Alberta oil sands systems guide

In situ well pads and gathering systems

In situ projects concentrate multiple wells on pads connected by pipelines, roads, power and central facilities.

Well padsInfrastructure

Editorial review: August 11, 2026 · Colin T. Ashcombe

Process role

Produced fluids move through gathering systems to separation and treatment plants.

How the system fits together

Concentrating wells can reduce the number of separate surface locations compared with one well per site.

Environmental and reclamation context

Roads and pipelines still create linear disturbance and habitat fragmentation, which requires progressive restoration as infrastructure is retired.

What to keep in mind

The footprint is different from a mine, not nonexistent.

High-level industrial education only. Oil sands mines, thermal wells, extraction plants, upgraders and tailings facilities are hazardous regulated operations; this site does not provide operating setpoints, chemical recipes or equipment procedures.