Induced Seismicity in the Energy Resource Activity Sector

Hydraulic fracturing is the primary cause of induced seismicity in the energy resource activity sector in northeast B.C. (NEBC). Hydraulic fracturing involves the breaking of relatively dense, deep underground rock formations to facilitate the release and extraction of trapped hydrocarbons. Fluid (usually water), injected at high pressure down a well bore creates fractures and proppant (usually sand) mixed with the fluid holds the cracks open to allow the hydrocarbons to flow out and up through the well. As hydraulic fracturing fluid is injected, it may trigger/create micro-seismic events as the rock is fractured and, if there is a pre-existing fault, slippage on the fault plane may also occur, resulting in a seismic event. Other injection activities, such as the injection of wastewater into deep disposal wells for long-term storage, in limited cases, have been linked to induced seismic events in NEBC.

How is Seismicity monitored?

The BCER maintains a regional seismic monitoring array of 35 seismometers in NEBC to track and record induced seismicity in the region with high precision. All confirmed events are made available in the public domain and seismic data (waveform data) is uploaded for permanent storage and access for researchers via the EarthScope Consortium.

Our Northeast B.C. Seismicity Map displays confirmed seismic events since 2014 of greater than local magnitude 1.5 that were recorded in NEBC, as well as providing the location of current industry activity.

View the Northeast B.C. Seismicity App Map.

Local Magnitude Calculation

The BCER has collaborated with seismologists to define a local magnitude (M_L) calculation specifically for NEBC that reflects the region’s unique subsurface geology. The large array of seismometers and their positioning close to where energy activities are taking place, has resulted in our ability to obtain a highly accurate measurement of seismic activity in the area. These local enhancements may account for differences in magnitude between the BCER and other agencies. Our magnitude calculations are used for regulatory decisions.

What do we regulate and how do we mitigate induced seismicity?

• The Drilling and Production Regulation requires the immediate suspension of any injection activities if a local magnitude 4.0 or greater event is recorded and linked to the activity, as well as the mandatory reporting of felt events to the BCER. Injection operations may continue once the well permit holder has implemented operational changes satisfactory to the regulator to reduce or eliminate the initiation of additional induced seismic events.
• Special Project Orders are in place in the Farmington (Kiskatinaw Seismic Monitoring and Mitigation Area) and Wonowon-Pink Mountain (North Montney Seismic Mitigation and Monitoring Area) regions that apply additional requirements for permit holders undertaking multi-stage hydraulic fracturing activities.
• Seismic pre-assessment submissions are mandatory prior to hydraulic fracturing along with real-time monitoring and mitigation plans during operations in the Special Project Order Areas.
• Approval Orders are required for each disposal well, which allows the BCER to apply conditions appropriate to the unique operating conditions of each disposal activity, all of which operate under strict pressure and reporting conditions.
• Ongoing Seismicity Research in collaboration with academic, government, and industry partners to better understand and mitigate induced seismicity. For example, we have ongoing partnership with McGill University on a seismology project to investigate induced seismicity in the Farmington region of northeast B.C. as well as several completed and ongoing research initiatives led by the BC Oil and Gas Research and Innovation Society (BC OGRIS).
• B.C. Induced Seismicity Research Consortium is a partnership with Geoscience BC and BC OGRIS to direct analysis and research of induced seismicity in the province and to provide seismic analysis to the BCER for the application of the BCER's induced seismicity regulatory strategy.