Water suspension lifted for select tributaries in peace region

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The British Columbia Energy Regulator (BCER) is lifting the industry water diversion suspensions for select rivers in the Peace River. 

According to a May 25th release from the BCER, healthy snowpacks combined with a slow start to spring have allowed it to lift the suspension of industry water diversions or use for select rivers in the Peace River region. 

The BCER said the Beatton River, Sukunka River and Murray River are now open, while the Kiskatinaw River is still closed. 

According to the BCER, the suspensions were lifted for the tributaries of the three lakes. The mainstems were not previously suspended. 

A tributary is a stream which feeds into a larger stream or lake. 

The BCER also said the suspensions were lifted due to system flows, which were all reported as normal or above normal. 

No suspensions for diversions or use of water stored in dugouts or dams are currently in place. 

Basins across the province are monitored and suspensions of water diversion or use are possible, based on conditions, the BCER said. 

Depending on local variability, the BCER said it’s possible some streams in areas under suspension will have recovered enough to allow some water withdrawal. 

“The BCER will review new applications for diversion or use, or requests to use existing approvals, on a site-specific basis.”

According to the BCER website, permit holders can discuss suspension with the energy regulator. 

Under section 10 of the Water Sustainability Act, permit holders may submit requests for continued water diversions or use by providing location-specific data and expert opinion relevant to local streamflow conditions. 

For more information, visit the BCER website.