Oil And Gas Environmental Stewardship Projects · Oil and Gas Environmental Stewardship Projects Annual Report 2005/2006. 3. The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources

Report on 2005/2006 Research

Oil And Gas Environmental Stewardship Projects

British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum ResourcesOil & Gas Division, Resource Development & Geoscience Branch6th floor – 1810 Blanshard StreetVictoria, British Columbia V8W 9N3Contact: Teresa Morris, Director, Resource DevelopmentE-mail: [email protected]: (250) 952-0922Web site: www.em.gov.bc.ca/oilandgasAnnual Report: http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/subwebs/oilandgas/pub/reports/htm

Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication Data

British Columbia. Oil and Gas Environmental Stewardship Program.Oil and Gas Environmental Stewardship projects : report on 2005/2006 research

Previously published: British Columbia. Oil and Gas Environmental Policy Program. Report on 2004/2005 research projects. 2005.ISBN 0-7726-5586-3

1. Environmental management - Research - British Columbia. 2. Petroleum industry and trade - Environmental aspects - Research - British Columbia. 3. Environmental monitoring - British Columbia. 4. Environmental policy - British Columbia. I. British Columbia. Oil and Gas Division. II. Title.

TD195.P4B74 2006 363.70072’0711 C2006-960133-X

Photo Credits:

Front cover mosaic: VA Poulin and Assciates, BC Parks, and the Ministry of EnvironmentPage 4: Tetrad CommunicationsPage 8 and back cover: Phil Burton, Symbios Research and RestorationPage 10: VA Poulin and AssociatesPage 11: Ministry of EnvironmentPage 12: John Elliott, Ministry of EnvironmentPage 14: Ministry of EnvironmentPage 15: Brian ChurchillPage 16: Verena Hofmann, Doig River First NationPage 17: Allisun Rana, Rath and Company

All other photographs: Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources

Annual Report 2005/2006 1

Annual Report 2005/2006 1

ContentsMap of Northeast BC Project Work 2005/2006 .........................................2

Introduction.................................................................................................3

Research and Guidelines.............................................................................4Guidelines for Air Quality Dispersion Modeling in BC .......................................... 4Coalbed Gas Produced Water: Code of Practice...................................................... 5Drilling Waste Guidelines................................................................................................. 6Carbon Management........................................................................................................ 6Environmental Resource Information Project.......................................................... 7Development of an Interactive Key for the Grasses of Northern BC................ 8Terrain Hazard Assessments and Mapping in Northeast BC............................... 9Risk Managing Streams with Strong Groundwater Flow ...................................10

Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat.................................................................... 11Chinchaga Boreal Caribou Habitat /Wolf Collaring..............................................11Chinchaga Boreal Caribou Study ...............................................................................12Large Ungulate Management Review ......................................................................13Murray River Moose Population Assessment.........................................................13Wood Bison Population Survey...................................................................................14Sulphur / 8 Mile Stone’s Sheep Project .....................................................................15

First Nations .............................................................................................. 16First Nations Special Sites Identification ..................................................................16Prophet River Five Kilometre Zone ............................................................................17

Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum

Resources

Ministry of Environment

Stewardship Partners

Oil and Gas Environmental Stewardship Projects2 Annual Report 2005/2006 3

Northeast BC Project Work 2005/2006

Chetwynd

Mackenzie

FortNelson

DawsonCreek

TumblerRidge

Hudson'sHope

FortSt. John

Prophet River

Chinchaga

Ladyfern

FN special sites- pilot location

Sulphur 8 mileStone sheep study

Cariboo, wolf, andwoods bison studies

Stream classificationsample stream sites

MU 7-21Moose count

Prophet River project

Muskwa KechikaManagement Area

Parks &Protected Areas


The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources leads a targeted and focused Oil and Gas Environmental Stewardship Program that helps to address the Province’s strategic objective of maintaining healthy communities and a sustainable environment. Through the administration of two funding programs (the Environmental Policy Program and the Environmental Resource Information Project) and undertaking targeted initiatives such as carbon management, the Oil and Gas Environmental Stewardship Program addresses the Ministry’s goals of a thriving and competitive petroleum resource sector; safe and environmentally responsible petroleum resource development and use; and working cooperatively with First Nation communities and industry for the responsible development and use of BC’s petroleum resources.

