BC Energy Regulator expands diversion suspension for oil, gas operators

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The BC Energy Regulator (BCER) has expanded the suspension of approved water diversions for oil and gas operators utilizing the Peace River and Liard River watersheds due to the drought across the province.

The BCER announced on July 24th that Pack River and Parsnip River had been added to the suspension list. The initial suspension was announced on July 12th.

The drought level in the Peace has been identified as a four out of five for much of July, meaning “adverse impacts to socio-economic or ecosystem values are likely,” according to the BC Drought Information Portal.

The suspension includes rivers, streams and lakes in the following basins:

Peace River Watershed:

• Pine River (Sukunka River, Murray River)
• Beatton River (Doig River, Osborn River, Blueberry River)
• Kiskatinaw River
• Pack River
• Parsnip River

Liard River Watershed:

• Fontas River
• Sikanni Chief River
• Prophet River
• Kiwigana River

The agency notes water stored in dugouts and dams can still be utilized, and there is a possibility that some streams may recover to allow some water use.

The energy regulator said it would review new applications for diversion or requests to use existing approvals on a site-specific basis.

Permit holders may discuss the suspension with the agency and submit a request for continued water use by providing location-specific data and subject matter expert opinion relevant to local streamflow conditions.

The BCER said basins across B.C. are being monitored, and further suspensions of water diversions are possible if conditions continue.

For more on the suspension, which includes information for permit holders seeking to discuss the suspension or submit a request for water use, click here.