Abstracts

policies. In this paper we present a brief overview of AEMRA’s mandate. We then focus on
groundwater and present some of the innovative approaches AEMERA is implementing
to ensure groundwater cumulative effects are detected, measured, evaluated and reported
upon, using the example of the groundwater monitoring optimization project, aimed at
designing a stratified monitoring network.
127 - BC Oil and Gas Commission Regulatory Framework,
Groundwater Initiatives, and Key Groundwater Research Topics
Laurie Welch & Allan Chapman
BC Oil and Gas Commission, British Columbia, Canada
The BC Oil and Gas Commission (Commission) is the regulatory authority for oil and
gas activities in British Columbia. This presentation will outline the current regulatory
framework for groundwater in B.C. as it pertains to oil and gas activities, and discuss
the role of the Commission in regulating aspects of groundwater use and protection. In
response to increasing oil and gas activity in northeast B.C. related to shale gas extraction,
and to support science-based regulation of groundwater aspects, the Commission has implemented
or supported a number of recent initiatives. These include enhancements to the
Commission’s regulatory and permitting procedures for industry water source wells, providing
support for the Northeast B.C. Water Strategy, collaboration on the Northeast B.C.
Aquifer Characterization Study, and support of academic research in British Columbia.
Future focussed research will continue to inform the regulatory regime. Key future research
topics for northeast B.C. will be reviewed.
140 IAH-CNC 2015 WATERLOO CONFERENCE