The Environmental Policy Program was initiated in 2004 and identifies and mitigates environmental issues in the petroleum sector. Working towards resolving environmental issues helps to build vibrant communities and to ensure that industry has the opportunity for a long-term future in the responsible development of oil and gas resources in BC.

The Environmental Resource Information Project ensures oil and gas development, including coalbed gas, is carried out in an environmentally responsible manner. Through collaboration with communities, First Nations and various levels of government, the ministry has initiated and completed projects that focus on improving environmental baseline information and public access to this information.

The Oil and Gas Environmental Stewardship program is committed to supporting projects that provide for better stewardship in the oil and gas industry, and continued improvement in environmental and health and safety performance. In 2005/2006, $575,000 was invested in project work that will help lessen the ecological footprint of the oil and gas industry and create a sustainable industry for local communities.

Results of the Oil and Gas Environmental Stewardship Program will be used by industry and government agencies in a variety of ways: from establishing environmental guidelines, targets and best management practices, to providing more certainty on the landbase by identifying important First Nation’s sites.

Some key program achievements to date include the completion of:

• A pilot project to identify First Nations sites and cultural features• A code of practice for the discharge of produced water from coalbed gas operations• Several ungulate habitat enhancement and assessment projects• A management tool to help identify fish-bearing streamsThis annual report provides detailed summaries of 2005/2006 project work conducted as part of the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Oil and Gas Environmental Stewardship Program.

Introduction

Maintaining healthy communities and a sustainable environment

Guidelines for Air Quality Dispersion Modeling in BC


Objective: to develop clear and consistent air quality modeling guidelines for BC, including modeling guidance for well-flaring applications.

Description: Air quality dispersion models are standard tools used by decision-makers to assess the air quality impacts of emissions. It is critical that these models provide information that can be used to support decisions concerning the air quality consequences of emissions, and are applied in a consistent manner across the province. Using Environmental Policy Program funding, an air quality dispersion modeling workshop was held during the 2005/2006 fiscal year. The goals of the workshop were to:

• Understand perspectives of regulators and consultants on different model-related issues

Research and Guidelines

• Reach agreement on modeling issues• Identify areas of disagreement and table re-

writes for future review • Develop a process for completion of the

modeling guidelinesWorkshop participants included representatives from the Ministry of Environment, the Greater Vancouver Regional District and several B.C. air quality consulting firms. Information gained from the workshop provided additional input and direction for guideline preparation. The guidelines will exist in draft form until late July 2006, at which point they will be published and finalized.

Benefits: These guidelines will be of broad benefit for all dispersion modeling applications in the province and will help reduce errors in air quality modeling results. In addition the guidelines will provide more clarity to stakeholders and promote more certainty for industry in planning activities.

Contact: Steve Sakiyama, Air Quality Science SpecialistMinistry of EnvironmentTel: 250-953-3369E-mail: [email protected]

Guidelines for Air Quality Dispersion Modeling in BC


A code of practice sets out rules, standards or prac-tices that must be used by a particular industry.

Research and GuidelinesCoalbed Gas Produced Water: Code of Practice

Objective: to use a new form of waste discharge authorization under the Environmental Management Act, to provide clear regulatory requirements in advance of coalbed gas development, ensuring that the activity can only proceed in an environmentally responsible manner.

Description: British Columbia is home to a wealth of natural resources, among them natural gas. Coalbed gas (CBG) is natural gas found in underground coal deposits. This gas is contained within the coal seam where it is adsorbed (or attached) to the coal, kept there by pressure from the overlying rock and water within the coal seam. Commonly during production, water is pumped out of the coal seams, lowering the pressure and releasing the gas to be collected at surface.

The pumped water (or “produced water”) is deemed a waste under the Province’s Environmental Management Act and as such cannot be discharged without an authorization. Two authorizations are currently available, one being reinjection deep underground, which must comply with the Oil and Gas Waste Regulation. A second method is to discharge the water into streams or into the ground via infiltration (surface disposal where the water seeps into the ground), which must comply with the new code of practice. The Code of Practice for the Discharge of Produced Water from Coalbed Gas Operations came into effect July 1, 2005. It was developed through extensive research and study of relevant jurisdictions.

