Rosebud resident files suit over coal bed methane

    A Rosebud area woman has filed suit against Encana, Alberta Environment and the Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB).     According to the website www.ernstversusencana.ca, the suit accuses the three entities of negligence and unlawful activities.
    Jessica Ernst is a former oil patch consultant who lives in the Rosebud area. A Statement of Claim was filed on April 21 at the Drumheller Court House. The suit asks for more than $30 million collectively from the named subjects.
    The suit alleges that Encana's actions fracturing to extract coal bed methane reserves in the Horseshoe Canyon Formation contaminated and dewatered the Rosebud Aquifer. It also alleges Encana broke laws and regulatory requirements in its actions.
    It alleges the ERCB (then EUB) was negligent in administrating its regulatory regime and breached Ernst's charter rights. The suit also alleges Alberta Environment was negligent in administering its regulatory regime.
    None of the allegations have been proven in court.
    Alan Boras, spokesperson for Encana said the company is aware of the suit filed and is reviewing it. As it is a lawsuit, he said the company would not comment.
    According to Ms. Ernst’s website, she has been invited to present her story and make recommendations to governments at the 19th session of the Commission on Sustainable Development at the United Nations.