August 2011
Documents Reveal Industry and Gov’t Collude on Shale Gas Alberta New Dems release secret agreements about handling public opinion By Andrew Nikiforuk, TheTyee.ca, August 19, 2011.
“My biggest concern is that there is a government plan to work with industry on shale gas issues in secret and it’s largely about managing public opinion. It’s not about science or eliminating the risk to groundwater or the public. It’s about telling people they are doing something without actually doing anything.”…Moreover all three provincial energy regulators have allowed hydraulic fracturing in coal seams, oil shale and shale gas plays without transparent groundwater baseline studies or monitoring as recommended by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment in 2002. Without proper baseline data, regulators can’t track groundwater contaminants.
Briefing Note and New West Partnership and project charter – “Collaboration and Information Sharing, Industry Water Use and Hydraulic Fracture Technology”
Alberta fears ‘misinformation’ by greens on fracking: report NDP calling for safety investigation by Karen Kleiss, Edmonton Journal, August 19, 2011.
“The Conservative government has already made its decision around the safety and the pros and cons of hydraulic fracturing of shale gas,” Notley said. “Having made that decision, they are now proceeding to simply find ways to enable industry to access it as quickly as possible.” She said the documents show the government was “colluding” with other governments and industry to manipulate public opinion. “The Conservative government is working behind closed doors with industry without any kind of public participation,” she said.…In May, Duke University published the first peer-reviewed scientific study linking fracking activity with drinking water that has become so contaminated it can be lit on fire. Jessica Ernst, an Albertan from Rosebud, has long claimed her water can be lit on fire due to fracking activity nearby. Earlier this month the New York Times published a story revealing that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found drinking water contaminated by fracking as far back as 1987.
Hydraulic Fracturing: Alberta NDP Calls For Probe Into Controversial Natural Gas Extraction Method
The Huffington Post, August 19, 2011.
Notley: review needed as PCs seek to bury fracking opposition Press Release, August 18, 2011.
Alberta’s NDP Opposition environment critic Rachel Notley is calling for an independent investigation into hydraulic fracturing as a government document shows a PC plan to bury public opposition and co-operate only with industry. “This document shows the PCs’ contempt for everyday Albertans. The questions and opinions of Albertans should be respected, not treated as PR problems,” Notley says. “The PCs are out of touch and cannot be trusted to manage Alberta’s energy resources.”
Fracking, shale gas and health: A case for precaution by Barb Harris, Prevent Cancer Now, August 2011.
Finally, there is a seldom-mentioned health impact of fracking, its impact on mental health, as well as the emotional and financial stresses of living in what has been called “Fracking Hell.” There is the stress of having to ration water which once was plentiful, the impact of noise and light 24 hours a day, where once there was quiet….
Public input on industrial water use in Peace River B.C. demanded by Anita Elash, The Globe and Mail, August 11, 2011.
“Water is a public resource and the public seems to have virtually nothing to say about it,”
New York Comptroller DiNapoli Introduces Frack Fund To Cover Industry Damage by Carol Linnit, desmogblog, August 11, 2011.
The fund would be on standby during drilling and ready to issue compensation to landowners affected by fracking’s unfortunate side-effects, like air pollution and water contamination. …“hydraulic fracturing can potentially poison local water supplies, pollute the air and leave us with a waste management nightmare…We’ve seen what happens when companies sacrifice safety for short-term profits.”
Department of Energy panel: Gas drillers should reveal fracking chemicals, manage impacts
by Michael Rubinkam, The Associated Press, Canadian Press, August 11, 2011.
Mysterious Fracking Memo Encourages Employees To Deceive Landowners by Farron Cousins, desmogblog, August 8, 2011.
The Associated Press is reporting some new details about the mysterious memo that surfaced earlier this year which encourages buyers of oil and gas leases to lie to landowners about the dangers of hydraulic fracturing (fracking).
Cracks in the façade by Dusty Horwitt EWG, August 2011, exposes the EPA report (concluding that hydraulic fracturing contaminated groundwater) ignored by industry and the EPA for decades EPA Report to Congress: Management of Wastes from the Exploration, Development, and Production of Crude Oil, Natural Gas, and Geothermal Energy Volume 1 of 3 Oil and Gas, EPA/530-SW-88-003, December 1987.
“During the fracturing process,” EPA investigators wrote in the 1987 report, which focused on the handling of natural gas, oil and geothermal wastes generally, “fractures can be produced, allowing migration of native brine, fracturing fluid and hydrocarbons from the oil or gas well to a nearby water well. When this happens, the water well can be permanently damaged and a new well must be drilled or an alternative source of drinking water found.”
Toxic chromium found in Chicago drinking water- Detected levels are more than 11 times higher than California’s new standard by Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, August 6, 2011.
Federal officials are being nudged to act by California, which took a three-year look at the science and last month established the nation’s first “public health goal” to limit hexavalent chromium…. The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment defines the goal, 0.02 parts per billion, as an amount that reduces the risk of developing cancer to a point considered negligible by most scientists and physicians.
EPA probe of fracking contamination includes retrospective by Don Hopey, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, August 5, 2011.
The EPA, in a statement released Wednesday evening, also said it has identified several other cases where contamination of drinking water wells allegedly occurred due to nearby gas well “fracking,”…The EPA also noted that, “While it may be difficult to definitively prove a specific link between hydraulic fracturing and drinking water contamination, we know that there are circumstances under which steps in the natural gas extraction process can lead to contamination.”… The panel’s study plan assessment also recommends that EPA collect baseline water quantity and quality data in a case study area before fracking activity begins to better assess any changes that occur, and look at the cumulative consequences of multiple gas well fracking operations in a single watershed or region.
Groups File Suit Against Army Corps and Delaware River Basin Commission Over Gas Drilling Press Release August 4, 2011.
Lawsuit charges that an analysis must be completed and environmental impacts understood before drilling moves forward in the Delaware River Basin.
Does an Old EPA Fracking Study Provide Proof of Contamination? by Abrahm Lustgarten ProPublica, Aug. 4, 2011.
But the language found in the EPA report made public Wednesday is the strongest articulation yet by federal officials that there is a direct causal connection between man-made fissures thousands of feet underground and contaminants found in well water gone bad. The explanation, presented in the EPA’s own words, stands in stark contrast to recent statements made by EPA officials that they could not document a proven case of contamination and a 2004 EPA report that concluded that fracturing was safe.
Australian Petroleum Association: Coal seam damage to water inevitable by Ben Cubby The Sydney Morning Herald, August 3, 2011.
The coal seam gas industry has conceded that extraction will inevitably contaminate aquifers. ”Drilling will, to varying degrees, impact on adjoining aquifers,” said the spokesman, Ross Dunn. ”The intent of saying that is to make it clear that we have never shied away from the fact that there will be impacts on aquifers,” Mr Dunn said.
EPA Report: Fracking Contaminated Drinking Water Press Release, August 3, 2011.
Federal Government Asks Judge To Dismiss New York State Lawsuit by Farron Counsins desmogblog, August 3, 2011.
The federal government’s request is a horrible blow to American citizens and to the environment, and will set a dangerous precedent for any fracking lawsuits that arise in the future.
DRILLING DOWN, One Tainted Water Well, and Concern There May Be More by Ian Urbina The New York Times, August 3, 2011.
“I still don’t understand why industry should be allowed to hide problems when public safety is at stake,” said Carla Greathouse, the author of the E.P.A. report that documents a case of drinking water contamination from fracking….“When fracturing the Kaiser gas well on Mr. James Parson’s property, fractures were created allowing migration of fracture fluid from the gas well to Mr. Parson’s water well,” according to the agency’s summary of the case. “This fracture fluid, along with natural gas was present in Mr. Parson’s water, rendering it unusable.”…In their report, E.P.A. officials also wrote that Mr. Parsons’ case was highlighted as an “illustrative” example of the hazards created by this type of drilling, and that legal settlements and nondisclosure agreements prevented access to scientific documentation of other incidents.…Dan Derkics, a 17-year veteran of the environmental agency who oversaw research for the report, said that hundreds of other cases of drinking water contamination were found, many of which looked from preliminary investigations to have been caused by hydraulic fracturing like the one from West Virginia.…“I can assure you that the Jackson County case was not unique,” said Mr. Derkics, who retired from the agency in 1994. “That is why the drinking water concerns are real.”
