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Times have changed

Published August 3, 2005

Residents concerned about oil and gas exploration met at Brookville Hall on June 30th to prepare for yet another round with what turns out to be another company attempting to drill a well in the same location as the one they already fought to keep out. If you take out the political posturing and the comments from events that occurred five to seven years ago, there are some glaring issues that need to be dealt with.

In the fall of this year the disbanded Oil and Gas Exploration Committee is scheduled to meet to evaluate the effects of the Strathcona County Protocol for Seismic Surveying, Drilling, Construction and Operation of Oil and Gas Facilities in Strathcona County.

There have been some successes with the protocol and as recently as the past weekend, I was approached by a family who were able to make progress with their issue thanks, in a large part to Lori Mills, Strathcona County's oil and gas liaison. Lori's position came about because of the committee's recommendation.

Some of the shortfalls are: the "protocol" as published on the County website is still missing two of the addendums the committee requested; Oil and Gas Companies are still not organizing appropriately scheduled sit-down forums for public consultation; levels of hydrogen sulphate are rounded off to make them appear sweet or are accepted at low levels. (My personal comment would be to liken a slightly sour gas well to being a "little pregnant". Either it is or it isn't!)

EUB policy is currently being reviewed. What are we doing to influence the review?

1. Strathcona has sent a letter to our MLA's. Special consideration of populated areas and the future potential for the land must be more evenly balanced.
2. Areas the county has influence in such as road agreements and emergency response plans should have the highest standards.
3. Residents need additional support and education in dealing with companies. Perhaps a synergy group funded by industry and the EUB should be established in Strathcona.
4. Landowners need to continue their letter writing campaign. Letters must be specific and should be copied to Strathcona County, your MLA and the opposition party.

For years energy exploration has paid the minimum to recover the resource without regard to future uses of the land and the density of the current population. Times are changing!

Jacquie Fenske
Councillor, Ward 5
780-464-8147
fenske@strathcona.ab.ca.

Last updated: Thursday, March 25, 2010
Page ID: 2017

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