The BC Energy Regulator (BCER) reminds well permit holders that all fluid from a well must be reported in monthly Petrinex submissions, including initial well flowback fluid following hydraulic fracturing, regardless of hydrocarbon content
DATE ISSUED: April 1, 2025
EFFECTIVE DATE: Immediately
Permit holders must ensure water production separated at a gas well or central facility is metered to determine production or disposition quantities. This is a requirement under section 70 of the Drilling and Production Regulation. Water production includes water-based hydraulic fracture fluid flowback, regardless of its original source, composition after separation from hydrocarbons, or intended use or final disposition (i.e., storage, reuse, or disposal).
A BCER well clean-up report submission is also required when initial well flow occurs through testers, providing detailed data on operations, flowing pressures, and rates. It is expected the reported volume will be duplicated on the flow test report and the monthly Petrinex report, allowing data analysis for either purpose. For more information on well flow testing, see Chapter 2 of the Well Testing and Reporting Requirements Guide.
If you have any questions regarding this Technical Update, please contact:
Logan Gray, P.Eng.
Reservoir Engineer
BC Energy Regulator
Logan.Gray@bc-er.ca
250-419-4465