News | DrumhellerMail - Page #2950
10132024Sun
Last updateFri, 11 Oct 2024 4pm

Opponents to Midland Park drilling seek resolution

    A surface consultant for Evolve Surface Strategies confirms Bearspaw Petroleum’s willingness to participate in an Appropriate Disputes Resolution (ADR) process with landowners who object to a development across the river from Nacmine, with an Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) facilitator present.
    This was confirmed in a letter to a Nacmine resident who has objected to Bearspaw Petroleum’s plan to drill three directional wells from an existing surface lease in Midland Provincial Park near McMullen Island and the walking trail.
    At this point, Bearspaw has not made an application to the ERCB for the project.
    Evolve delivered notifications to residents of Nacmine, who are across the river from the proposed drilling in July of this year informing them of the proposed project. In September, a surface consultant sat down with four Nacmine residents to hear their concerns.
    In a letter dated November 14 to an objecting resident, on behalf of Bearspaw, Evolve provided a formal response to some  of the concerns. It also expressed  an openness to sit down with a facilitator from the ERCB.
    “This will give you, Evolve and Bearspaw, the opportunity to discuss any further questions or concerns you may have in a safe and structured environment with an ERCB representative to facilitate communication flow,” states the letter.
    In regards to the walking trails, while they will be closed during the construction in the interest of public safety, the letter states that Bearspaw acknowledges the significance of the walking trails and understands the importance of reopening the trail as soon as possible.
    It also provoked a portion of the ERCB’s directive 038 on noise control to explain acceptable noise levels, another concern of residents.
    The response also said the project is licensed for sweet gas, and that there will be no H2S, or sour gas encountered at any time during the drilling or completions.
    One concern expressed was the drilling could be underneath historic mineshafts in the area. According to the letter, Bearspaw is currently investigating the Atlas Coal Mine and the whereabouts of mineshaft schematics.
    The drilling, if it goes ahead, is said to last 10-14 days per well, and drilling will continue 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Completion activities are expected to last one week per completed zone per well and will be restricted to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The letter states there will be no permanent flare stacks required for the site and flaring will be restricted to 4 hours per day. It is only required when the service rig is on site.
    The letter says Ghostpine Environmental Services has been engaged to conduct a pre-site assessment for the project. Included in the assessment reports is documentation of known species in the area, their sensitivities and recommendations on how to mitigate the impact on noted species.
    Ghostpine also recommends mandatory spill contained and erosion control measures during and after construction because the site is in close proximity to the river and on the floodplain.
    Bearspaw also acknowledges that Bearspaw is responsible for remediation and reclamation of its sites, and would be required to reclaim the location once the facility is no longer in production. In the event of a spill or a contamination occurrence, Bearspaw is required to report the spill to the ERCB, advise residents and undertake immediate action to remediate.
    An Appropriate Dispute Resolution process can take a number of forums, according to the ERCB including direct negotiation, ECB staff facilitation, third party mediation, arbitration or an ERCB public hearing in hopes of coming to an agreeable solution. These may be used in all types of projects.
    Staff facilitation can take place before a company files an application. The facilitator is there to allow parties to communicate openly and respectfully. They can provide technical information and explain the ERCB’s processes. The facilitator is not there to rule on matters.
    If this process is successful in satisfying the concerns of residents, the company can file its application without pending objections.


Drumheller MS Society welcomes new Walk Coordinator

    The Drumheller and Area Chapter Multiple Sclerosis Society held its appreciation night on Thursday, November 17, at Whifs Flap Jack House. Attendees were treated to a dinner generously provided by Whifs.
    The night was also an occasion to welcome the new MS Walk coordinator Dianne Snyder.
    Dave Watson, who had previously coordinated the MS Walk, stepped down after years of dedication to help raise funds for MS research.
    The Enerflex MS Walk is the main fundraiser for the MS Society and it accounts for nearly all of the money raised.
    A portion of the money raised goes to research, but the majority stays in Drumheller to provide assistance to those with MS. There are roughly 75 people in the valley with the disease.
    Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological disease where the body’s own immune system attacks the insulating sheaths around nerve cells. A wide range of physical and cognitive symptoms can accompany the disease. So far, the cause is unknown.
    Alberta has the highest incidence of MS in the world.
    The next Enerflex MS Walk will be held on May 6, 2012. Donations or sponsoring teams can be done through www.mswalks.ca.
    “The research keeps getting closer and closer to finding a cure,” said Deb Wynia, a member of the MS Society.

Badlands Search and Rescue needs volunteers to save lives

    Badlands Search and Rescue will be looking for volunteers during an information session to be held at the Rockyford Community Centre on Saturday, November 26, at 10 a.m.
    So far there have been roughly 15 people who have expressed interest in volunteering for Badlands Search and Rescue. More are needed.
    “If we get a lot more, it would be fantastic,” said Scott Campbell, head of Badlands Search and Rescue. “We rely heavily on a large number of people to find lost persons quickly.”
    Badlands Search and Rescue is not available for call at this time, as it has yet to be certified, a process that could take a year. Neighbouring search and rescue organizations continue to watch over the badlands area.
    The push is on to have volunteers trained and ready for when Badlands Search and Rescue is certified.
    Training involves learning the basics of search and rescue, such as navigation, ropes, survival camping, lost person behaviour, scenarios, and more.
    Volunteers will also be trained in first aid and CPR, and the instinct command system level 100.
    There will also be opportunities to do practical training. Volunteers will be sent along to work with neighbouring search and rescue organizations during their operations.
    Persons desiring to become involved with the lifesaving enterprise are encouraged to attend the information meeting. For further information contact Scott Campbell at badlandsar@gmail.com.


Subcategories

The Drumheller Mail encourages commenting on our stories but due to our harassment policy we must remove any comments that are offensive, or don’t meet the guidelines of our commenting policy.