EPA in 1987 found fracking fouled well water in W.Va By Don Hopey, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, August 03, 2011.
A 1987 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finding, which the agency has ignored for years, concluded that hydraulic fracturing of a deep natural gas well in Jackson County, W.Va., contaminated groundwater and private wells.
Encana, Shell and Nexen Discuss Water Sourcing Strategies At Shale Gas Water Management Canada Next Month by American Business Conferences Limited
Discussing what level of responsibility shale gas operators should take for disclosing their frac fluid chemical composition if any. A panel on Day Two: Providing meaningful data on whether the risk of groundwater contamination from hydraulic fracturing in Canada is genuine or a media created myth. …Understanding how to mitigate the risk of frac fluid migration from frac zones up into groundwater supplies.
5 years after gas well blowout, Clark residents vent frustrations by Martin Kidston Gazette Wyoming Bureau, August 4, 2011.
Frustrations spilled over at a public hearing here Wednesday night, with residents accusing state and county leaders of abandoning them five years after a natural gas company lost control of its well and left groundwater undrinkable. “We’re wondering how you people with the state are letting these oil people raise hell with our water,” said Hager. “You’re still letting them drill.”
Fracking Getting Fracked? Is it possible that fracking is developing cracks in its facade? by FrackingCanada, August 4, 2011.
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette the EPA found that fracking fluid had migrated to a water well in West Virginia back in 1987.… And don’t forget the peer-reviewed study published in 1989 purportedly showing the same in southern Manitoba from within Canada itself
Fracking Fears Fuel Protests in NB, PEI by Transcontinental Media staff, August 3, 2011.
Environment Minister Richard Brown said the companies that have exploration permits on P.E.I. were told there will be no fracking until the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Canadian government complete studies on the process.…But because P.E.I. so heavily relies on ground water, the Province must prove to residents beyond any reasonable doubt that natural gas exploration is safe before it issues permits to proceed.
1,500 At Fredericton, NB Anti-Fracking Rally by Miles Howe, August 2, 2011.
The NB government, in an attempt to placate the masses, and perhaps to save itself from being on the receiving end of a class-action lawsuit, unveiled, on June 23rd, a framework of regulations for potential frackers in the province. Judging by yesterday’s turnout, the crowd was less than satistfied by Department of Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup, and said regulations. Northrup’s regs call for baseline testing for wells in close proximity to frack jobs, disclosure of the chemicals used when fracking, and security bonds for potential household damage due to fracking. SWN, it should be mentioned, is currently facing, and has faced in the past, class-action lawsuits in Arkansas and Pennsylvania.
July 2011
Le Gaz de la Discorde by Nicolas Mesly, Cover Story in Le Coopérateur agricole, July August 2011 Issue
Les analyses de son eau ont en effet révélé une quantité effarante de méthane. Cinq ans plus tard, M. Zimmerman n’a toujours pas d’eau potable….Et il attend encore le début de son procès contre la compagnie responsable du forage, Quicksilver Resources Canada.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is concerned that hydraulic fracturing of natural-gas wells near its dams could threaten dam safety by Randy Lee Loftis Dallas Morning News, July 31, 2011.
Under pressure: Unpacking Canada’s shale gas debate by Vanessa Greco CTV News, July 31, 2011.
Questions still swirl around the regulation and long-term environmental effects of extraction.
Shale gas drilling could be decided this year. Industry leader feels many NBers will come to accept drilling process by jacques gallant Times & transcript staff, July 30th, 2011.
One of the major fears is that the fracking fluid could make its way into freshwater sources, which are typically located between 100 and 200 metres below the surface. But Alexander, who said he is a huge proponent of regulations and regulators, points out that it has never been proven that there is a solid link between fracking and water contamination. “Opponents never want anyone to hear that, though,” he said.
The New “F” Word: “Fraccidental” Insurance Headaches – Fracking: Understanding the opportunities & challenges of the latest environmental liability exposures by Gina Jones, Ivy Riggs, July 29, 2011.
Just as the old truism states that you can’t insure a burning building, many underwriters are unwilling to offer coverage where the drinking water has already caught fire. In fact, a few insurers are contemplating excluding all fracking operations.
Regulators Seek Records on Claims for Gas Wells by Ian Urbina The New York Times, July 29, 2011.
The Securities and Exchange Commission sent subpoenas this week to energy companies asking them for documents about how they calculate and publicly disclose the performance of their shale gas wells, according to oil and gas industry lawyers.
Insight: NY water at risk from lack of natgas inspectors? by Edward McAllister, Reuters, July 29, 2011
Northern B.C. fracking licence concerns critics CBC News, July 29, 2011
European Union report says ban fracking Press Release: Climate Justice Taranaki, July 28, 2011.
“To use fresh water for hydraulic fracturing — pour toxins into that water…put it into permanent storage — taking it out of the water’s cycle. How’s that sustainable?”
Couple settles suit with Chesapeake by McClatchy, The Dominion Post, July 28, 2011.
Asked about the settlement, defense attorney John Meadows said there is a confidentiality agreement in place….
Underground Gas Leak Creates Explosive Conditions in Portland, Maine July 28, 2011, by Natural Gas Watch
Arkansas commission votes to shut down natural gas drilling wastewater wells by The Associated Press, July 27, 2011.
Quakes Push Arkansas to Limit Gas-Waste Wells by Ben Casselman, The Wall Street Journal, July 26, 2011
Living in a world of hurt by Jeff Wise, High Country News, July 25, 2011.
Fancy a drink? by Andrew Gulliford, High Country News, July 25, 2011.
Alberta water project hopes to quench parched farms’ thirst by Renata D’Aliesio in Globe and Mail July 22, 2011.
Water Market Will Be Bigger Than Oil, Analysts Predict by Daniel Tencer, The Huffington Post Canada, July 21, 2011.
Gaz de schiste – Québec est dans le pétrin à La Présentation par La Presse canadienne, 20 juillet 2011.
L’ordre de fermeture d’un puits n’a pas été exécuté, et des fuites sont toujours détectées
Gaz de schiste: projet de loi du PQ pour interdire la fracturation hydraulique par Patrice Bergeron La Presse Canadienne, 20 juillet 2011.
Range Resources, still in court with EPA, sues family over contaminated water claims by Patrick Michels American Independent, July 18, 2011.
In the words of a Chevron executive, “We have used this ‘intellectual property’ issue as a convenient excuse to move slow.”
The Real Story About the Risks of Fracking by Richard Liroff, Greenbiz.com, July 18, 2011.
Talisman Energy drops dino-themed pro-fracking colouring book on outcry
by The Associated Press, July 15, 2011.
A Canadian natural gas drilling company says it’s no longer distributing a children’s colouring book featuring a hard hat-wearing dinosaur that’s been criticized by a Massachusetts congressman and lampooned by Comedy Central star Stephen Colbert. Talisman Energy says “Talisman Terry’s Energy Adventure” is no longer being distributed following a barrage of criticism.
Talisman Energy Shelves “Friendly Fracosaurus” Coloring Book After Colbert Smackdown by Carol Linnitt desmogblog, July 15, 2011.
4 Emmy nominations+Dallas proclamation for Josh Fox/Gasland Dallas Drilling, July 14, 2011.
DOE panel questions fracking’s SWDA exemption by Bill Holland, Gas Daily, July 14, 2011.
“There is a public interest in not having impaired drinking water”
Fracking Water Killed Trees, Study Finds by Mireya Navaro, The New York Times, July 12, 2011
…there was little information in the scientific literature about such impacts and that the study indicated that “there are potential effects of natural gas development that we didn’t expect.”
Colbert Report: Anti-frack Attacks Colbert Nation, July 11, 2011.
To promote fracking, Talisman Energy releases Talisman Terry the Frackosaurus, the funnest energy extraction-based character since Mountaintop Mining Manny.
Talisman Terry the Frackosaurus colouring book
Stray gas plagues NEPA Marcellus wells by Laura Legere, Citizens Voice, July 10, 2011.
