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Notice:

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With stream flows continuing to recover, the BC Energy Regulator (BCER) is updating the directive for the Fraser River Watershed, lifting the withdrawal suspension for the Nicola River Watershed.

DATE ISSUED: April 12, 2023

EFFECTIVE DATE: Immediately

With stream flows continuing to recover, the BC Energy Regulator (BCER) is updating the directive for the Fraser River Watershed, lifting the withdrawal suspension for the Nicola River Watershed. We are requiring the oil and gas industry to continue to suspend water diversions under Section 10 of the Water Sustainability Act, in the below areas due to drought conditions. This includes rivers, streams and lakes in the following watersheds:

Peace River Watershed:

  • Pine River (Sukunka River and Murray River)
  • Kiskatinaw River
  • Beatton River (Doig River, Osborn River, Blueberry River)

Liard River Watershed:

  • Tributaries to the Muskwa River, Fort Nelson River, Prophet River, and Sikanni Chief River (but does not include the Muskwa, Fort Nelson, Prophet and Sikanni Chief Rivers)

Diversion and use of water stored in dugouts or dams is not suspended and the suspension does not apply to the main channel of the Peace River or Dinosaur Lake. More information can be found on the B.C. Government Drought Information page.

Low stream flow conditions are escalating concerns for impacts to fish, aquatic resources and community supply in the above basins. Water levels are anticipated to remain low until significant snowmelt occurs in the area. The BCER will assist industry in identifying options for alternative short-term water supply should it be required during this period.

Applications for water diversion:

Given local variability, it is possible some streams in the areas under suspension will have recovered sufficiently to allow some water withdrawal. The BCER will review new applications for diversion, or requests to use existing approvals, on a site-specific basis.

Operators are requested to do the following to support their application or request to use an existing Section 10 approval:

  1. Limit the application to water volumes and points of diversion that are realistic to the specific operational needs for the upcoming months.
  2. For new applications for diversion for water from rivers and streams, or to request use of existing approvals, provide a good discharge measurement at the point(s) of diversion, to provide information on current flow conditions in relation to the volume of water requested. The discharge measurement will be collected to an acceptable hydrometric standard by a qualified individual.
  3. For new applications for diversion from lakes, or reactivation of existing approvals, provide information on lake bathymetry:
    1. Surface area (hectares).
    2. Depth (metres). If lake depth information is not already available from provincial databases or previous surveys, obtain depth measurements at points along two transects representing the long and short lake axes, to determine maximum lake depth.
    3. Volume.

Requests for continued water use under an existing Section 10 approval can be submitted, with required documentation, via email to Ryan.Rolick@bc-er.ca

If you have any questions regarding this Directive, please contact:

Ryan Rolick, M.Sc., P.Geo.
Hydrologist
BC Energy Regulator
Ryan.Rolick@bc-er.ca
250-794-5213

Laurie Welch, Ph.D., P.Geo.
Executive Director, Responsible Stewardship
BC Energy Regulator
Laurie.Welch@bc-er.ca
250-980-6066