On March 27, 2023, British Columbia Regulation 78/2023 implemented directives from the Board of the Oil and Gas Commission. These amendments, effective January 1, 2024, introduce significant revisions to existing regulations governing oil and gas activities. Specifically, the Dormancy and Shutdown Regulation (112/2019), the Drilling and Production Regulation (282/2010), and the Oil and Gas Processing Facility Regulation (48/2021) are updated to enhance environmental safeguards and operational standards within the sector.

Amendments to the Dormancy and Shutdown Regulation (B.C. Reg. 112/2019) include a revision to the regulations heading to clarify its scope while repealing the definition of “facility” to prevent redundancy with other regulations. Other new provisions have been introduced to specify that the regulation does not apply to processing or LNG facilities. The regulation will apply to all facilities, irrespective of their association with wells.

Amendments to the Drilling and Production Regulation (B.C. Reg. 282/2010) include: New limits on emissions from surface casing vent flows, detailed requirements for conducting surveys of facilities and wells are introduced, specifying the type and frequency of surveys based on facility type and operational duration, and new requirements mandate the maintenance of records related to facility pressurization and leak detection, with specific timelines for repair and documentation of leak detection. In addition, conditions for unsupervised flare stacks are established, including continuous monitoring or weekly inspections to ensure flame presence and new standards are set for pneumatic devices, including enhanced reporting and record-keeping obligations.

Amendments to the Oil and Gas Processing Facility Regulation (B.C. Reg. 48/2021) include: permit holders for processing facilities must either equip unsupervised flare stacks with continuous monitoring devices or conduct weekly inspections to confirm flame presence and updates to the compliance requirements and reporting obligations, aligning terminology with other regulations and specifying additional inspections related to flare stacks.

These amendments introduce more stringent controls over emissions and flaring to minimize environmental impact. The enhanced monitoring and reporting requirements aim to improve regulatory compliance and operational transparency.They also aim at clarifying the regulatory framework, eliminate overlaps, and enhance enforcement clarity. The new reporting requirements and stricter repair timelines are designed to increase operational accountability and ensure that facilities adhere to higher environmental and safety standards.

These regulatory updates are aimed at addressing environmental and operational challenges within the industry, ensuring that regulations are precise, enforceable, and effective in mitigating the impacts of oil and gas activities.

Source: British Columbia (78/2023), March 28, 2023