As shale gas drilling has increased in Pennsylvania, so has the prevalence of methane migrating into water supplies as a result of the exploration. The number of new Marcellus wells nearly doubled between 2009 and 2010, but the rate of methane migration more than quintupled….”I do get a little disappointed when I hear the standard comment, ‘Methane occurs naturally in the groundwater system. End of story.’ That doesn’t do anything to advance the understanding,”
Dutch Shales: Unknown, Unloved by J. Verheyden Natural Gas For Europe, July 10th, 2011.
De Boer admits that gas drilling may bring about earthquakes. “That is a known fact”.
Company to seek millions if gas drilling ban upheld in Charleston Daily Mail July 9th, 2011.
A company that contaminated groundwater with cancer-causing chemicals banned from any future underground coal gasification (UCG) activities in Queensland AAP, July 8 2011.
Lawsuits Predicted as New York Towns Ponder Whether to Block Fracking by Nicholas Kusnetz, Propublica, July 8, 2011.
What is Fracking and why should you be concerned interview with Weston Wilson on Breakfast with Nancy, July 8, 2011.
OSHA fines Rifle company in wake of worker’s death. Rain For Rent faces $10,000 in fines, ordered to improve its operations by John Colson Post Independent, July 8, 2011.
The Rifle branch of the company leases out tanks to gas drilling companies for storage of fluids used in the process known as hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.”
Explosions at oil field by Editor Fire Direct, July 8, 2011.
The massive blaze kicked thick plumes of inky black smoke high into the air, and set off multiple loud explosions inside the Formula Powell site, which stores semi trucks, oilfield equipment and chemicals used in drilling.
Shale Gas Gives No Emissions Edge over Coal. Studies sweep away clean image of the blue flame
by Andrew Nikiforuk, TheTyee.ca, July 7, 2011.
Calmar residents know the drill as company works to cap abandoned well by Mariam Ibrahm, Edmonton Journal, July 7, 2011.
The well is buried beneath Centre Park, a playground surrounded by single-family homes on the western edge of the town. It was one of three leaking gas wells discovered in Calmar in 2008. The first, discovered after a developer spotted bubbles in a puddle next to an elementary school…
Turning water into money: Talk of trading access to water on an open market stirs controversy, but it’s already a reality in Alberta by Nicholas Kohler, Maclean’s Magazine, July 7, 2011.
LISTEN: LOUIS MEEKS on Community Voices by KPCW on July 7, 2011
Canada: Encana Corporation v. Arc Resources Ltd.: Ownership Of CBM Within Freehold Alberta Lands by Karen A. Salmon, Mondaq, July 20, 2011
PetroWorth’s Ainslie lease extended. Province: Move does not give Toronto company permission to do work by Bill Power Business Reporter, The Chronicle Herald, July 6, 2011, available for purchase at the Archives.
Fracking Fluids Poison a National Forest. New Peer Reviewed Study Details Changes in Soil Chemistry and Devastation of Trees and Plants by Kristen Stade, PEER, July 6, 2011.
Land Application of Hydrofracturing Fluids Damages a Deciduous Forest Stand in West Virginia by Mary Beth Adams, Journal of Environmental Quality.
Shell shock: Energy giant censured for ‘fracking’ ads Mail & Guardian online, South Africa, July 6 2011.
Political parties switch stances on exploration for shale gas in province by Geoff Bird, Telegraph Journal, July 5, 2011.
Is the Natural Gas Industry Fracking Itself? by Mitchell J. Rabin, Huffington Post, July 5, 2011.
Natural gas industry spent $3.5M on lobbying in 2010 by Robert Swift, The Times Tribune, July 3, 2011.
Tioga County family struggles with methane in its well water by Cheryl R. Clarke, Williamsport Sun-Gazette, July 2, 2011.
France Vote Outlaws ‘Fracking’ Shale for Natural Gas, Oil Extraction by Tara Patel, Bloomberg July 1, 2011.
How Does Fracking Impact Property Rights? Progressive Radio Network, July 1, 2011.
Quebec ban leaves shale gas drillers staggering by Nicolas Van Praet, Postmedia News, July 1, 2011.
Quebec has now decided it will not approve shale gas development until it’s proven safe by independent study.
Exxon Mobil Must Pay $1.5 Billion For Gas Station Leak HuffingtonPost, July 1, 2011.
Jurors awarded more than $1 billion in punitive damages on Thursday, after earlier awarding $495 million in compensatory damages.
Yet another problem with city air quality study by Mike Norman, Star-Telegram, July 1, 2011.
June 2011
France Becomes First Country to Ban Extraction of Natural Gas by Fracking by Davide Castelvecchi Scientific American blog, June 30, 2011.
Precautionary principle should be applied to shale gas GLOBE-Net June 30, 2011.
Oil and Gas Drilling Surges Despite Increased Oversight by Nicholas Kusnetz ProPublica, June 30, 2011.
Lawyer: Be ready for hazards by Tracy Eddy, The Associated Press, June 30, 2011.
New Jersey Senate Passes Fracking Ban by Carol Linnitt, desmogblog, June 29, 2011.
Sen. Robert Gordon (D-Bergen), one of the bill’s primary sponsors, said hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, “represents the greatest threat to New Jersey’s water supply than anything else we face today.”
Hydrofracking Under Fire: Federal and State Lawmakers Turn Up Heat on Natural Gas Industry and NY Attorney General Issues Subpoenas to Five Companies by Gregory Hoffnagle, Federal Investigation, June 29, 2011.
How safe is Canada’s drinking water? It’s tough to know by André Picard, Globe and Mail, June 29, 2011.
Fracking gives Texas another oil boom, but at huge water cost by Kiah Collier in the Standard Times, Scripps Howard News Service, June 29, 2011.
Garfield County commissioners choose industry over people by Bill Grant, Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, June 28, 2011.
Dick Cheney’s big fracking mess. How not to protect our drinking water: Prohibit the EPA from regulating new mining technologies by Andrew Leonard Salon, June 27, 2011.
Hydrofracked: One man’s quest for answers about natural gas drilling by Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica Cover Story High Country News, June 27, 2011.
A Lonely Crusade by Ray Ring, High Country News, June 27, 2011.
Company sues W.Va town over drilling ban The Associated Press, June 27, 2011.
Some federal experts doubt potential of natural gas, shale by Ian Urbina The New York Times, June 27, 2011.
“I am becoming sick and tired about lying,” said Walter van de Vijver, senior executive at Royal Dutch/Shell.
S.E.C. Shift Leads to Worries of Overestimation of Reserves by Ian Urbina, The New York Times, June 27, 2011.
Between The Rocks by Andrew Maykuth, Inquirer, June 26, 2011.
Amid all the fuss over the water and chemicals consumed in hydraulic fracturing, few people pay attention to the other ingredient used in fracking a gas well: sand.
Hydraulic fracturing would destroy Nova Scotia by Bill Power, The Chronicle Herald, June 26, 2011
Energy Minister Charlie Parker said the review will focus on the science and management of the environmental impact of the fracking technique.…Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau said the review has been widened to include a review of fracking in all oil and gas operations, public disclosure of additives used in the process, and possible submission of engineered fracturing designs.
Drilling chemical disclosures: a fractured strategy by Loren Steffy Houston Chronicle, June 25, 2011
Insiders Sound an Alarm Amid a Natural Gas Rush by Ian Urbina New York Times, June 25, 2011.
Dene Tha’ First Nation suing BC government over shale gas Press release: Dene Tha’ First Nation, June 22, 2011.
Morgantown Bans Fracking WAJR-AM, June 22, 2011.
Bill to reveal what chemicals used in “fracking” process Los Angeles Times/Greenspace, June 22, 2011.
Maliseet chief calls for hydro-fracking ban CBC News, June 21, 2011.
ERCB on hot seat at synergy group’s open house by John Gleeson, Mountain View Gazette, June 21, 2011.
Colouring book teaches kids the magic of hydraulic fracturing
by Carrie Tait, The Globe and Mail Report on Business: Canadian, June 21, 2011.
Fines for Garden Gulch drilling spills finally to be imposed after more than three years by David O. Williams Colorado Independent, June 21, 2011.
Groups to ask federal auditor for transparency on shale gas, in-situ oilsands by Andy Blatchford, The Canadian Press, June 20, 2011.
