DATE ISSUED: July 5, 2023

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 10, 2023

The BC Energy Regulator (BCER) has enhanced the Application Management System (AMS) to add a new Activity Type for Restoration, effective July 10, 2023, at 8 p.m. PDT.

This change is part of a pilot project with the Ministry of Forests (FOR) to increase permitting efficiency for restoration projects in northeast B.C. The BCER will be taking on delegated authority to permit certain types of restoration activities to address an anticipated increase in the number and complexity of proposed restoration projects.

Applicants who propose to restore areas of Crown land where legacy disturbance related to oil and gas activities has occurred and no outstanding or permitted restoration requirement exists may apply directly to the BCER for their permits. The associated guidance will assist applicants in determining which applications would be submitted to the BCER and which would be submitted to FOR. Proponents are encouraged to contact the BCER and FOR early in their planning to identify necessary permits and the appropriate lead regulatory agency.

Further guidance for application submissions for restoration work through the BCER’s Application Management System (AMS), can be found in the AMS Release Guide – Restoration, the AMS User Guide, the Oil and Gas Activity Application Manual, and the Spatial Data Submissions Standards Manual. Updates to these existing guidance documents will be published on the BCER website July 7, 2023.

For specific application related questions and how to use the AMS, applicants are requested to submit a service desk request to: servicedesk@bc-er.ca. For training or tutorial support of AMS, please e-mail amstraining@bc-er.ca.

If you have any questions regarding this Technical Update, please contact:

Donna Bozarth
Director, Applications Support & Enhancements
BC Energy Regulator
Donna.Bozarth@bc-er.ca
250-794-5273

Lindsay Luke
Director, Restoration Implementation
BC Energy Regulator
Lindsay.Luke@bc-er.ca
250-419-4347