.
Support Smarter Maintenance Planning
Coordinate repairs with scheduled outages, turnarounds, and maintenance activities to minimize operational disruption.
Leverage Advanced Detection Technologies
Combine screening tools, OGI surveys, and alternative monitoring methods to improve data quality and decision-making.
Maintain Regulatory Alignment
Ensure your program aligns with Alberta Directive 060 requirements and approved Alt-FEMP pathways.
Intricate has been actively implementing Alt-FEMP programs since 2023, supporting more than 20 operators in evaluating, designing, and implementing alternative methane management strategies across Alberta.
Intricate's Alt-FEMP Services
Our specialists provide end-to-end Alt-FEMP support, including:
Alt-FEMP Feasibility Assessments
We evaluate your facilities, emissions profile, and operational requirements to determine whether an alternative program can deliver better outcomes.
Alt-FEMP Application Support
Our team reviews applicable Table 6 program options, identifies the most suitable compliance pathway, and prepares the supporting documentation required for submission to the AER.
Data Collection & Emissions Analysis
We gather and analyze operational, survey and emissions data to support program selection and implementation. Where appropriate, Intricate’s emissions management software can centralize survey findings, repair status and reporting data.
OGI and Screening Technology Programs
We deploy approved technologies and methodologies to support alternative monitoring strategies.
Ongoing Program Management
From implementation through emissions consulting and reporting, we help operators manage and optimize their Alt-FEMP.
Why Choose Intricate?
Complete In-House Solution
Unlike providers that subcontract screening technologies or OGI services to third parties, Intricate delivers both screening programs and Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) inspections entirely in-house. This integrated approach provides consistent data quality, streamlined execution, and a single accountable partner throughout your Alt-FEMP program.
100% Canadian, Fully Integrated Delivery
Intricate’s Alt-FEMP solution is delivered by a Canadian team for Canadian operators, helping clients avoid cross-border coordination challenges, USD billing, and exchange-rate uncertainty when budgeting program costs.
Proven Alt-FEMP Experience
Intricate has been actively implementing Alt-FEMP programs since 2023, supporting more than 40 operators in evaluating, designing, and executing alternative methane management strategies across Alberta.
Alberta Regulatory Expertise
Our team understands Directive 060 requirements and the practical realities faced by producers, gas plants, compressor stations, and facility operators.
Technology-Neutral Solutions
We evaluate all approved program options to identify the approach that best fits your operational goals.
Practical, Operational Focus
We balance emissions reduction, compliance, safety, and production realities to develop solutions that work in the field.
Industries We Serve
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- Upstream Oil & Gas Producers
- Natural Gas Processing Facilities
- Compressor Stations
- Midstream Operators
- Energy Infrastructure Companies
- Methane Reduction Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a FEMP and an Alt-FEMP?
A traditional FEMP follows prescribed survey frequencies and methodologies. An Alt-FEMP allows operators to use approved alternative approaches that can achieve equivalent or improved emissions outcomes.
Is an Alt-FEMP approved by the Alberta Energy Regulator?
Yes. Directive 060 includes approved alternative program pathways that operators may utilize when eligibility requirements are met.
Can Alt-FEMP reduce compliance costs?
Many operators find that Alt-FEMP programs help optimize survey spending by focusing resources on facilities where emissions reductions can be achieved most effectively.
What technologies can be used in an Alt-FEMP?
Depending on the selected program, operators may use screening technologies, Optical Gas Imaging (OGI), and other approved methane detection methods.
Get Started with an Alt-FEMP Assessment
Not every facility benefits from the same emissions management strategy.
Intricate can evaluate your assets, analyze your emissions data, and determine which Alt-FEMP program under Directive 060 is best suited to your operation.
Contact our team today to schedule an Alt-FEMP assessment and discover a smarter approach to methane management in Alberta.