Critics Find Gaps in State Laws to Disclose Hydrofracking Chemicals by Nicholas Kusnetz ProPublica, June 20, 2011.
‘Fracking’ Disclosure to Rise: Gas Drillers Begin Supporting Laws Requiring Them to List Chemicals They Use by Ben Casselman, The Wall Street Journal, June 20, 2011.
Color me fracked: Energy industry produces coloring book to make case for gas drilling to kids by Erich Schwartzel, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 19, 2011.
Ottawa maintains right to intervene in shale-gas industry. Harper government studying long-term effects of controversial ‘fracking’ technique, environment minister says Reuters, with files from the Vancouver Sun, June 17, 2011.
Ottawa oversees the use of toxic substances and can step in to regulate their use if needed. “The principle responsibility rests with the provinces and the territories, but indeed the federal government has an interest and can involve itself when a threat is perceived and reported,” Kent said in the House of Commons…
Feds keeping an eye on controversial ‘fracking’ procedure by Mike De Souza, Postmedia News, June 16, 2011.
“The fracturing requires enormous amounts of water mixed with very toxic chemicals. However the government doesn’t require companies to divulge the nature of the products used. This toxic mix injected underground could contaminate groundwater and, of course, waterways.”
Exxon Unconventional Chief: We Need To and Will Be Better Natural Gas for Europe, June 16, 2011.
State eyes new instance of methane near drilling; The flammable, explosive gas was found in several Lycoming County water wells The Associated Press, June 17, 2011.
WATCH: Dangers of Natural Gas Extraction Alberta Prime Time interview with Jessica Ernst followed by a panel discussion, June 15, 2011.
MSNBC’s (GE’s) Dylan Ratigan Show “Firewater?” Series: Natural Gas Industry-Media Complex Exposed by Steve Horn PRWatch on June 14, 2011.
Fracking the shale: In addition to poisoning our water, homes, and bodies, fracking is eroding the quality of rural life by Wenonah Hauter Straightgoods, June 14, 2011.
WATCH: Alberta woman files lawsuit over flaming water by The Canadian Press in the Globe and Mail, June 12, 2011
There’s something off about the well water on one Alberta woman’s property. When Jessica Ernst drops a lit match into it, there’s a loud poof and a flash of a blue flame – her well is contaminated with methane gas.
Marcellus Shale gas: Risks …. by Katie Weidenboerner, Tri-County Sunday, June 12, 2011.
Musings: Frac Attack: Burning Water And Earthquakes by G. Allen Brooks, Managing Director Parks Paton Hoepfl & Brown Energy Investment Banking LP, Rigzone, June 10, 2011.
With respect to hydraulic fracturing, the ERCB acknowledged that at shallow depths the risk of contamination must be managed because hydraulic fracturing operations are being conducted nearer the base of the groundwater aquifer.…The ERCB did recognize the need for disclosure of the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing, but made no comment about the disclosure of the mixture of those chemicals.
Family doesn’t pursue lawsuit in cancer death blamed on fracking chemicals by Dennis Webb, Grand Junction Sentinel, June 6, 2011.
In gas drilling, ‘fracking’ may not be the only threat to well water by Susan Phillips Newsworks, June 6, 2011.
Controversial drilling technique prompts CA bill by Noaki Schwartz, The Associated Press, June 6, 2011.
Bringing Fracking to the Surface; More Scrutiny Needed on Natural Gas Development by Tom Kenworthy, American Progress, June 3, 2011.
Apache Corp Pulls Out Of New Brunswick Gas Fracking Project by T. J. Scolnick, desmogblog, June 2, 2011.
U.K. miner halts fracking due to earthquake concerns The Associated Press, June 1, 2011.
Shale gas fracking may have sparked two quakes in U.K. by Michael Babad in the Globe and Mail, June 01, 2011, available by subscription.
Protesters lobby outside coal seam gas conference by Maria Hatzakis ABC News Australia, June 1, 2011.
About Fracking Time for an Investigation; Independent MLAs call on premier to probe dangers of hydraulic fracturing in gas fields by Ben Parfitt, TheTyee.ca, June 1, 2011
US firms should reveal more on shale drilling-Chevron by Ayesha Rascoe, Reuters, June 1, 2011.
Natural gas drillers are doing too little to inform the public about the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing.
Impacts of shale gas and shale oil extraction on the environment and on human health, Directorate-General, European Parliament’s Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, June 2011.
The technology for shale gas development has characteristics which partly show unavoidable environmental impacts, partly have a high risk if the technology is not used adequately and partly have a possible high risk for environmental damages and hazards to human health even when applied properly.
May 2011
Attorney General Schneiderman to Sue Federal Government Today for Failure to Study “Fracking” Office of the Attorney General, State of New York, May 31, 2011.
WATCH: BC MLA Bob Simpson presentation to British Columbia Legislature, Uploaded by Will Koop, May 31, 2011.
Thousands protest against coal seam gas drilling ABC News Australia, Sun May 29, 2011.
Sandra Steingraber on the Health Crisis Surrounding Natural Gas Extraction Democracy Now, May 27, 2011.
Rosebud celebrates grand opening Josh Chalmer, The Strathmore Standard, May 27, 2011.
The 10,000 square foot building features the Encana Conference Centre upstairs
British Columbia lawmakers call for investigation of ‘fracking’ Climatewire, May 26, 2011.
Big US Oil Companies Face Growing Fracking Concern by Anna Driver and Braden Reddall, Reuters, May 25, 2011.
French Vote To Ban Fracking: The End Of The Story Or Just The Beginning? by Tim Scolnick, desmogblog, May 25, 2011.
Northrup seeks meeting over fracking lawsuits CBC News, May 25, 2011.
Class actions shake BHP by Leonie Wood and Barry Fitzgerald, The Age, May 25, 2011.
New energy technology leaves landowners worried NPR, May 25, 2011.
Woman files suit over smelly Marcellus wastewater by Don Hopey, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, May 25, 2011.
Water scarcity makes some types of energy less appealing by Jeff Thomas, Newwest.Net, May 25, 2011.
Southwestern Energy faces fracking lawsuit CBC News, May 24, 2011.
‘Fracking’ Disclosure Is Urged by Ben Casselman and Daniel Gilbert, The Wall Street Journal, May 24, 2011.
Former Bush EPA Official Confirms 2004 EPA Fracking Study Was Misused Tim Scholnick, desmogblog, May 23, 2011.
Frack and Ruin: the rise of Hydraulic Fracturing; Inflammable tap water, cancer threats and earthquakes: probably coming soon, near you by Sebastian Doggart, UK Telegraph, May 22, 2011.
With agreement in place for tainted water, residents wonder what is the fix? by Laura Legere, Times-Shamrock, May 22, 2011.
Three big US gas producers face fracking disclosure resolutions by Jim Magill, Platts, May 20, 2011.
Planned protest targets fracking by Chip Martin, The London Free Press, May 18, 2011.
Fracking has not yet begun in Southwestern Ontario but it’s all the talk already.
Gas Drilling Companies Hold Data Needed by Researchers to Assess Risk to Water Quality by Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, May 18, 2011.
Chesapeake Energy Issued Record Gas Drilling Fine For Water Contamination In Pennsylvania by Nicholas Kusnetz, Propublica, May 18, 2011.
DEP cites persistent flaws in Cabot wells and keeps drilling on hold in parts of Dimock by Laura Legere, Times-Shamrock, May 17, 2011.
Fracking, methane and drinking water by Dianne Saxe, Envirolaw, May 17, 2011.
The Ernst v. Encana fracking lawsuit gained strength this month with the publication of Rob Jackson’s peer-reviewed paper: Methane contamination of drinking water accompanying gas-well drilling and hydraulic fracturing.
Debunking the ‘Shale Gale’. Industry has ‘overblown’ the benefits of shale gas, according to a new report by Andrew Nikiforuk, TheTyee.ca, May 16, 2011.
Report by J. David Hughes takes on three major assumptions of the shale gas industry.
Maryland Sues Gas Company for Fracking Spill by Keith Harrington, Change.org, May 15, 2011.
Marchers to trek 600-kilometers in 33 days to protest shale gas CTV and The Canadian Press, May 15, 2011.