Discharge of water using the Code of Practice, can only occur if all standards and requirements designed to protect the surface environment are met. It is anticipated that discharge under the Code of Practice will nearly always require some form of treatment of the produced water, which may be simple

or complex depending on the salinity and chemical nature of the water encountered.

Benefits: The Code of Practice sets out the legal requirements and standards which must be met to authorize the discharge of CBG produced water to the surface environment (perennial and seasonal streams or to ground via infiltration). It ensures a level regulatory playing field across the province and, by providing the rules up front, allows industry to better factor water treatment and disposal needs into their feasibility and development plans.

Contact: Les McDonald, Senior Environmental Impact BiologistMinistry of EnvironmentTel: 250-489-8517E-mail: [email protected]

To view a copy of the Code of Practice, go to :http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/coalbed_code/pdfs/coalbed_reg.pdf

For questions and answers on coalbed gas, go to :http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/coalbed_code/faq.html#code


Objective: to update guidelines for the discharge of oil and gas drilling wastes, including new standards for the management of salt contaminated wastes.

Description: The Ministry of Environment and the Oil and Gas Commission are jointly developing new drilling waste guidelines. A critical aspect of the new guidelines is to ensure that they are in harmony with regulatory requirements that exist in both British Columbia and Alberta. In order to achieve this, the project team has been working closely with the Alberta Energy Utilities Board (EUB). Key industrial stakeholders (including the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers) have been a part of the rigorous review process, which has resulted in the completion of Interim Waste Drilling Guidelines. Final


reviews will be completed during 2006/2007 and the guidelines will be incorporated into the BC Oil and Gas Handbook. Full implementation is expected by mid 2006.

Benefits: Project outcomes include streamlining the approval process while increasing environmental protection from drilling wastes. The improved guidelines also create increased regulatory certainty for oil and gas drilling companies.

Contact: Brian McBride, Senior Environmental Protection OfficerMinistry of EnvironmentTel: 250-565-6306E-mail: [email protected]

Drilling Waste Guidelines

Carbon Management

Objectives: 1) to identify enhanced recovery, acid gas injection and carbon sequestration opportunities in BC; 2) to understand the risks associated with these operations, identifying regulatory requirements for large-scale CO2 storage; and, 3) to expand BC’s technical expertise in this field by linking to other jurisdictions and the federal government.

The main deliverables of this project include:

• The identification of major CO2 sources and geological sinks in BC

• A regulatory requirements analysis for a large-scale CO2 storage operation in Western Canada

• An acid-gas injection cluster study for

Northeast BC (in partnership with the Alberta Energy Utilities Board)

• An assessment of CO2 storage capacity in Northeast BC.

Benefits: Carbon management through geological storage could play a significant role in reducing British Columbia’s greenhouse gas emissions while supporting the sustainable growth of the oil and gas industry.

Contact:Teresa Morris, DirectorResource Development SectionMinistry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum ResourcesTel: 250-953-3799E-mail: [email protected]

For more information on carbon management: http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/subwebs/oilandgas/petroleum_geology/carbon.htm


Objective: to contribute to responsible oil and gas development, including coalbed gas, in the province by improving online access to environmental baseline information and by conducting new, related studies.

Description: The Environmental Resource Information Project (ERIP) is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and community groups, First Nations, industry, and other governments.

Sample projects completed in 2005/06 include:

• Continued to provide information to the online searchable database now holding over 2,000 environmental data sources for 12 coalfields

• Continued monthly surface water quality sampling of 24 streams in four coalfields

• Ungulate winter range surveys in the Peace River coalfield

• Drilling of four new groundwater observation wells in aquifers covering the Comox coalfield

• Well water inventory and aquifer mapping in the Princeton area

• Baseline water quality sampling in the Town of Princeton’s four supply wells and data reporting to the municipality

• Toxicity testing of synthetic CBG produced water

• Fish population and habitat studies review in Similkameen and Crowsnest coalfields


Benefits: ERIP contributes to the responsible development of oil and gas resources by enhancing public access to available environmental knowledge, identifying knowledge gaps, and collecting new information on a priority basis where a gap has been identified. ERIP also helps build collaborative relationships with community groups, First Nations, local government and others.

