DATE ISSUED: Feb. 13, 2025
EFFECTIVE DATE: Immediately
The BC Energy Regulator (BCER) is making enhancements to the Kiskatinaw Seismic Monitoring and Mitigation Area (KSMMA) Special Project Order and introducing a new Special Project Order for the North Montney aimed at addressing induced seismicity from hydraulic fracturing operations in those two seismically prone regions of northeast B.C.
Kiskatinaw Seismic Monitoring and Mitigation Area (KSMMA) Special Project Order
The KSMMA is a special project order that originally came into effect May 2018. It requires permit holders working within the Farmington area to prepare and submit induced seismicity pre-assessments, engage with nearby communities and employ real-time seismic monitoring during operations. It also requires permit holders working in the area to immediately suspend their hydraulic fracturing operations if they trigger a seismic event measuring local magnitude 3.00 or above. The updates to the KSMMA Special Project Order clarify suspension conditions and improve enforceability of the Order.
The North Montney Seismic Monitoring and Mitigation Area (NMSMMA) Special Project Order
The North Montney Seismic Monitoring and Mitigation Area (NMSMMA) is a new special project order for permit holders working within the greater Wonowon-Pink Mountain region. The requirements outlined in the NMSMMA Order are largely consistent with the KSMMA Order, with the primary difference being that operations must be suspended immediately if a seismic event with a local magnitude of 4.00 or above is triggered. This threshold reflects the unique geological and geographical conditions in the NMSMMA region.
A new operational manual for induced seismicity has also been created. This manual provides an overview of the regulatory framework governing injection activities, including pre-planning guidance, permit holder obligations, reporting procedures, and additional operational considerations to mitigate risks and ensure compliance.
The special project orders and corresponding area maps, operational manual, as well as seismic event reporting & actions decision trees are available on the BCER’s Induced Seismicity Data and Submission page.
A reminder that the BCER has adopted a local magnitude determination as the magnitude standard for northeast B.C. and for regulatory decisions.
Monitoring and Reporting Seismic Events
The BCER tracks and reports industry activity and induced seismicity (of local magnitude 1.5 or higher) on its Northeast B.C. Seismicity web map.
To report a felt event, email SeismicMonitoring@bc-er.ca with the date, time and location or call 1-877-500-2237. The BCER responds to and investigates every felt event report it receives.
More information about how the BCER oversees induced seismicity related to the energy resource activity industry is available on our Induced Seismicity “Trending Topics” webpage.
If you have any questions regarding this Technical Update, please contact:
Stuart Venables
Supervisor, Energy Geoscience
BC Energy Regulator
Stuart.Venables@bc-er.ca
250-419-4472