The B.C. Oil and Gas Commission held a drop in information session in Burns Lake recently.
Hardy Friedrich, communications manager for the commission said to Lakes District News that it is the first time they have visited the local area.
"There has not been many oil and gas pipeline projects in this area. The area from Prince George to Kitimat is a new area for us to hold these type of information sessions. It is the proposed Pacific Trails Pipeline and the Kitimat LNG plant that is bringing us into this area."
The Pacific Trails pipeline will provide a direct connection between the Spectra Energy Transmission pipeline system and the Kitimat LNG terminal for the transportation of natural gas from Western Canada to Asian markets.
Friedrich said the main purpose of the information sessions is to make locals aware of the commission and what they do. "We can also answer any questions local have about any projects in the area."
Friedrich said an important distinction that should be made is that the B.C. Oil and Gas Commission are not involved in regulating the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline project.
"We are the province's regulator and the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline is a cross border pipeline that is proposed to pass through the provinces of Alberta and B.C., so it is regulated by the National Energy Board."
He said there is currently 35,000 kilometres of pipeline in the province that is regulated by the commission.
The key issue in B.C. the commission deals with is water use. Oil and gas accounts for approximately one per cent of licensed surface water use in B.C.
They have authority to authorize surface water access specific to oil and gas activities in the province. Specified enactments under the Oil and Gas Activities Act enable to commission to authorize short term use of water approvals and no water on Crown land is available for oil and gas activities without authorization from the commission.
"Water approved for use in oil and gas activities is used in a number of ways ranging from routine drilling to advanced simulation techniques."
Aside from pipelines, the commission also accepts and review applications on behalf of the province for geophysical surveys, wells and related access roads.
"The commission works with the applicants to ensure projects are compliant with the regulations and meet B.C.'s environmental standards."
Friedrich also said the commission works with private land owners in cases where an activity comes within a certain distance form their property. "It is the company's job to consult with the land owners and we oversee everything and make sure the proper documentation is submitted," he explained.
Friedrich said both the Pacific Trails pipeline and the Kitimat LNG pipeline are still in the early application phase. "It is early in the process for both of these proposed projects so all the information on them is still being gathered yet."
Friedrich added, "It is nice to come to this area. So much activity has happened in the North East area of the province, so it is good to come to the North West and let British Colombians know who we are and what our role is."
For more information visit www.bcogc.ca.