DATE ISSUED: Dec. 30, 2019

EFFECTIVE DATE: Jan. 1, 2020

The BC Energy Regulator (Regulator) is reminding industry and other stakeholders of new regulations and guidelines which take effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

The Regulator has introduced new regulations to reduce methane emissions from upstream oil and gas operations to meet or exceed federal and provincial methane emission reduction targets, through amendments to the Drilling and Production Regulation.

The anticipated impact of the new regulations is a reduction in methane emissions by 10.9 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent over a 10-year period, which is like taking 390,000 cars off the road each year.

Developed with input from environmental groups and industry, the new regulations address the primary sources of methane emissions from B.C.’s upstream oil and gas industry, which are:

• Pneumatic devices
• Equipment leaks
• Compressor seals
• Glycol dehydrators
• Storage tanks
• Surface casing vents

More information on the new Methane Regulations can be found here, or by visiting the Reducing Methane Emissions page on the Regulator’s website.

In addition, the Regulator has released a new guideline on the management of fugitive methane emissions. The Fugitive Emissions Management Guideline is intended to support the new leak detection and repair requirements of the Drilling and Production Regulation. A copy of the guideline is available on the Regulator’s website. The guideline contains:

• Fugitive emissions management plan development information.
• Leak detection survey procedures, frequency, spacing and timing guidance.
• Training and competency expectations.
• Leak repair tracking, management and verification procedures.
• Data collection and management requirements.

If you have any questions regarding this Information Bulletin, please contact:

Marie Johnson
Air Emissions Specialist
BC Energy Regulator
Marie.Johnson@bcogc.ca
250-419-4467