DATE ISSUED: June 6, 2019

EFFECTIVE DATE: Immediately

The BC Energy Regulator is providing industry with notice, suspensions on water withdrawals may be necessary if warm and dry conditions continue.

The Peace River basin and Liard River basin are experiencing warmer and drier than normal conditions for this time of the year. These conditions have resulted in significant low stream flows and stream levels will continue to drop unless substantial rainfall occurs this week. Environment Canada is predicting above average temperatures for northeastern B.C. this summer.

Of particular concern are those streams not being fed by mountain snow runoff. Streams within the following watersheds are of concern: Adsett Creek, Bougie Creek, Fontas River, Raspberry Creek, Petitot River, Kantah River, Beatton River, Blueberry River, Doig River, Pouce Coupe River, and Kiskatinaw River.

Maps including the B.C. Drought Map and seven-day average streamflow can be located through the British Columbia Drought Information Portal. Additional streamflow information is available through the Water Portal and B.C. Drought Information website.

Due to drought conditions in the summer of 2010, 2012, 2014, 2017, and 2018, the Regulator suspended short-term water use approvals issued through Section 10 of the Water Sustainability Act. This bulletin provides notice to industry that suspensions on water withdrawals may be necessary again.

The Regulator will advise industry of any further developments that may affect oil and gas operations in northeastern B.C.

If you have any questions regarding this Industry Bulletin, please contact:

Suzan Lapp
Hydrologist
BC Energy Regulator

Suzan.Lapp@bcogc.ca
250-794-5316