How Robust is the Governance System of British Columbia for Regulating the Environmental Aspects of Shale Gas Development?

Abstract

This paper focuses on the robustness of the regulatory system of British Columbia (BC) from the environmental point of view. It argues that the enforcement of existing regulations is effective due to the active monitoring of compliance by the provincial oil and gas regulator. The regulator has a key role in promoting transparency, public participation and safety and sustainability of shale gas operations. The paper argues that although certain elements in the provincial legislative framework are covered by non-binding guidelines, rather than legislation, the regulator has responded to many of the concerns raised by the public over the shale gas development in BC, including impacts on regional air quality, fresh water contamination and access to water, deforestation, biodiversity and induced seismicity. The regulator has also recognized several key issues, such as baseline water monitoring as an issue requiring further research. This paper concludes that BC has one of the most robust regulatory systems in North America for regulating hydraulic fracturing.