DAWSON CREEK -- The B.C. Energy Regulator has given a $20,000 fine to Ovintiv Canada due to an uncontrolled release of 4,000 cubic metres of sour natural gas near Dawson Creek.

According to a decision released recently by the B.C. Energy Regulator, there was an uncontrolled release of hydrocarbons while crews were completing work on a well in November 2021. The well released gas and emulsion as the casing valve had been partially left open.

The province sent the company a letter in July of this year of its findings. They say Ovintiv Canada had a responsibility to prevent spillage and if an emergency occurs, they must notify the energy regulator within one hour of becoming aware of the incident. They must also immediately respond to the emergency.

They say Ovintiv acknowledged the spillage incident in its response letter to the province as well as its responsibility for that incident.

In its response letter, Ovintiv stated that workers had difficulty opening and closing the valve to the point where the valve handle was broken. The valve was believed to be in a closed position when it was blocked by a hydrate. When workers attempted the planned operation using a different valve, the hydrate was released, and the spillage occurred.

The B.C. Energy Regulator says that Ovintiv did not tell area residents about the spill in the required timeframe. However, they explain, that the emergency was brought under control within the hour.

After the incident, Ovintiv implemented measures to prevent the re-occurrence of the contraventions. They say they will now be reviewing several policies and procedures including that inoperable equipment must be identified, recorded, isolated and taken out of service until made safe to use. Ovintiv has also reviewed and updated its post-incident communication procedures to ensure prompt communications to residents.

Patrick Smook, the executive director for responsible development for the energy regulator, concluded that Ovintiv failed to prevent the spillage and failed to take all reasonable steps to prevent the contravention.