A hot dry summer has prompted British Columbia (BC) regulators to restrict water withdrawals from remote river tributaries and small lakes for hydraulic fracturing in the Montney Shale.

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Drought in the northern bush is causing concern for fish populations, wildlife and community supplies, administration with the BC Oil and Gas Commission (BCOGC) wrote in an order. 

“Water levels are anticipated to continue dropping until significant rain falls in the area,” administrators wrote.

The restriction stops short of halting industry activity. Regulators have still allowed operators in the Montney to access water from the Peace River and Dinosaur Lake. Firms can also access man-made storage in industry dam reservoirs and dugouts.

Exemptions from the pause will also be...