OIL AND GAS COMMISSION
Regulating BC's oil and gas sector for the benefit of all British Columbians
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   CONSULTATION
      OVERVIEW
Industry is required to seek input from stakeholders affected by proposed oil and gas activity. Public involvement achieves a number of objectives to:

  • Identify parties who may be impacted by, or have an interest in the project;
  • Identify concerns or issues that might arise from the project;
  • Improve the use of local experts and traditional environmental knowledge;
  • Create an opportunity to develop company commitments in response to local input; and
  • Provide appropriate information to the OGC to enable a fair and balanced decision.

Consultation and public involvement provide an opportunity for public input and education about oil and gas development that could affect them.

How the Oil and Gas Commission Makes Decisions

One important function of the Commission is to review oil and gas applications, ensuring decisions are made in the public interest with regard to environmental, economic, and social impacts. Each application is reviewed with consideration for forests, environment, archaeology, technical, First Nations, and public involvement. Public input is integrated in OGC decisions regarding the timing of the project, the drilling method or location, type of equipment used, and techniques for minimizing environmental impacts.

Public Involvement Guideline

The OGC Guide to Public Engagement and Appropriate Dispute Resolution assists clients and the public with information on:

  • Recommended strategies and steps to complete a public involvement process;
  • Roles and responsibilities of the company, the OGC and the public;
  • Recommended minimum distance requirements for oil and gas wells, pipelines, facilities and geophysical activities;
  • Public involvement and emergency response planning; and
  • Steps to take by the public if there are any concerns.

Dispute Resolution at the OGC

The OGC has a regulatory role in resolving oil and gas development issues and disputes between affected parties, such as between energy companies and landowners or First Nations. The goal of dispute resolution is to explore and understand each other's interests and develop acceptable solutions together.

The Commission works collaboratively with proponents, First Nations and stakeholders in resolving concerns and issues in a number of ways:

   Concern/Issue    The OGC's Dispute Resolution Continuum
Absence of Information Information Sharing:
-Information brochures, fact sheets, Commissioner's Update, information letters
-Sharing information at trade shows, workshops, community meetings
-Providing information in response to information requests
Stakeholder Concerns Issue Resolution:
-Project Assessment, Aboriginal Relations and Land Use & Stakeholder Relations Branch assist in resolving issues during the application review process
-Compliance and Enforcement Branch works with industry and stakeholders in resolving operational issues arising after an application has been approved
First Nations Concerns Protection and Mitigation:
-Facilitated meetings between First Nations and industry
-OGC confers with Chief and Council, Land Use staff, Elders, and Monitors
-Impose terms and conditions on approvals and provide final permits
-Compliance monitoring and enforcement
Community Concerns Community Issue Resolution:
-The OGC documents concerns and shares information with communities
-Broad-based community involvement including Buick Creek, Mile 62.5, Hudson's Hope, Fort St. John, Fort Nelson, Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, and Comox
-Enhanced compliance and enforcement
-Actions tailored to meet specifics of activity and concerns (workshops, presentations, bulletins, etc.)
Proponent/Surface Dispute Facilitation:
-Facilitation occurs at all levels of the OGC on issues dealing with land, health, safety, wildlife, water, rehabilitation and industry performance
Landowners/Proponent Disputes Mediation and Arbitration Board:
-OGC provides information relevant to applications made to the Board and shares information with landowners
-The OGC is adding a Farmers Advocate position
Conflicting Tenure Interagency Task Group:
-The Commission is working with the Peace Managers to define a framework of best practices and procedures for consultation and conflict resolution between tenure holders
-Pre-tenure plan for oil and gas operations
-Sustainable resource management plans
Oil and Gas Extraction Disputes Reservoir Engineering Studies & Decisions:
-Limits on daily production
-Off target production penalties
-Pool evaluation and conservation
Dissatisfaction with OGC Decision Request for Reconsideration:
-Disputant may apply to the Advisory Committee for reconsideration of the OGC decision
-If the Advisory Committee grants the application, it makes a request to the OGC
-If the OGC grants the request, it authorizes a facilitated resolution of the dispute
-The OGC considers its original decision