Alberta shuns U.S. shale gas drilling fears; Minister says our rules prevent water contamination by Darcy Henton, Calgary Herald, May 14, 2011.
France bans ‘fracking’ after months of protest by Andrew MacLeod, The Tyee.ca, May 13, 2011.
Fracking Does Contaminate Groundwater With Methane, But Jury Still Out On Process Overall by Chris Rhodes, Scitizen, 13 May, 2011.
Will Natural Gas Fuel America in the 21st Century? by David Hughes, Post Carbon Institute, May 12, 2011.
France to ban fracking of fossil fuels by Peggy Hollinger in The Financial Times, Paris May 11, 2011.
Simpson furious over public money to Encana by Autumn MacDonald, Quesnel Cariboo Observer, May 11, 2011.
A fracking problem by Jean Hodgkinson, The Caribean Camera, May 11, 2011.
Texas House approves requirement on well fluids by Chris Tomlinson Associated Press May 11, 2011.
Chevron and Exxon Shareholders Send Strong Message Today About Need to Disclose Environmental and Financial Risks of ‘Fracking’ As You Sow, May 25, 2011.
WSJ: Drilling Is Tied to Gas in Eastern Well Water by Ben Casselman, Wall Street Journal, May 10, 2011.
LISTEN: Methane Water Study CBC, “As it Happens“, May 10, 2011
Last month, we spoke with Jessica Ernst from Rosebud, Alberta. Ms. Ernst has several fracking sites near her home. And she’s now suing EnCana, because of what she alleges are high methane levels in her drinking water. She says the levels are so high she can light the water on fire. This week, researchers at Duke University published a study suggesting a link between shale gas drilling and high levels of methane in drinking water. Robert Jackson is an author of the study. We reached him in Durham, North Carolina.
Scientific Study Links Flammable Drinking Water to Fracking by Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica May 9, 2011
Methane contamination of drinking water accompanying gas-well drilling and hydraulic fracturing by Stephen G. Osborn, Avner Vengosh, Nathaniel R. Warner, and Robert B. Jackson In Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences. Published online before print May 9, 2011, doi:10.1073/pnas.1100682108PNAS May 17, 2011 vol. 108no. 20 8172-8176 Edited by William H. Schlesinger, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY, and approved April 14, 2011 (received for review January 13, 2011)
National Geographic Methane on Tap: Study Links Pollution to Gas Drilling by Rachel Kaufman, National Geographic News May 9, 2011.
Methane found in wellwater near natural gas drilling by Wendy Koch, USA TODAY, May 9, 2011.
Shale gas drilling ‘contaminates drinking water’ by Mark Kinver, BBC NEWS, May 9, 2011.
Justice Department contends Range’s due-process rights weren’t violated by Jack Z. Smith in the Star Telegram, May 9, 2011.
Wrong to Make Public Pay for EnCana’s Pollution Fix, Say Critics by Andrew MacLeod, TheTyee.ca May 9, 2011.
Another Fracking Mess for the Shale-Gas Industry by Bryan Walsh in Time Magazine, May 09, 2011.
When Cowboys Cry: In today’s Wild West, energy corporations are the new outlaws by Sandra Steingraber, Orion Magazine, May/June 2011.
WATCH: Shale gas 101-Utica.mov: uploaded by gasdeschiste on May 7, 2011.
The Blush Comes Off the Rose: “Clean-Burning Natural Gas” Not so Clean After All – Updated Citizens Advocating the Use of Sustainable Energy, May 6, 2011.
Fracking the Future: Uncloaks Big Oil’s Takeover of Gas Industry by Carol Linnitt, DesmogBlog, May 6, 2011.
Canadian Woman Sues over Flammable Tap Water by Helena Zhu in Epoch Times, May 5, 2011.
Canada: Fracking, Drinking Water And Regulation by Dianne Saxe, Mondaq, May 4, 2011.
Rosebud resident files suit over coal bed methane by Pat Kolafa, The Dumheller Mail, May 4, 2011.
Alberta Woman Sues Over Flammable Tap Water China National News, May 4, 2011.
Calmar Homeowners Suing Town of Calmar and Aztec Home Sales Inc over Leaking Wells Press Release, May 4, 2011.
Rosebud landowner sues over alleged well contamination by Enrique Massot, The Cochrane Eagle, May 3, 2011.
Drilling Fluid Gushes from PA Gas well by Michael Rubinkam, The Associated Press, May 3, 2011.
Maryland AG to sue Chesapeake Energy over Pennsylvania well leak by Rodney White, Platts, May 3, 2011.
Woman seeks $33 Million in Canadian Fracking Lawsuit, 1800LAWFIRM.com, May 3, 2011
Woman seeks $33 Million in Canadian Fracking Lawsuit by Joshua at YourLawyer.com / Blog, May 2nd, 2011
WATCH: Allegations of an Alberta Cover-up Alberta Prime Time Interview with Jessica Ernst at ABC Studio in New York on Monday, May 02, 2011
Canadian Scientist Files Fracking Lawsuit Against EnCana Breakinglawsuitnews, May 2nd, 2011
Woman suing Encana to speak at UN conference by Sayeh Tavangar, Platts Energy Week, May 2, 2011
Attorney General Gansler Notifies Chesapeake Energy of the State’s Intent to Sue for Endangering the Health of Citizens and the Environment, Press Release May 2, 2011.
‘Fracking’ starts to bring on legal challenges by Jeff Gray and Nathan Vanderklippe, The Globe and Mail, May 2, 2011
Woman Seeks $33 Million in Canadian Fracking Lawsuit Newsinferno: News that matters! May 2, 2011
Is hydraulic fracturing safe and sustainable? Presentation by Jessica Ernst on May 3, 2011 in New York City at the United Nations 19th Commission on Sustainable Development
Fracking the world: Hydraulic fracturing, or ‘fracking’ – Big Oil’s newest way to extract natural gas from an exhausted planet – comes with a terrible environmental price tag by Joyce Nelson in the UK’s New Internationalist Magazine Issue #442, May 1, 2011.
Warning: drink at your peril! Tap water drawn from aquifers that have been contaminated by fracking is so full of toxic chemicals that it can be set alight
WATCH: Flammable well water 1:52, CBC News, May 1, 2011
An Alberta woman who says her well water is steeped with methane gas from nearby natural gas drilling is set to appear before the United Nations to tell her story, the CBC’s Bryan Labby reports.
April 2011
Fracturation hydraulique : procès en vue pour Encana by Gaz de Schiste Provence, Avril 29, 2011.
Alberta landowner seeks $33 million over methane in drinking water Environmental Services Association of Alberta weekly news, for the week ending April 29, 2011.
Albertan, Tired of Her Tap Water Catching Fire, Sues. Scientist Jessica Ernst hits gas giant EnCana, regulators with fracking lawsuit by Andrew Nikiforuk, TheTyee.ca, April 28, 2011
Fracturation hydraulique : une Albertaine poursuit sa province et EnCana Radio-Canada.ca Mise à jour le jeudi 28 avril 2011. AUDIO-VIDÉO Le reportage d’Isabelle Damphousse.
LISTEN: Alberta Fracking CBC “As It Happens”, April 27, 2011.
It’s known as “fracking” — the process of using water and other chemicals under extreme pressure to blast apart coal formations and release natural gas. And one woman in Southern Alberta says that in using that process, the natural gas producer Encana has flooded her drinking water with so much methane that she can set her tap water on fire. Jessica Ernst announced today that she’s suing Encana, the Alberta Government and the provincial energy regulator for thirty-three million dollars. We reached Jessica Ernst in Calgary.
Rosebud landowner launches $33M lawsuit against Encana, government over methane in drinking waterby Kelly Cryderman, Calgary Herald, April 27, 2011.
Alberta Landowner Seeks $33 Million Over Methane in Drinking Water, The Stuart Smith Blog, News Round Up, April 27, 2011.
Lawsuit has broad implications for fracking across continent, lawyer says by Kelly Cryderman, Postmedia News, April 27, 2011.
Rosebud woman launches drilling lawsuit, CBC News, April 27, 2011.
Gas drilling critic launches multimillion-dollar suit by Kelly Cryderman, Calgary Herald, April 27, 2011.
