Baytex to follow initiatives following Peace River consultation

Canadian oil and gas company Baytex Energy has announced its support for the regulatory initiatives announced by the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) governing heavy oil development in Peace River, Northern Sunrise County.

AER’s public proceeding was held in January into odours and emissions from heavy oil operations in the area. A science-based venue has been provided by the AER panel in a bid to address and find solutions to various concerns that have been expressed by community members about the oil production.

Baytex said that it has continually worked to lower its environmental impact and reduce emissions from all its operations since it started operations in the area around ten years ago.

The company said that it has been implementing a number of the AER panel’s recommendations, and plans to comply with the new regulations within the specified timelines.

Baytex Energy president and chief executive officer James Bowzer said that the company’s gas conservation activities and plans are consistent with the AER initiatives announced.

"In Three Creeks, along with our partner Genalta Power, an expansion to existing gas conservation facilities is underway, and by the end of 2014 it is estimated that Baytex will deliver sufficient excess natural gas to Genalta’s power facility, which will generate the daily energy requirement equivalent to more than 14,000 homes," Bowzer added.

The company acquired the Reno field in 2011 in which excess natural gas is conserved through the connection of its recently constructed pipelines to the TransCanada pipeline system.