VICTORIA – An audit of two oil and gas companies working in the northern part of the Fort Nelson Forest District found that their operations met the requirements of the Forest and Range Practices Act, according to a report released today.

Apache Canada Ltd. and Devon Canada Corporation were audited for forest planning and practices associated with oil and gas development in the Horn River Basin. Activities examined included clearing trees for construction of well sites, compressor/facilities, borrow pits, sumps, campsites, and pipelines, as well as access road construction and maintenance.

“Because oil and gas companies carry out similar types of harvesting and road activities as forestry companies, the board occasionally audits them to make sure they are following provincial forestry legislation,” said board chair, Al Gorley. “Some of the things Apache and Devon did that lessened disturbance in the area included building roads in the winter when the ground was frozen, and using existing access corridors whenever they could.”

The Horn River Basin encompasses approximately 1.1 million hectares of land in north‐eastern British Columbia, north of Fort Nelson and south of the Northwest Territories border.

The Forest Practices Board is B.C.’s independent watchdog for sound forest and range practices, reporting its findings and recommendations directly to the public and government. The board audits forest and range practices on public lands and appropriateness of government enforcement. It can also make recommendations for improvement to practices and legislation.

More information can be obtained by contacting:

Helen Davies
Communications
Forest Practices Board
Phone: 250 213‐4708 / 1 800 994‐5899