By Rich Coleman
With recent events bringing attention to hydraulic fracturing, I think it is important for British Columbians to know the facts about natural gas operations in our province.
B.C. has been producing natural gas for more than 50 years. Hydraulic fracturing has been occurring for decades.
Our experience has enabled us to put strict rules in place to govern industry, ensuring it is rigorously monitored and as safe as possible.
We were the first province to make it mandatory to disclose the fluids used in the hydraulic-fracturing process. The online registry, FracFocus.ca, provides information about our regulations and an account of each well drilled.
Our province’s geology provides us with natural advantages with hydraulic fracturing – kilometres away from the surface and below impermeable layers of rock.
Wells are lined with cement to a depth of 600 metres to protect our soil and water. This provides more protection for our drinking water.
Furthermore, water usage is carefully monitored and protected in B.C.
The net result is B.C.’s water supply is protected and safe. It has never been contaminated as a result of hydraulic fracturing.
We have a dedicated provincial regulator in place. The BC Oil and Gas Commission has expert geologists, hydrologists, and engineers to ensure work remains safe.
While the experts do their job, we continue to do ours.
Government has made sound policy decisions to support responsible development. World-leading regulations and best practices continue to guide how we operate.
Our government supports responsible development because it makes long-term sense.
We want industry to grow in an environmentally sensible manner so all British Columbians benefit from natural gas production.
We recognize safe exploration as an opportunity to grow our economy. Revenue generated enables us to better protect our environment and pay for important services such as health care and education.
The reality is we must strike a realistic balance between the needs of our communities, and the need to be responsible stewards of our environment.
And, we are confident we are doing that on many fronts.
For instance, to address growing demands, we have a proposed Water Sustainability Act. This act will ensure the best standards of environmental protection are in place now and in the future.
Our approach appears to be working. We have an opportunity to become a leader in natural gas exports.
As the world’s cleanest burning fossil fuel, natural gas is in high demand across the world.
We see this as an opportunity to redefine our financial security and create prosperity for all British Columbians.
We want future generations to benefit from the foresight we show today. To do that, we have made a commitment to responsibly develop a liquefied natural gas export industry.
Our government supports natural gas development because it makes sense today and for generations to come. Natural gas is our best competitive advantage moving forward.
Rich Coleman is the Minister of Natural Gas Development.
