How long have setback distances been in effect?
Setback distances have existed, in various forms, for oil and gas operations since early production days (pipeline rights-of-way are a good example). Established in 1976, new sour gas setback distances were immediately used by the energy industry. In 1979, Provincial Planning Authorities formally adopted the same setback distances, so both the energy industry and all Alberta municipalities use these same guidelines when proposing and approving developments of any kind..
