Regulation respecting the filing of information on certain drilling and fracturing work on gas or petroleum wells (RRQ, c Q-2, r 47.1).

The present Regulation is made under the Environment Quality Act (R.S.Q. c. Q. 2). Section 1 establishes that the Regulation applies to all holders of a certificate of authorization issued by the Government or by the Minister for carrying out: 1) drilling work to explore for or produce petroleum or natural gas in shale; and 2) fracturing operations intended to explore for or produce petroleum or natural gas. Furthermore, the Regulation applies in a reserved area and an agricultural zone established under the Act respecting the preservation of agricultural land and agricultural activities. Section 3 rules that for strategic environmental assessment and ongoing environmental monitoring purposes, this Regulation requires the holder of a certificate of authorization to periodically file information on authorized work with the Minister. The requirement to file information is intended, in particular, to allow the gathering of scientific and technical knowledge of a geological, hydro-geological, geo-chemical and geo-physical nature about the work and its possible consequences for human health or the environment. It is also intended to allow the assessment of the work and to promote the development of environmentally-secure techniques, methods and practices. The text consists of 15 sections.