The guide is not intended to provide an exhaustive listing of the individual authorization and consultation requirements that are specific to a given activity. The guide should not in any way be relied upon in substitution for the mandatory direction in the existing legislation, regulations, directives, codes of practice, information letters, and board or court decisions applicable to the development of upstream oil and gas activities; it is intended to be used as a general reference tool only. Where there is a conflict between this guide and the legislation and documents previously cited, the latter prevail over the guide. In order to ensure full compliance with all legal requirements, users of the guide are advised to check the relevant legislation and documents prior to seeking approval for a specific activity.