Contact:Teresa Morris, DirectorResource Development SectionMinistry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum ResourcesTel: 250-953-3799E-mail: [email protected]

Environmental Resource Information Project

For more information on ERIP: www.coalbedgas.gov.bc.ca


Objective: to lessen the ecological footprint of oil and gas exploration and development in British Columbia by increasing knowledge of northern BC grasses.

Description: For oil and gas sites, restoration is the establishment of self sustaining

ecosystems that progress from native grass coverage through a succession of

plant communities to a mix of grasses, shrubs and trees. Increasing our knowledge of northern BC native grasses also increases our knowledge of this succession process. However, current knowledge of northern British Columbia grasses is limited: there

Grasses are found in every ecosystem in B.C., from grasslands to forests to the alpine, playing a key role in many communities. There are more than 200 native species in BC, and more than 100 introduced species. This diversity is often overlooked because people think grasses all look the same or are too hard to identify.

Source: www.livinglandscapes.bc.ca/grasses/ (Interactive Key to the Grasses of the Columbia Basin)


are unrecorded species, the distribution of many of species is poorly known, and their biological and ecological characteristics could be described in more detail.

This project will develop a restoration manual and web application focusing on northern BC grasses to aid in the oil and gas restoration and reclamation process. Phase 1 (2005/2006) lays the groundwork for the development of a web-based Northern Grass Interactive Key with comprehensive text and illustrations. The key will include restoration values and issues for northern British Columbia grasses. The initial work included identifying knowledge gaps, determining technical requirements to develop the interactive key, summarizing current ecological restoration knowledge, and detailing a budget to complete the project.

Benefits: By increasing our knowledge of northern grasses, the project will contribute to the restoration and reclamation process in the oil and gas industry. This knowledge will also help lessen the ecological footprint of oil and gas activities in BC.

Contact:Thom Sedun, Senior Engineering AdvisorOil and Gas CommissionTel: 250-356-2847E-mail: [email protected]

Project Management:Peggy Faulds, Program Coordinator, Restoration of Natural Systems ProgramDivision of Continuing StudiesUniversity of Victoria Tel: 250-721-8463E-mail: [email protected]

Development of an Interactive Key for the Grasses of Northern BC

Northern Grass KeyStudy Area


Objective: to complete a review of terrain hazards in northeast British Columbia, providing information to assist in the management of these areas.

Description: The oil and gas sector is currently operating over a wide geographic area in northeastern British Columbia. In some instances, there are terrain hazards such as landslides that may affect oil and gas activities in the area. These hazards need to be identified, described, inventoried, and understood so that the oil and gas industry can avoid or manage them accordingly.

The project will determine the distribution and prevailing knowledge of terrain units and hazards. The study area included the Dawson Creek, Fort St. John and Fort Nelson Forest Districts.

During 2005/2006, the project provided a report and accompanying Internet database linked to an online mapping application in Google Earth™ and ArcIMS™. The database

Research and GuidelinesReview of Terrain Hazard Assessments and Mapping in Northeast British Columbia

contains hazard locations with linked references, photos, and GPS coordinates. The database currently contains approximately 100 named hazards, 1500 landslide points, and 70 documents and maps.

Benefits: The study provides the oil and gas industry and regulatory agencies with terrain hazard information that can be used to guide future development, minimizing exposure and risks associated with unstable terrain.

Contact:Vic Levson, Director Petroleum and Aggregate GeoscienceMinistry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum ResourcesTel: 250-952-0391E-mail: [email protected]

There is currently insuf-ficient knowledge with respect to the nature and extent of terrain units in northeastern BC. Less than 5% of the region has been studied and mapped in any detail to date.

Source:Stage 1 Review of Terrain Haz-ard Assessments and Mapping in Northeast British Columbia (BGC Engineering Inc.)

Terrain Hazard Assessments in Northeast BC


Objective: to re-sample some streams in the Murray River watershed where the management tool Fish-Stream Classification Procedure predicted no fish, but where subsequent sampling indicated the presence of mature eastern brook trout.

