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Other Locations:
June
8 Millarville
June
8 Vulcan
June
9 Pincher Creek
June 19 Red Deer
June
20 Drayton Valley
June
21 Rocky Mtn. House
June
22 Sundre
June
24 Grande Prairie
June
26 Edson
June
27 Hinton
June
28 Leduc
June
29 Calgary
Summary
Aboriginal
Summary
Response Forms
Summary
Written Forms
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Session Overview:
The day long session in Pincher Creek was well attended
with the Committee receiving a range of input from the
public. Key and consistent issues that were presented
involved: (1) concerns about the environmental impacts and
the related negative consequences to public health resulting
from sour gas activity in the area (especially flaring), (2)
issues surrounding the level and type of communication
between energy companies and the public, and (3) questions
about the effectiveness of existing policies to regulate
sour gas activity.
Prevention, Policy and
Jurisdiction
- Almost half of the participants suggested that
current regulations and policies, specifically related to
unreported flaring and flaring when the climate is
inappropriate (wind, at night), are not effective and
should be more strictly enforced.
- A participant indicated that the jurisdiction of the
EUB and the municipality is confusing and difficult to
understand and suggests that an information package
explaining this be developed.
- A few of the participants stated that the EUB has not
effectively dealt with issues that go back 25 years and
that the hearing process has been ineffective and serves
to ostracize the public.
- Several of the participants indicated that the EUB's
regulations are not strong enough and favor the
companies. In addition, it was suggested that the level
of monitoring is not adequate and does not consider
cumulative effects. The system as it is now is reactive,
based on complaints and not preventative. Overall there
is a need for increased monitoring, recording,
environmental testing and maintenance.
- Many of the participants believe that not enough
money is being spent on alternatives to flaring
(incineration) and that the technology is available and
should be used.
- Some of the participants suggested that the EUB does
not have credibility with the public and in some cases is
not viewed as impartial and therefore distrusted. A
suggestion was made that this would be improved if there
was more cooperation with the Regional Health
Districts.
Event Consequence
Management
- Several of the Pincher Creek participants expressed
serious concerns related to the health consequences
resulting from the emissions from flaring. Several
indicated that they (and their neighbors) have
experienced negative health impacts ranging from:
breathing problems, sore throats, nausea, and cancers. It
was suggested that not enough consideration has been
given to the potential effects of long term, low level
exposure to emissions. In addition, participants
indicated that there are negative mental health
consequences related to sour gas activity resulting from
stress, anxiety and frustration.
- Some of the participants indicated that there has not
been enough research conducted related to the negative
environmental impacts (air and water quality) of sour gas
emissions and the relationship to human and animal
health. Participants are tired of all the 'talk' about
research and believe that companies and the EUB are not
acknowledging the link between sour gas and health. In
addition, participants suggested that the results of
research are not accessible to the public.
- One of the participants indicated that the setback
distances don't consider wind conditions or other unique
land conditions.
- There were a variety of comments related to ERPs and
EPZs ranging from: concerns about the arbitrary radius
that determines EPZs and the lack of consideration of
other factors (climate, topography; the ERPs should be
more accessible, updated more frequently and more user
friendly). A few of the participants indicated that the
companies had been effective in explaining the EPZs and
ERPs.
Communication and
Compensation
- Almost all of the participants in Pincher Creek
indicated that communications with companies and in some
cases with the EUB have been difficult. There is a
perception that the companies and the EUB have a good 'PR
front' but do not take the public's concerns seriously.
As such, there is a high level of distrust and a loss of
credibility. Some of the participants suggested that
because communication with the companies and the EUB has
been so difficult and unrewarding that many members of
the community do not bother to file their complaints and
concerns anymore.
- Several of the session participants said that there
needs to be a much higher level of public awareness about
sour gas issues and several of them identified this as
EUB's role. There needs to be more openness about the
environmental effects of sour gas and the results of
research. In addition, there was suggestion the EUB needs
to provide more information about their role and how the
public can access them.
- Some of the participants suggested that the companies
should be responsible for paying for increased air and
water testing and the ongoing monitoring of the
environmental effects of sour gas activity. In addition,
it was suggested that the companies should be responsible
for paying for the recovery time resulting from illness
due to sour gas emissions.
- Some of the participants said that the effectiveness
of the communication about the risks related to sour gas
activity is not good. There is a lack of linkages between
the research, health professionals, companies and the
public. People should be educated about the risk so they
know what to do in an emergency and they know what
questions to ask.
* Several participants indicated that they
were acting as representatives for larger groups and/or
organizations.
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