Access to the BC Energy Regulator's full inventory of core samples has been restored. Please continue to submit all requests for core as per the regular process.
DATE ISSUED: Aug. 11, 2025
EFFECTIVE DATE: Immediately
The Charlie Lake Core Facility is reopening on Aug. 11, 2025, restoring public access to the BC Energy Regulator’s (BCER) full inventory of core samples.
Access to the Charlie Lake Facility near Fort St. John has been restricted since November 2023 and we appreciate the public’s patience and understanding while we worked to restore access.
The BCER’s Core Research Facility archives rock samples and provides public access to inspect and examine petroleum well cores and drill cutting samples. We also allow for core removal from our warehouse for shipping to private laboratories.
Many groups can benefit from access to cores and drill cuttings, including:
- Oil and gas exploration companies.
- Academic institutions.
- General public.
- Other natural-resource-oriented groups.
Public access to the rock samples archived within the Core Research Facility is an important component in the Province's continued commitment to natural resource science and helps to foster continued responsible energy resource industry development. For further information: https://www.bc-er.ca/energy-professionals/core-research-facility/
Section 29 of the Drilling and Production Regulation (B.C. Reg. 249/2011) (DPR) specifies requirements for well permit holders to submit drill cuttings and core from wells drilled in B.C. to the BCER. Core and cuttings at the facility are managed in accordance with Part 6 of the DPR, which allows for core examination and temporary removals for testing.
Please continue to submit all requests for core through corelab@bc-er.ca .
If you have any questions regarding this Information Update, please contact:
Sean Paynton
Core Facility Supervisor
BC Energy Regulator
250-794-5313