After eight months of waiting, concerned residents in Nacmine are feeling more optimistic.
The Energy Resource Conservation Board (ERCB) has just returned letters sent by Nacmine residents who opposed a project by Bearspaw Petroleum to conduct natural gas drilling at McMullen Island.
To date, the ERCB has not received any applications from Bearspaw to drill in the area.
“We got a letter from the provincial board [ERCB] saying to date there had been no application by Bearspaw to do anything there,” said Jim Decore, a Nacmine resident opposed the project. “We got ahead of the game. Before they made any applications, we already had put our objections in. The objections have been given back to us, because the file stayed dormant for one year.”
However, there is concern Bearspaw will still attempt to drill at McMullen Island. Residents haven’t heard anything from Bearspaw since January of this year, when a meeting was scheduled between Bearspaw, the ERCB, and Nacmine residents. The meeting was postponed so Bearspaw could meet with the Drumheller Town Council. No contact from Bearspaw has been made since.
Late in 2011, residents in Nacmine received information packages from Bearspaw, advising them of plans to drill three wells from the existing site, which was built in the 1970’s, at McMullen Island. The site is only a few metres away from the McMullen Island parking lot and 80 metres from the Red Deer River.
One shaft would head into Midland Provincial Park, the other two would cross underneath the Red Deer River and terminate on the west and east ends of Nacmine.
Residents were vocal in their concerns, which included the potential to contaminate the Red Deer River and therefore Drumheller drinking water, the walking trail nearby is heavily used by locals and visitors alike, disrupting wildlife in Midland Provincial Park, noise, and well bore running into old mine shafts.
One of the suggestions was for Bearspaw to build their drill sites outside of the valley.
“Any drilling in the valley I’m against, I know it [the current station] was there prior to the rules. I just don’t think it is a positive thing for Drumheller.” said Nacmine resident Brent Pedersen. “There are concerns about the river crossing. I know they are very diligent, but accidents happen, like the incident near the [Dickson] Dam. They have the technology to go on top of the hills and drill down.”
The Drumheller Town Council also raised concerns about the planned drilling. In January, Drumheller Mayor Terry Yemen stated the Town had no jurisdiction to outright stop drilling, as per the Municipal Governance Act. However, the Town would strongly discourage drilling wells in the valley.
Residents are concerned Bearspaw may yet apply to go through with the project, but are just as committed to stop drilling from occurring at the McMullen Island site.
“The ball is back in Bearspaw’s court,” said Decore. “It’s good for people to still be aware. If Bearspaw submits, then we’ll have to send our objections back to the ERCB.”
