Oil and gas safety amendments: Bill 13

The Minister of Natural Gas Development, Rich Coleman, has detailed amendments that aim to increase safety over oil and gas facilities, including liquefied natural gas facilities.

Bill 13, the Safety Standards Amendment Act, 2016, has been written to clarify a regulatory oversight at oil and gas facilities with the aim of ensuring that equipment is covered by the highest safety standards. The amendments will eliminate overlaps and any potential gaps.

The act outlines the duties of the BC Oil and Gas Commission (OGC) and the BC Safety Authority (BCSA0; the former is responsible for safety of oil and gas operations under the Oil and Gas Activities Act (OGAA). The BC Safety Authority (BCSA) provides oversight of technical equipment in industries throughout the province under the Safety Standards Act (SSA).

For example, the BCSA maintains responsibility for refrigeration units such as ice arenas and cold storage facilities under the SSA, and the OGC takes responsibility for refrigeration required for liquefaction in LNG plants under the OGAA, with technical support from the BCSA as required.

The amendments have no impact to technical equipment outside of the oil and gas sector.

Minister of Natural Gas Development, Rich Coleman, remarked: “These amendments are about having the best safety standards in place, while clarifying the regulatory environment for industry. As our province sees larger-scale projects move forward, this legislation will ensure all equipment used in oil and gas settings will be subject to the highest standards.”

Edited from press release by Angharad Lock

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/10032016/bill-13-strengthens-oil-and-gas-safety-2731/