FORT ST. JOHN -- Oil and gas companies across the Peace Region are facing a water diversion suspension due to low stream conditions.
B.C. Energy Regulator is requiring oil and gas operators must stop all water diversion for the foreseen future.
This includes Beatton River with Doig River, Osborn River and Blueberry River, Kiskatinaw River as well as Fontas River within the Peace River and Liard River watersheds.
According to B.C. Energy Regulator, four operators and withdrawal sites will be impacted. One operator/withdrawal site at Fontas River another at Beatton River and two at Kiskatinaw River.
Typically, suspension orders issued by the energy regulator come later in the summer and into early fall; however, this year drought conditions and streamflow response are occurring much earlier than average. The B.C. Energy Regulator says the recent rain was not enough to alleviate concerns about low flows in the river systems.
Low stream conditions are harmful to the ecosystem’s health and the aquatic animals.
Further suspensions of water diversions are possible if conditions persist.