Description: The stream classification tool was developed during 2004/2005 to enable users to assess the probability of sport fish occurrence in streams. It is an important tool for resource managers because streams can be managed according to a probability rating of sport fish occurrence. For instance, streams having a probability rating of nil or low-nil can be risk-managed as non-fish bearing waters. Conversely, streams having a high probability of supporting sport fish can be managed accordingly. This project looked at several small streams in the Murray River watershed, southwest of Tumbler Ridge, where probability scores from the model were low, but sampling from September 2005 indicated the presence of eastern brook trout.

The Fish Stream Classification Procedure enables users to assess the probability of sport fish occurence in streams.

Research and GuidelinesRisk Managing Streams with Strong Groundwater Flow

Streams in the area were re-sampled in March of 2006 to determine if trout were resident in the streams, and to gather other information that could be useful for updating the model. Brook trout were captured in all of the same locations from the September sample, indicating that the fish are resident. Several of these streams were fed by groundwater, which creates a perennial flow, and a favourable habitat for the fish. The project concluded that streams with strong groundwater flow should be examined carefully when applying the model.

Benefits: The project benefits the Fish Stream Classification Procedure by identifying streams (groundwater fed streams) that may not be accurately captured by the model. It also suggests methods for determining if a stream has perennial flow from groundwater.

Contact:Nick Baccante, Ecosystem Section HeadMinistry of EnvironmentTel: 250-787-3289E-mail: [email protected]


Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat

Objectives: 1) to evaluate if boreal caribou are being drawn to reseeded sites at oil and gas facilities and roads and determine the nature of the attractant so that appropriate caribou protection guidelines can be implemented; 2) to evaluate if wolves are avoiding areas of human presence and to what extent; and 3) to develop boreal caribou enhancement trials that may help mitigate the impacts of industrial development in boreal caribou habitat.

Description: During 2005/2006, a vegetation analysis of 19 different caribou winter forage sites—describing both native and introduced plant species—was completed in the study area, located northeast of Fort St. John. This information, along with a fecal analysis expected to be completed in 2006/2007, will indicate caribou forage preferences near oil and gas installations. In addition, wolf movements will be monitored in the study area using Global Positioning System (GPS) collars.

The wolf has one of the broadest distributions of any mammal. In British Columbia it is a year-round resident occurring in all forested regions of the province (found in all ecoprovinces and biogeoclimatic zones).

Source: Integrated Land Manage-ment Bureau (ILMB)

Chinchaga Boreal Caribou Habitat Enhancement Trials and Wolf Collaring

Benefits: Project benefits include increased knowledge of both boreal caribou and wolves near industrial sites. The caribou habitat enhancement trials may also help reduce the impact of industrial development in boreal caribou habitat.

Contact:Mike Rowe, Wildlife BiologistMinistry of EnvironmentTel: 250-787-3427E-mail: [email protected]


Objective: to determine habitat selection and avoidance by boreal caribou in the Ladyfern area of northeast BC so that appropriate caribou protection guidelines can be implemented by the oil and gas industry in areas of high caribou use.

Description: This ongoing radio telemetry study uses Global Positioning System (GPS) collars to track the Chinchaga herd of boreal caribou in the Milligan Hills and Ladyfern areas, northeast of Fort St. John.

During 2005/2006, preliminary data analysis confirmed the extent of the Milligan core area as identified in the draft Boreal Caribou Recovery Strategy. Additional investigation of seasonal movements and habitat selection is ongoing in conjunction with analysis for the Snake/Sahtaneh Caribou Study, a long term study of boreal caribou in northeast BC. Other activities for the fiscal year include downloading data from retrieved collars and continued monitoring of still-collared caribou.

Wildlife and Wildlife HabitatChinchaga Boreal Caribou Study

Benefits: This project will allow for the findings of the Snake/Sahtaneh Caribou Study (jointly led by the Oil and Gas Commission and Slocan Forest Products) and the Interim Caribou Guidelines to be implemented over a larger area of northeast BC. This information will provide industry and regulatory agencies with information necessary to carry out their activities while also managing for the caribou, providing greater certainty in resource management for all stakeholders.

Contact: Mike Rowe, Wildlife BiologistMinistry of EnvironmentTel: 250-787-3427E-mail: [email protected]

The widespread Boreal population of woodland caribou, which occurs in the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador, has been assessed as threatened by the Committee on the Status of Endan-gered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) and is listed under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA).

