The Province is a leader in safe, responsible natural gas development, with some of the most up-to-date and stringent regulations in the world for shale gas development.

• In 2010, the Province updated the oil and gas regulations in response to the growth in the natural gas sector, including implementing minimum distances for drilling activity from human habitation.
• Provincial regulations prohibit wells from being drilled within:
• 100 metres of a home or other public building.
• one kilometre of a school or community centre.
• The BC Oil and Gas Commission automatically reviews all well applications for engineering, environment and safety concerns.
• There is an enhanced review process in place for any proposed oil and gas activities within two kilometres of a school. The review includes evaluating specific safety measures such as emergency response procedures and air monitoring requirements.
• Consultation and notification regulations ensure any concerns about safety, or the proximity of a proposed activity to a public area, are considered and dealt with before a decision on the permit is issued:
• The Landowner Notification Program lets landowners know that the subsurface rights below their property may be sold.
• The Notification and Consultation Regulation requires companies to consult with residents on any safety concerns and disclose their efforts to resolve any disputes before a permit is issued.
• The BC Oil and Gas Commission works within the community to resolve any differences between companies and nearby residents. Services include exchanging additional information, facilitation and mediation between the parties.