The BC Oil and Gas Commission is a regulatory body responsible for petroleum and natural gas extraction, transportation and processing in BC. All activities involving oil and gas in the province are controlled by the OGC, including:
- Wellsite, facilities, and pipeline permitting
- Water usage and disposal
- Surface access and land rights including road construction
- Acquisition and disposition of oil and gas rights
- Decommissioning and rehabilitation
As a land owner, you do not necessarily own the rights to oil and gas that is located on your property. These rights may be acquired by oil and gas companies who automatically gain certain other rights such as the right to explore your property, take surveys, and possibly develop your property to access the resources. You will, however, be entitled to receive some compensation for surface access to the resources, including compensation for pipeline right of ways. If you do not want to have your property developed, or you want to maximize your benefits, you should obtain legal advice. ATAC LAW’s lawyers are experienced in oil and gas matters and in working with the OGC.
Decisions made by the OGC can be appealed or reviewed. If you are unhappy with a decision of the OGC, we can help you appeal that decision to the Oil and Gas Appeal Tribunal. This Tribunal reviews the decisions of the OGC and makes determinations as to whether those decisions were fair and reasonable.
Not only do our lawyers have experience with appeals to administrative tribunals, but one of them is an Oil and Gas Engineer. Contact one of our lawyers today to get representation at the Oil and Gas Appeal Tribunal.
