BC Energy Regulator inherits 53 new orphan sites in Peace region

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The BC Energy Regulator (BCER) is beginning cleanup efforts at 53 newly-designated “orphan sites” in the Peace region.

All 53 of the sites were previously owned by Erikson National Energy Inc., a company with assets in northern B.C. that entered financial insolvency proceedings in September of last year.

The BCER claims the company has been “non-compliant with orders” and has failed to meet “regulatory and financial obligations” since 2020, including failing to finish decommissioning at a frac water storage facility and failing to pay security, fees and levies.

“The BCER has been closely monitoring this matter,” an April 22nd press release from the BCER reads, “including prioritizing inspections to ensure Erikson’s assets are in a safe state and completing work to drain and decommission the frac water storage facility to ensure environmental protection.”

As part of Erikson’s insolvency proceedings, 53 sites in the Peace region were identified as “being of no interest to any potential purchasers.”

The BCER designated those sites and their associated infrastructure as orphans on March 31st, 2025, meaning those sites are now being managed by the BCER.

The energy regulator is currently responsible for 872 orphan sites in the province, 249 of which have been fully cleaned up.

The press release claims the BCER will work with affected First Nations and landowners as cleanup efforts at the sites begin.

Energeticcity.ca attempted to contact Erikson for comment but did not immediately hear back before publication.