Source: Hinterland Who’s Whohttp://www.hww.ca


Wildlife and Wildlife HabitatLarge Ungulate Management Review

Objective: to estimate moose populations in the Murray River area and compare this estimate with previous studies.

Description: In this second module of a three-module study, moose populations in the Murray River area, south of the Peace River (Wildlife Management Unit 7-21), were examined to determine the current population density, population size, sex ratios, and calf recruitment. An aerial census was completed in January of 2006 and estimates produced from this count were compared to those obtained using a similar assessment completed in 1998. The study found that the 2006 moose estimates for Wildlife

Murray River Moose Population Assessment

Project Description: This project focuses on developing a strategic approach to wildlife management issues in northeast BC. The project particularly considers developing a balanced approach to managing boreal caribou in relation to oil and gas and other land based activities and includes participation in recovery planning initiatives for caribou.

Benefits: This project will allow the Government to be pro-active in working with other agencies and industry in British Columbia with regard to the development of management practices relating to caribou.

Contact: Garth Thoroughgood Manager, Resource Access Tel: 250-952-0618 E-mail: [email protected]

Management Unit 7-21 are similar to those produced in 1998. Population estimates from this study will also be compared to other wildlife management units in the region.

Benefits: The population data will be used to further clarify moose population and harvest issues within the Pine/Moberly/Murray area and provide direction on future harvest potential for this population.


The moose can dive more than five metres to forage for food on a lake bottom.

Source: Hinterland Who’s Whohttp://www.hww.ca/


Objective: to complete a survey of a transplanted herd of wood bison to establish herd population size and demographics.

Description: Wood bison (Bison bison athabascae) are blue-listed in British Columbia and designated as “threatened” by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). As part of British Columbia’s commitment to the recovery of wood bison, a herd was reintroduced into the Etthithun Lake area, north of Fort St John, in 1999/2000. Since its release, the Etthithun wood bison herd has expanded in both range and population size.

The grazing habits of bison are similar to those of domestic cattle. Bison eat grasses, sedges, and other ground-grow-ing plants.Source: Hinterland Who’s Whowww.hww.ca

Wildlife and Wildlife HabitatWood Bison Population Survey

As part of oil and gas mitigation efforts, areas around oil and gas facilities are re-seeded, increasing grassland habitat and improving forage availability for grazing animals such as the wood bison. Some safety concerns have been registered by petroleum producers and the Doig River First Nation relating to the Etthithun herd and its proximity to oil and gas facilities and areas of community use.

Working from a management plan developed in January 2006, an aerial population survey was undertaken by the Ministry of Environment in March, 2006 to determine herd population size and demographics. The results of this inventory will be used to develop additional management guidelines for the Etthithun bison herd.

Benefits: The Etthithun wood bison population survey provides a basis for future management decisions, which could include salt placement options as well as methods to control population growth and range expansion.



Wildlife and Wildlife HabitatSulphur/8 Mile Stone’s Sheep Project

Objective: To provide resource-based industries (e.g. oil and gas) with data on the status of Stone’s sheep, and management options to support the sustainability of both Stone’s sheep populations and resource development opportunities.

Description: The Sulphur/8 Mile (S8M) plan area—located in the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area—contains important Stone’s sheep (Ovis dalli stonei) habitat. As a result, the sale of oil and gas tenures in a portion of the S8M pre-tenure plan area has been deferred, providing a five-year period for Stone’s sheep research and the development of appropriate management direction to be incorporated into a pre-tenure plan amendment by December 2009.

Formally established in 2004, the S8M Stone’s Sheep Project is focused on researching Stone’s sheep ecology in the S8M area of northern BC, with a specific emphasis on evaluating the potential for oil and gas resource development impacts on sheep populations. The project will be completed in three concurrent phases: Phase 1 will determine baseline Stone’s sheep population status (including demographics, habitat use, and survival); Phase 2 quantifies potential oil and gas industry impacts on Stone’s sheep; and Phase 3 will integrate the knowledge gained during this research to provide clear, informed, and defensible management direction to minimize or mitigate impacts from future oil and gas development on Stone’s sheep in the S8M.

