Regulating Unconventional Oil and Gas in Alberta: A Discussion Paper

[ASRG]

This is the blueprint for what's coming down the road for the shales and tight sands in Alberta.

"Stakeholder" concerns will be addressed through "synergy groups", which are composed of representatives from industry, government regulators, and government appointed "landowners".

No need for your individual input on water use, waste management, well and pipeline placement.....it all will be done for you by your friendly Synergy group!

[SADIE]

ASRG---I love how these groups have appointed landowners to be present at these discussions.

Something that we brought out very clearly at the Abandonment Cost hearing In Calgary from Oct 31-Nov 7 is the difference between a "PIPELINE LANDOWNER" that the energy companies chose to discuss abandoonment with and the concept of AN INFORMED LANDOWNER.

Landowner Associations from across Canada in their closing arguments used the term "INFORMED PIPELINE LANDOWNER".

[smcgrath76]

I wonder how many people realize the
potential well density of shale gas and
the danger to our water supply. It is
pretty much "let's open the floodgates see
what happens." Not very good when the oil
industry is in a boat and the landowner is
trying to tread water.

[ASRG]

Sean: People have no idea what is coming! The shale will be drilled and multi stage hydro fracked, on a horizontal grid through every foot of the shale bed.
This "discussion paper" is actually what is going to happen!.....the "discussion" part is a feel good thing!

It is one more step taken by the government to neuter the individual landowner from having any say whatsoever about what happens on his land. This "discussion paper" will take away your right to contest the placement of a well or pipeline right of way deemed necessary.....an appointed "synergy group" will decide that. Under Bill 2, the "Responsible Energy Development Act", you will not be able to challenge that decision in any meaningful way.

Under Bill 24, the "Carbon Capture & Storage Statutes Amendment Act", you cannot challenge the grid of horizontal wells running under your land....nor expect any kind of compensation. Your local municipality will reap a windfall though, in linear taxes (probably about $30K/quarter section)! This is why rural counties are lining up to support this plan.

The final step will be in the spring when the government legislates amendments to the Surface Rights Act.
It is our belief(from some fairly reliable insider information) that these amendments will set a price for "adverse effect" and "loss of use" based on soil type. As well, actual land prices will be set by municipal assessments rather than a negotiated fair market value!

The result will be that the company will send you the survey of where they are going to put the well/right of way/other infrastructure, including your compensation check! There will be no need for negotiation on anything.....it will be a done deal!

A very sweet deal for the oil and gas industry.....not so good for the farmers and ranchers.

[forage]

When does this all stop, time to draw a line in sand. We won't have any water both surface and groundwater left after the whole province is invaded and left like a war zone.

[ASRG]

forage: In all probability the worse case scenario won't happen....they seldom do!
Yes....they will go after all the shale. Economics will decide how fast that happens. Hopefully they don't have too many wrecks and hopefully they do know how to protect and conserve the water?
In many ways this new regulatory system could be an improvement for the average farmer/rancher.....depending on how it is implemented! The sad fact is many people have no clue about compensation issues or liability issues.......and have no desire to learn! They would be quite happy to let the government do all the work and all they have to do is cash the check! Many would think it is just peachy that their neighbor isn't getting any more money than them!

[forage]

I noticed on your website there was a ground water aquifer contaimated in Grande Prairie, doesn't sound like we have anything to worry about according to the ERCB or the alberta environment.