YELLOWKNIFE (April 1, 2015) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is proposing new regulations that set out the filing requirements for companies planning hydraulic fracturing operations in the NWT.

They require industry to meet additional requirements related to baseline surface and groundwater information, public disclosure, air quality, and enhanced reporting.

Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay says the GNWT is committed to making improvements to the regulatory system that reflect northern priorities and provide greater certainty to industry.

“These enhancements are part of a made-in-the-NWT approach that balances our commitment to protecting NWT lands, water and wildlife with resource and economic development that can provide opportunities and self-sufficiency for our people and their communities,” he said.

The GNWT has launched a period of public engagement and discussion on the proposed regulations to allow NWT residents to learn more about the intended changes and to ensure that they reflect northern views and priorities.  Officials will visit nine NWT communities in the next three months.

Until the GNWT enacts its own regulations, established National Energy Board filing requirements continue to apply to applications for hydraulic fracturing in the NWT.

“The process of applying for permits is not changing,” Minister Ramsay says. “Our territory has a proven, integrated and co-managed regulatory process that ensures the investments we make in managing our natural resources provide balanced and considered returns in the health of our land and its people and the strength of our economy.”

Today’s announcement reflects and supports the stated goals of the 17th Legislative Assembly: an environment that will sustain present and future generations and a diversified economy that provides all communities and regions with opportunities and benefits.

A consultation schedule and a copy of the proposed regulations are available at ITI’s website.
Backgrounder on Proposed Regulations.
Backgrounder on Environmental Assessment Coordination.
Backgrounder on Monitoring and Research.
NWT Regulatory System at a glance.

Media inquiries:

Roya Grinsted
Communications Officer
Government of the NWT
Tel: 867-669-2308
Email: roya_grinsted@gov.nt.ca