We're updating how Leak Detection and Repair information and Venting Data from Pneumatic Devices and Pumps submissions are made by streamlining data submissions and supporting the amendments to the Drilling and Production regulation that came into effect Jan. 1, 2025, helping to reduce oil and gas methane emissions.
DATE ISSUED: Dec. 8, 2025
EFFECTIVE DATE: Immediately
The BC Energy Regulator (BCER) is updating how Leak Detection and Repair information and Venting Data from Pneumatic Devices and Pumps submissions are made. These updates enhance compliance oversight and efficiency by streamlining data submissions and support the amendments to the Drilling and Production regulation that came into effect Jan. 1, 2025, helping to reduce oil and gas methane emissions.
The regulatory amendments support the Province’s goal to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas industry by 75 per cent by 2030 relative to 2014 levels and build upon our successes. The provincial goal to reduce oil and gas methane emissions by 45 per cent by 2025 was achieved in 2023, two years early.
Leak Detection and Repair
Permit holders are required to perform Leak Detection and Repair Surveys at their wells and facilities and report that information annually to the BCER by March 31 of the following year via eSubmission--the BCER’s online system for submitting a variety of operational data in order for industry to meet regulatory submission requirements.
To align with information management practices and to facilitate compliance and analysis processes, the electronic submission has been updated. Instead of submitting information for well and facilities separately, the electronic submission has been divided into Sites, Surveys, and Leaks.
- The eSubmission page can be found here https://esubmission.bc-er.ca and this submission is under “Methane Reporting – Leak Detection and Repair -Surveys” and “Methane Reporting – Leak Detection and Repair -Leaks”.
- Submissions can be made manually or via a bulk upload comma separated variable file.
The eSubmission manual has been updated to provide guidance and descriptions of the information requirements.
Pneumatic Devices and Pumps Venting Data
As per regulatory amendments that came into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, permit holders are required to track venting volumes from uncontrolled storage tanks, compressor seals, pneumatic devices and pneumatic pumps. These volumes and associated information must be submitted to the BCER annually, in accordance with the Drilling and Production Regulation (DPR).
- Submissions are due by March 31 of the year following the reporting year, using the updated Vent Data Collection Template: https://www.bc-er.ca/files/resources/Venting-Data-Collection-Template.xlsx
- The 2024 reporting year (due March 31, 2025) was the initial submission for uncontrolled storage tanks and compressor seals only. The 2025 reporting year will be the first year venting data from permit holder’s fleet of pneumatic devices and pneumatic pumps is required to be submitted (due March 31, 2026).
- To assist permit holders in calculating their annual methane emissions threshold as described in DPR Section 52.061 (3) and (4), the BCER has provided a list of the well and batteries reported as active in 2021 https://www.bc-er.ca/files/documents/DPR-52.061-List.xlsx
- Completed templates with a permit holder’s venting data should be emailed to methane@bc-er.ca.
Currently, electronic submissions (eSubmission) are not available for these venting data. Permit holders will be notified if eSubmission becomes available in the future.
The changes to the LDAR eSubmission and guidance for the pneumatic devices and pneumatic pumps vent data submission are effective immediately and will be applicable for submissions due March 31, 2026, for the 2025 reporting year.
More information about how the BCER is working to reduce methane emissions can be found here: Methane Emissions | BC Energy Regulator (BCER).
If you have any questions regarding this Technical Update, please contact:
Kevin Parsonage, P.Eng.
Supervisor, Pipelines and External Audit
BC Energy Regulator
Kevin.Parsonage@bc-er.ca
250-794-5259