Oil and gas operations must suspend water diversions in some rivers in northeast: BCER

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Oil and gas companies operating in the Peace River and Liard River watersheds are being advised to immediately suspend diversions due to low water levels.

The recent rain wasn’t enough to alleviate the concern of low flow in the rivers, according to the BC Energy Regulator (BCER).

In the Peace River watershed, the suspension includes Beatton, Doig, Osborn and Blueberry Rivers.

In the Liard River watershed, the suspension includes the Fontas River.

According to the energy regulator, suspension orders are usually issued late in the summer and into early fall. However, due to this year’s drought conditions, the streamflow response to drought is happening much earlier.

Diversion and use of water stored in dugouts or dams are not suspended, and basins in other regions of B.C. are being monitored.

Because of local variability, some streams under suspension may recover to allow some water withdrawal, so the BCER says it will review new applications for diversions or requests to use existing approvals.

Permit holders can submit a request for continued water use under an existing section 10 approval by providing location-specific data, says BCER.

For more information, visit BCER’s website.