The B.C. Energy Regulator says it has approved a levy increase to ensure adequate funding for the restoration of abandoned oil and gas well sites, also known as orphan sites.

The funding is needed to ensure the sites return to a natural state, including removing equipment, the regulator said.

Abandoned wells can be a source of methane and other gases leaking into the atmosphere.

In an Oct. 24 update on its website , the B.C. Energy Regulator said oil and gas permit holders will be invoiced an additional $9 million on Nov. 3, to bring the total levy to $24 million annually.

The regulator said the increase is needed to support ongoing restoration work, with 873 well sites currently designated as orphans.

Restoring a well site is a six-step process: deactivating the site, plugging the

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