Submission processes for well decommissioning are being enhanced to accommodate the increase in well decommissioning activities and is expected to result in quicker processing of submissions.
DATE ISSUED: Nov. 3, 2022
EFFECTIVE DATE: Nov. 18, 2022
The BC Energy Regulator (Regulator) is enhancing its submission processes for well decommissioning notification and post-job reporting. Well decommissioning is the process by which the well is permanently plugged and capped so further restoration activities can take place.
In 2020 and 2021, permit holders for the first time decommissioned more wells than drilled new wells, representing an increase in the pace of restoration of land disturbed by oil and gas activities. The enhanced system will accommodate the significant increase in well decommissioning activities being performed by permit holders, and is expected to result in quicker processing of well decommissioning submissions. It will also ensure well status changes are identified and captured as soon and as accurately as possible, which will benefit liability assessments, security requirements and restoration and land use planning.
Industry testing, mentioned in INDB 2022-13, will be completed on Nov. 4, 2022 with feedback from this testing reviewed the following week. Following testing of any required changes, the enhanced submission system will be available to industry on Nov. 18, 2022.
Guidance documents for the enhanced notification and reporting system will be published to the Well Decommissioning section of the Regulator’s website. Recordings of industry training sessions conducted during the industry testing phase will also be available via the Regulator’s YouTube channel.
If you have any questions regarding this Technical Update, please contact:
Jordan van Besouw, P.Eng
Supervisor, Drilling & Production
BC Energy Regulator
jordan.vanbesouw@bcogc.ca
250 215-3975
Dave Fukumoto, P.L.Eng
Engineer, Drilling & Production
BC Energy Regulator
dave.fukumoto@bcogc.ca
250-258-4730