FRACKING IN CANADA
Background: Western Canada has the biggest natural gas shale fracking operations in North America, with several major sites in British Columbia and Alberta supported in part by government financial incentives such as reduced royalties and assistance in road building and pipeline costs. The regulation of shale gas production on private land is largely controlled by each provincial or territorial government. In early 2011, Quebec Environment Minister Pierre Arcand announced a halt to all shale gas development in that province while the process and its impacts on the nearby St. Lawrence River are more thoroughly studied.
Case: You are a resident of Quebec, living in a community near a proposed natural gas drilling site. Shale gas development could bring a big economic boost to your area but the environmental concerns about fracking have alarmed some community members, who oppose it. You have been asked to research what is known about the environmental impacts of fracking and present the information at a public consultation meeting, so members of council can make an informed decision about what is right for the community.
Be sure to include the following in your explanation:
A description of the fracking process and where it is currently being used on a regional and local scale
Possibilities for economic improvement and job creation related to the project.
General environmental concerns related to fracking.
Prior to your move to Quebec, you lived in Alberta and became familiar with the much publicized case of Jessica Ernst and her contaminated well water, contamination that occurred only after drilling began near her home. You decide to present a detailed case study about Jessica Ernst’s problems. Be sure to include the following in your presentation:
A detailed report of Ernst’s case, including her credentials, the particular problems she faced, and the testing record of her well water
Responses of oil companies to the people affected by fracking
Responses from Alberta Environment and Water and other government agencies to both the oil companies and the people affected by fracking
In your summation to the council, provide your opinion of fracking and whether or not it should be permitted in your community.
What is your recommendation to the council? Why?
What other types of information might the council members want before they make a decision? Where would you suggest they go to find the answers to their questions?