Hot Water Tap by Jeff Douglas, The As It Happens Blog, April 27, 2011.
Alberta landowner seeks $33 million over methane in drinking water by Kelly Cryderman, Postmedia News April 26, 2011.
PA: Fracking Environmental Footprint by Elizabeth McGowan, Reuters, April 25, 2011.
Resistance to Gas Drilling Rises on Unlikely Soil; In Fort Worth, opposition to natural gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, has emerged by Kate Galbraith, The New York Times, April 23, 2011.
Suspend Hydraulic Fracturing, Former Gas Exec Urges by Michael Hibblen, by KUAR Public Radio, April 22, 2011.
Alberta and the Curse of the Petro State; Alberta now suffers from too much of a good thing or what some wags call “the paradox of plenty” by Andrew Nikiforuk, Alberta Federation of Labour News, April 22, 2011.
Environmentalists, farmers rejoice as Cabinet puts brakes on Karoo fracking by Sipho Hlgonwane in the Daily Maverick April 21, 2011.
Following an avalanche of complaints and a formal objection, Cabinet endorsed the department of minerals and energy’s decision to hit the freeze button on licenses for fracking in the Karoo. Can you hear the cheers?
Fracking in the USA. ‘Those questions are just as relevant in B.C. and Alberta.’ by Trevor Scott Howell, in Fast Forward, April 21, 2011.
Biggest Silent Election Issue: Oil’s Erosion of Canada. Petro wealth is fouling our country’s character, as it did many others’ by Andrew Nikiforuk, TheTyee.ca, April 21, 2011.
Driller halts Pennsylvania fracking after blowout by Edward McAllister, Reuters, April 21, 2011.
Chesapeake suspends fracking in Pennsylvania. The Associated Press, April 21, 2011.
A natural gas company has suspended “fracking” at all of its wells throughout Pennsylvania until it figures out the cause of a spill in the northern part of the state.
Attorney general asked to investigate gas lease tactics by Lori Monsewicz,the Observer Dispatch, April 20, 2011.
Industry must disclose fracking fluids, improve standards: Shell by Eunice Bridges, Platts (Houston) April 20, 2011.
Gas Drilling Emergency in Bradford County by Jim Hamill, WNEP, April 20 2011.
Water is gushing from the earth at the Chesapeake well pad. It has been all hands on deck to put a stop to the leak of fracking fluid that, according to company officials, spilled thousands and thousands of gallons into nearby land and waterways.
Fossil fuel firms use ‘biased’ study in massive lobbying push for shale gas; Industry urging governments and business to reject renewables in favour of ‘green’ shale gas by Fiona Harvey, The Guardian, April 20, 2011.
Shutdown of wells extended in Arkansas quake study by Sarah Eddington, Associated Press, April 20, 2011.
Farmers say ‘no fracking way’ to Shell by Fiona Macleod, Mail & Guardian, April 15, 2011.
Frack: Is Shale Natural Gas Worse for the Climate Than Coal? by Bryan Walsh at Time’s Ecocentric Blog, April 11, 2011.
Experts warn Alberta water research could be hindered by Hanneke Brooymans in The Edmonton Journal, April 21, 2011.
Truth comes out on ‘Fracking’ Toxins. Who finally tells us the nasty chemicals used for shale gas drilling in Western Canada? US Congress by Andrew Nikiforuk, TheTyee.ca, April 20, 2011.
Chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing, United States House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce, April 18, 2011.
Does Gas Fracking cause Earthquakes? by Joyce Nelson, Watershed Sentinel, March – April 2011.
March 2011
Fracking Ban in Quebec by Delores Broten, Watershed Sentinel, March 8, 2011.
The Gwyn Morgan File: EnCana’s Grip on BC by Andrew Nikiforuk, TheTyee.ca March 18, 2011.
How Christy Clark’s advisor steered his Alberta petro giant to become the most powerful corporation in this province. Part two of two.
The Gwyn Morgan File: Rise of a Shale Gas Baron by Andrew Nikiforuk, TheTyee.ca, March 17, 2011.
Christy Clark picked the EnCana empire builder to guide her into power, and that says volumes about who’s shaping BC’s future. Part one of two.
Meet Christy Clark’s Hard Right Advisor by Bill Tieleman, TheTyee.ca, March 8, 2011.
Basher of enviros and unions, Gwyn Morgan blamed immigrants for crime. What does he like? US health care.
Fracking will cause ‘irreversible harm’ Shale-gas extraction a huge risk by Kevin Dougherty, originally published in The Montreal Gazette, March 7, 2011.
“The circulating gas left behind will threaten the water Quebecers drink and could jeopardize agriculture”.
Calming the waters: As the number of horizontal multistage fracturing projects grows exponentially, the industry meets public concern with new fluid handling by Graham Chandler, Oilweek Magazine, March 2011.
February 2011
Hydrofracked? One Man’s Mystery Leads to a Backlash Against Natural Gas Drilling by Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, February 25, 2011.
Unpacking health hazards in fracking’s chemical cocktail by Sierra Crane-Murdoch High Country News, February 21, 2011.
Fracking Democracy A two-day spectacle carved into two-minute chunks by Sandra Steingraber, Orion Magazine, January/February 2011 Issue.
January 2011
Unconventional Gas Regulatory Framework—Jurisdictional Review by the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board, January 28, 2011. Report 2011-A.
Les dangers de la fracturation hydraulique (exploitation des gaz de schiste) by Rady Ananda, LePost, Le 16 janvier 2011.
2010
Resident files lawsuit against Encana, Chesapeake, Plaintiff claims ground water has been poisoned by Steve Knight Cleburne Times-Review, December, 21 2010.
Testing results performed on the well ground water, the lawsuit stated, confirmed it was contaminated with various chemicals, including C-12-C28 hydrocarbons, similar to diesel fuel.
EPA Orders Range Resources to Investigate Drinking Water Contamination in Parker County December 7, 2010.
Testimony on hydraulic fracturing to The Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources Issue 16, Evidence presented in Ottawa, December 9, 2010.
Mr. Eric Marsh (Executive Vice President, Natural Gas Economy, Encana Corporation): When you drill a well, surface casing made of steel is cemented to protect the fresh water.…Three strings of steel casing are all cemented across the freshwater aquifers, which are typically at the very surface, the top 500 feet. The probability of ever impacting the groundwater is virtually zero.
Testimony on hydraulic fracturing and public disclosure of all chemicals used in the process to The Standing Committee on Natural Resources, Number 033, 3rd Session, 40th Parliament, Evidence presented in Ottawa, November 23, 2010
MP Nathan Cullen: Mr. Dunn, to bring you back to another conversation, we had one of your competitors up earlier committing publicly to disclose the chemicals used in the fracturing process. Is that something Encana is doing right now or is willing to do in the future?
Mr. Richard Dunn (Vice-President, Canadian Division, Regulatory and Government Relations, Encana Corporation): Yes, we’re doing it now.
MP Nathan Cullen: You’re doing it right now. Again, just to be clear, because this committee has to write a report and recommendations to government to change the regulations to require companies—all of your competitors and Encana—to release information on all of the chemicals used in the fracturing process, I assume you would have no problem with that because it encourages greater public confidence in your operations?
Mr. Richard Dunn: Yes, absolutely, I agree with your comments on increasing public confidence and full disclosure.
Testimony that hydraulic fracturing interfered with Rosebud groundwater to The Standing Committee on Natural Resources, Number 032, 3rd Session, 40th Parliament, Evidence presented in Ottawa, November 18, 2010
Mr. Michael Binnion (President and Chief Executive Officer, Questerre Energy Corporation): In Alberta, regulations were put in place after an incident in Rosebud, Alberta. It was believed that some shallow fracs in coal bed methane had interfered with groundwater. Since then there have been limitations on how shallow you can carry out fracs in that jurisdiction.
A fracking disaster in the making: Report by Andrew Nikiforuk, TheTyee.ca, October 15, 2010.
The Whole Fracking Enchilada Violating the bedrock, the atmosphere, and everything in between by Sandra Steingraber, published in the September/October 2010 issue of Orion magazine.
EnCana Corporation facing criminal charges by Adam Reaburn Energetic City, September 28, 2010.