Benefits: Project information will help industry conduct resource development activities in a manner that is compliant with government objectives for sustainable management of locally-valued resources.

Project outcomes will help industry planners and government resource managers, and are

expected to contribute toward:

• Providing a credible, defensible, and accessible knowledge base to support due diligence and accountability in operational planning;

• Developing effective management direction for Stone’s sheep in areas of industrial resource development;

• Identifying criteria, indicators, and thresholds that can be incorporated into effectiveness monitoring programs;

• Promoting adaptive management strategies that balance industrial resource development and Stone’s sheep ecology (e.g., habitat requirements).

Contact:Garth Thoroughgood Manager, Resource Access Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Tel: 250-952-0618 E-mail: [email protected]

For more information on this project, visit www.synergyecology.ca/S8Msheep

The Muskwa-Kechi-ka Management Area is intended to establish a world standard for environmental sustainability and economic stability, serving as a model that balances hu-man activities such as resource extrac-tion and tourism with conserving its environmental val-ues and wilderness state over time.

Source:www.muskwa-kechika.com


First Nations

Objective: to enhance relationships between First Nations, government and industry by identifying important Doig River First Nations sites and cultural features.

Description: During August and September 2005, a pilot project documenting individual Dane-zaa gravesites was undertaken with funding from the Environmental Policy Program. The pilot generated support from participating Doig River First Nations members and provided First Nation staff members with opportunities to gain experience in cultural site verification, documentation, field procedures and collection methods.

From this pilot project, it is anticipated that the Doig River First Nations will use the skills they’ve acquired to expand the inventory to a wider territory—and to a wide variety of cultural sites—in the future. The project will ultimately develop GPS coordinates of specific cultural features—such as cabins, spiritual sites, camping sites, and grave sites—to be catalogued in a First Nations

The Doig River First Nation is one of four Dane-zaa / Beaver Indian communi-ties native to the Peace River area of northeastern British Columbia. Dane-zaa means “Real People” and today there are approximately 1000 Dane-zaa in British Columbia living in the Doig River, Blue-berry River, Halfway River and Prophet River communities.

Source: www.doigriverfn.com

First Nations Special Sites Identification and Inventory Pilot

confidential database along with Elder interviews and other gathered information. From the database, site locations will be forwarded as required to appropriate provincial government ministries. In addition, information from the database will enhance the Doig River First Nations’ ability to interact with industry and government.

Benefits: The project provides a critical research tool for the Doig River First Nations while enhancing relationships between government, First Nations and industry by setting out a process for protecting special sites prior to project plan developments. Expanding the process to other areas of First Nations interest will lead to increased certainty for resource management planning.

Contact:Tom Ouellette, Strategic DirectorOil and Gas CommissionTel: 250-261-5733E-mail: [email protected]


Objective: to enhance relationships between First Nations, government and industry by identifying important values near the community of Prophet River and identifying operational management direction for incorporation into future proposed activities.

Description: The area surrounding the community of Prophet River has been identified as an area of importance to the people of Prophet River First Nations , whose history in the area—near Fort Nelson in northeast BC—has provided them with a great depth of local knowledge. The Prophet River First Nations members are also concerned about the impacts of development if planning is not done in a manner that respects and integrates this knowledge.

During the summer and winter months of 2005 the Prophet River First Nations mapped and gathered important information in and around their community. This information was used to develop recommended operational strategies for the oil and gas industry. Using project information, it is anticipated that the Prophet River First Nations will provide input and recommendations to government to help guide future resource decisions. In addition,

First NationsProphet River Five Kilometre Zone

information from the project will enhance the Prophet River First Nations’ ability to interact with industry and Government.

Benefits: The project provides a tool for the Prophet River First Nations while enhancing relationships between government, First Nations and industry. Expanding the process to other areas of First Nations interest will lead to increased certainty for resource management planning.

Contact:Tom Ouellette, Strategic DirectorOil and Gas CommissionTel: 250-261-5733E-mail: [email protected]

During the summer and winter months of 2005 the Prophet River First Nations mapped and gathered important information in and around their com-munity.

Documents

Oil And Gas Environmental Stewardship Projects · Oil and Gas Environmental Stewardship Projects Annual Report 2005/2006. 3. The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources