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Notice:

In accordance with our obligations under B.C.’s Election Act, this site will not be updated during the provincial election period, except in the case of emerging public health and safety information or topics that are statutory in nature.

B.C. is on track to achieve emissions reductions from the energy sector, following a review of methane emissions requirements.

DATE ISSUED: April 4, 2023

EFFECTIVE DATE: Jan. 1, 2024

The BC Energy Regulator (BCER) has completed a review of methane regulatory requirements, which identified B.C. is on track to achieve emissions reductions from the oil and gas sector of 45 per cent, relative to 2014 levels, by 2025, which is equivalent to required federal targets.

These methane emissions regulations came into effect on Jan. 1, 2020, via amendments to the Drilling and Production Regulation (DPR) and the Oil and Gas Processing Facility Regulation (OGPFR). During development of the regulations, the BCER committed to complete a review of the requirements in 2022.

As a result of the review, updates are being made to both the DPR and OGPFR, which provide further clarity and improve regulation administration.

  • Drilling and Production Regulation (DPR) – Sections 1, 4, 41, 44 and 52 have been updated.
  • Oil and Gas Processing Facility Regulation (OGPFR) – Sections 21, 22 and 26 have been updated.

Some highlights of the new requirements:

  1. Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR):
    • Simplify LDAR requirements and better align those requirements with the potential for fugitive emissions.
    • Incorporate guidance on proration of LDAR surveys into regulation.
    • Update requirements for leak quantification and leak repair timelines.
    • Updates to the maintenance and reporting of LDAR and facility activity data.
  2. Clarify or correct inaccuracies in the current regulation:
    • Update the definitions, operational requirements, and restate prescribed venting limits for compressors.
    • Provide a limited exemption provision for applicable pneumatic devices.
    • Outline applicable requirements for facilities within the scope of the Oil and Gas Processing Facility Regulation.
  3. Introduce new controls:
    • Require continuous monitoring or frequent inspections of unsupervised continuous flares regardless of hydrogen sulphide content.

These changes are effective Jan. 1, 2024 and allow permit holders time to update data collection and reporting systems, without impacting data submission for LDAR surveys completed in 2023.

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

Kristofer Siriunas, P.Eng.

Air Emissions Scientist

BC Energy Regulator

Kristofer.Siriunas@bc-er.ca

250-419-4457