The Ministry has filed two charges against the company. The company is charged with introducing business-related waste into the environment and failing to report a spill of a polluting substance.
Lawsuit: Gas drilling fluid ruined Pennsylavania water wells. Company and state officials deny any charges of contamination in the wells by Michael Rubinkam and Mary Esch, AP News, September, 15 2010.
Pavillion, Wyoming-area residents told not to drink water by Dustin Bleizeffer, Star-Tribune, September 1, 2010.
EnCana Oil and Gas USA, which operates oil and gas wells interspersed throughout the farm and ranch community, has agreed to provide funding to a third party which will provide treatment or an alternate source of drinking water.
Watch out for hydraulic fracturing it might make your hair orange by Kevin Grandia, Huffington Post, July 2, 2010.
A company came and tested their water and after getting the results told them that there was increasing levels of the chemicals used in the fracking process in their tap water. The natural gas company says their operation has nothing to do with it.
How to Attack a ‘Fracking’ Film by Kevin Grandia, TheTyee.ca, June 23, 2010.
Documentary ‘Gasland’ shows flaming tap water caused by gas drillers ‘fracking.’ Industry speed dials its PR flaks.
A Colossal Fracking Mess: The dirty truth behind the new natural gas by Christopher Bateman with photographs by Jacques del Conte, Vanity Fair Web Exclusive, June 21, 2010.
Dimock is now known as the place where, over the past two years, people’s water started turning brown and making them sick, one woman’s water well spontaneously combusted, and horses and pets mysteriously began to lose their hair.…The Sautners could feel the earth beneath their home shake whenever the well was fracked. Within a month, their water had turned brown. It was so corrosive that it scarred dishes in their dishwasher and stained their laundry. They complained to Cabot, which eventually installed a water-filtration system in the basement of their home. It seemed to solve the problem, but when the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection came to do further tests, it found that the Sautners’ water still contained high levels of methane.…By October 2009, the D.E.P. had taken all the water wells in the Sautners’ neighborhood offline. It acknowledged that a major contamination of the aquifer had occurred.
Hydraulic fracturing and water pollution: Investor risks from North America’s shale gas boom by Paula Barrios, Research Analyst for Shareholder Association for Research and Education, May 2010.
Safety Advisory 2010-03 Communication during fracture stimulation by the BC Oil and Gas Commission, May 20, 2010.
Fracture propagation via large scale hydraulic fracturing operations has proven difficult to predict. Existing planes of weakness in target formations may result in fracture lengths that exceed initial design expectations.
Fracking – Natural Gas Affects Water Quality by Joyce Nelson, originally published in Watershed Sentinel, March/April 2010.
Failure Investigation Report: Failure of Piping at EnCana Swan Wellsite A5-7-77-14 L W6M by the BC Oil and Gas Commission, February 4, 2010.
The 22 November 2009 failure….was caused by internal erosion of the wall resulting from flowing fracture sand suspended in the gas stream. Leak detection and emergency isolation at the site did not achieve timely detection of the leak or control of the escaping gas. EnCana’s integrity management program did not effectively mitigate the hazard of internal erosion.
Hydro-fracturing has a lucrative dirty secret. The B.C. government isn’t asking many questions about a natural-gas-drilling technique involving toxic compounds by Chris Wood, Straight.com Vancouver’s Online Source, January 28, 2010.
2009
Frack Attack. New, dirty gas drilling method threatens drinking water by Joyce Nelson, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, December 1, 2009.
Alberta Environment/Energy Resources Conservation Board Response to the Report “Potential for Gas Migration Due to Coalbed Methane Development”
The report concludes that gas migration due to natural pathways is unlikely to occur for the areas of active or anticipated CBM development…It also highlights the potential higher risk for gas migration where there are very shallow coals….
WATCH: Alberta Gas: Battle over wells wages in pristine valley CTV W5, February 7, 2009.
2008
Drill for Natural Gas, Pollute Water. The natural gas industry refuses to reveal what is in the mixture of chemicals used to drill for the fossil fuel by Abrahm Lustgarten and ProPublica, published in Scientific American, November 17, 2008.
EnCana donation questioned as company awaits energy decision CBC News, December 17, 2008.
Alberta Environment Standard for Baseline Water Well Testing for CBM Operations, Science Review Panel Final Report prepared for Alberta Environment by Dr. Cathy Ryan, University of Calgary. December 5, 2008. Panel: Alex Blyth, Bernard Mayer, Carl Mendoza, Karlis Muehlenbachs.
As of December 2007, the Baseline Water Well Testing (BWWT) Program database included 4349 entries from water wells located predominantly between Calgary and Edmonton. This region is already heavily drilled for conventional oil and gas wells. The region also has some CBM wells that were completed before the initiation of the BWWT Program on May 1, 2006. Considering this pre-existing resource extraction activity, BWWT samples are not necessarily ‘true baseline’, or pristine, samples of un-impacted groundwater. In reality the BWWT samples may represent groundwater that has been impacted by previous petroleum exploration and development activities, early CBM activities, and/or other anthropogenic impacts….When sampling monitoring wells for gas concentrations, total dissolved gas pressures should be measured during monitoring. Total dissolved gas pressure is directly related to in situ as concentration. Preliminary data from the Rosebud, Alberta area suggest groundwater gas concentrations are being underestimated by a factor of three when TDGP is not measured (Roy et al., 2008).
Citizen EnCana: The double life of Calgary’s greatest corporation by Adrian Morrow, published in Fast Forward, July 10, 2008.
Citizen EnCana Slide Show
EnCana denies doing any water well contamination by Rick Northrop, originally published in The Drumheller Valley Times, Vol. 9, No. 50, April 22, 2008.
“We can’t do completion of shallow gas above 200 metres” the paper quoted EnCana saying.
A Toxic Spew? Officials worry about ‘fracking’ of oil and gas by Jim Moscou, originally published in Newsweek, April 20, 2008.
2007
Watson and Bachu – Factors Affecting or Indicating Potential Wellbore Leakage by Theresa Watson (T.L. Watson and Associates Inc.) and Stephan Bachu (Alberta Energy and Utilities Board), 2007 Presentation; SPE Paper 106817, 200
STUPID TO THE LAST DROP How Alberta is Bringing Environmental Armageddon to Canada (and Doesn’t Seem to Care) by William Marsden, winner of the 2007 National Business Book.
It’s not just Alberta, it’s the whole country by Andrew Nikiforuk, published in the Globe and Mail, Saturday, October 6, 2007. Book Review of STUPID TO THE LAST DROP How Alberta is Bringing Environmental Armageddon to Canada (and Doesn’t Seem to Care) by William Marsden.
En Alberta, l’eau S’enflamme! by Nicolas Mesly, LaCooperator, September 2007, earned honourable mention at the National Magazine Awards and best feature article at the Kenneth R. Wilson Awards.
English translation
Activist ‘banished’ by the EUB by the Edmonton Journal, July 29, 2007.
Banishment denied; EUB spokesman Bob Curran said Ernst was never “banished.” ”From the many unanswered concerns and questions about risks to public health and safety, it is obvious that I remain banished,” she told The Journal. “Also there is evidence indicating petroleum industry pollution in my water well. Where is the EUB?”
Testimony on water contamination and non-disclosure of chemicals used in shallow hydraulic fracturing of coalbed methane wells in Alberta to The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development Number 056, 1st Session, 39th Parliament in Ottawa, May 8, 2007.
Mr. David Pryce, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers: “in terms of the technical requirements around the completion of the wells, is illustrated in the slide that shows the cement and the steel casing that is put in place. It is intended to separate the producing zones from those upper shallow water aquifer zones. So there is engineering applied to this. There is a regulatory environment that requires us to adhere to those practices to ensure that we do provide that measure of protection….We test the wells in proximity to the coal-bed methane wells we drill, to confirm the condition of that water prior to drilling those wells, to understand whether or not methane is present. If it is present, the presumption is that it’s naturally occurring, and then following up with that, if there’s any change in that water well after the fact, we know we’ve got something to look at.”
Sustainability of Coalbed Methane (Within the Context of Environmental Challenges and Policy Development in Alberta) by Earnest Reason University of Alberta School of Business, April 13, 2007.
To enamor community trust, all CBM activities should be of public record, and large scale CBM development subject to an environmental assessment process.…Whereas recent regulatory changes toughened monitoring and enforcement, the basis of these amendments are skewed toward reactionary measures after environmental degradation has occurred – some of which – potentially irreversible.
Burning Water by Tadzio Richards, Maisonneuve Magazine, March 17, 2007, earned a gold (investigative reporting) and silver (science, technology and the environment) at the National Magazine Awards.
Report of the Rosenberg International Forum on Water Policy to the Ministry of Environment, Province of Alberta by Rosenberg International Forum on Water Policy, February 2007.
This review of Alberta groundwater programs declared Alberta’s groundwater policies “inadequate” and reported a “lack of comprehensive monitoring systems.” The report adds that “exploitation of Alberta’s energy resources is proceeding at a pace much faster than had been anticipated” but that there had been no parallel acceleration in the protection of water resources. A monitoring network “is the last line of defense against contamination by industries that are essential to the economic future of the province.”
2006
Top ten newsmakers of 2006, Calgary Herald, December 31, 2006. A tidal wave of political change swept across the Alberta landscape in 2006, bringing forward a number of dynamic public figures among the Herald’s top 10 newsmakers.
Moratorium on coalbed-methane drilling needed to cool frenzy by David Eggen, Edmonton Journal, December 22, 2006.
Coal bed concerns catch industry’s ear by Tony Seskus, originally published in the Calgary Herald, November 16, 2006.
A History of CBM by Renata D’Aliesio, originally Published in the Calgary Herald, November 15, 2006.
What lies beneath by Tony Seskus and Renata D’Aliesio, originally published on the front page of the Calgary Herald, November 15, 2006. Front page photo by Tim Fraser.
First of a four-part special report, the Herald’s Tony Seskus and Renata D’Aliesio look at the debate over coal bed methane.
Trouble in the Fields: Is our water safe? Cover article by Jeremy Klazsus, photographs by Colin Smith, originally published in Alberta Views October 2006. Vol 9, No. 8.
Jeremy Klaszus won the Alexander Ross Award for Best New Writer for his investigative journalism in, Big Oil on Trial (June 2006) and Trouble in the Fields (October 2006) in Alberta Views.
BJ Services radioactive frac blowout document (Part 1 of 4), dated September 8, 2006, Corridor Resources put in the mailboxes of landowners and concerned citizens Penobsquis, New Brunswick
The BJ Services frac’ing equipment was in the final stages of the stimulation operation when a washout of a segment of the frac iron occurred (piping between the pump trucks and the wellhead). (Part 2 of 4) (Part 3 of 4) (Part 4 of 4)
Spill site is free of radioactive waste, says Corridor Resources by CBC News, October 2, 2006.
FireWater by Andrew Nikiforuk in Canadian Business Magazine, August 14, 2006,
Burning Waters: UVic Partner’s environmental record questioned by Andrew McLeod, originally published in Monday Magazine, June 21, 2006.
CBM checks, balances in place by Shawne Mohl, originally published in the Innisfail Province, March 21, 2006.
“The EUB is a very strict regulator, Curran says….All the rules that are in place for shallow gas drilling in Alberta, which we have a tremendous amount, all hold true for CBM drilling as well.”
CBM concerns ignited by Shawne Mohl, originally published in the Innisfail Province, March 14, 2006.
“It’s really hard to believe that you are being poisoned by your own water”.
Water better be OK, Ralph Vows to Intervene on Coalbed Methane Complaints, by Darcy Henton, Legislature Bureau, originally published in The Edmonton Sun, March 1, 2006.
Fears about coalbed methane by Ric Swihart, originally published in the Lethbridge Herald, January 21, 2006.
Johnson said the big concern when discussing coalbed methane is the lack of baseline data so the full impact of the exploration and development can be measured.
2005
Tainted water lights fire under gas fears by Hanneke Brooymans, photographs by Chris Schwartz. Southern Alberta woman suspects her polluted well may be linked to growing coal bed methane industry. Originally published on the front page of The Edmonton Journal December 13, 2005.
CPAWS won’t wait for government to develop coalbed methane regulations by Graeme McElheran, originally published in the Yukon News, December 2, 2005.
All Fired Up, by John G. Mitchell, photographs by Joel Sartore, National Geographic, July 2005
National Geographic: Sights and sounds of drilling the west
National Geographic: Photographs
The Jonah Field (a national sacrifice zone) is one of EnCana’s major resource plays
Alleged Violations of the rules and regulations of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) by EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. Cause No. 1V, DOCKET NO. 0507-OV-07 before the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission of the State of Colorado, June 10, 2005.
Water samples were collected from the Amos/Walker water well on May 4, 2001, May 21, 2001, August 28, 2001, January 20, 2004 and December 20, 2004. Methane concentrations of 12, 7, 0.1, 13 and 7.9 milligrams per liter (mg/l), respectively, were detected in these samples. …On June 7, 2004, COGCC staff issued a Notice of Alleged Violation (“NOAV”) to EnCana for impacts to the Amos/Walker water well. The NOAV cited alleged violations of Rule 209., failure to protect water-bearing formations from contamination by gas, Rule 324.A.a., failure to take precautions to prevent significant adverse environmental impact to water resources and to prevent the unauthorized discharge of gas, Rule 906.a., failure to contain releases immediately upon discovery.
Life Inside a Science Project by Andrew Nikiforuk, originally published by The Globe and Mail Report on Business, April 29, 2005.
2004
EnCana racks up the fines by Dennis Webb, The Aspen Times, December 10, 2004.
EnCana Oil & Gas was hit with another fine last week in connection with its operations in Garfield County. It has violated state regulations and laws in connection with 17 wells this year and been fined a total of $454,200. “Seventeen for this one company is quite a few,” said Morris Bell, operations manager for the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. But the company promises next year will be different. EnCana spokesman Walt Lowry said this week EnCana’s goal is to be issued no notices of alleged violation by the COGCC in 2005. “It’s a dangerous business. Things do happen, but it’s our commitment and our goal to ensure that they don’t,” he said.
Rosebud Residents Search for Common Ground by Patrick Kalafa, originally published by The Drumheller Mail, December 8, 2004.
Alleged Violations of the rules and regulations of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) by EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. Cause No. 1V, Order No. 1V-276 before the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission of the State of Colorado, September 16, 2004. 29.
The COGCC staff hand-delivered a Notice of Alleged Violation (“NOAV”) to EnCana on April 23, 2004.…The NOAV cited Rule 209., failure to prevent the contamination of fresh water by gas, Rule 301., failure to notify the Director when public health or safety is in jeopardy, Rule 317.i., failure to pump cement 200’ above the top of the shallowest producing horizon, Rule 324A., impacts to water quality and Rule 906.b.(3), failure to report a release to the Director.
Shallow Operations Issues by Jim Reid, Manager Alberta Energy and Utilities Board, May 12, 2004. ‘shallow operations can be “high risk”’.
2003
Groundwater Quality Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment. Winnipeg, Manitoba. Linking Water Science to Policy Workshop Series. Report No.2, 52 pages. Crowe, A.S., K.A. Schaefer, A. Kohut, S.G. Shikaze, C.J. Ptacek. 2003.
The report concluded that unconventional natural gas drilling such as coalbed methane (CBM) poses a real threat to groundwater quality and quantity, and that the nation needs “baseline hydrogeological investigations in coalbed methane…to be able to recognize and track groundwater contaminants.”
1989
Effective Hydraulic Fracturing Of The Lower Amaranth Formation In Southern Manitoba by Kooyman, RW, MB Muir, RP Marcinew, K Bennaceur in Journal of Canadian Petroleum Technology Vol 28, No. 5, Sept-Oct 1989. Paper No 89-05-05.
Following the unsuccessful stimulation of several wells in the South Pierson field where hydraulic fractures propagated into the underlying water zone, a comprehensive re-evaluation and detailed design effort was implemented to minimize the potential for water production.
1987
EPA Report to Congress: Management of Wastes from the Exploration, Development, and Production of Crude Oil, Natural Gas, and Geothermal Energy Volume 1 of 3 Oil and Gas, EPA/530-SW-88-003, December 1987.
EPA report documenting groundwater and water well contamination from hydraulic fracturing.