The government will focus on these main topics: fracturing, drinking and wastewater systems and water management.
The controversial practice of fracturing, also known as fracking, is expected to be a hot button issue. Fracking involves drilling and injecting fluid into the ground at high pressure in order to break apart rocks and release the natural gas inside.
“It’s a serious issue for sure,” said Jasperite Art Jackson, a voice for many environmental issues.
“They have no idea what happens to all the material they put in the hydraulic fluids, which are carcinogenic. Maybe 20 to 60 per cent of it comes back, the rest is lost forever.” And the returning fluid is “contaminated forever.”
Critics say that the water discussions are a public relations move that does little to solve actual issues, but Jackson hopes that if the public arms itself with information, the government will be held more accountable.
An important consideration is future ramifications because “water and the fracking fluids migrate, and it eventually migrates into underground wells and aquifers.”
Methane gas also can migrate to the surface and other chemicals can mix with ground water. Leaks may also occur while drilling because the casing of concrete layers isn’t invincible.
“What they’re finding in the States is that over time, the ‘secure’ drill sites start leaking.”
Jackson is curious to find out is how much fracking is happening in Alberta. “The public should be informed on the truth and demand that this stuff isn’t allowed to happen.”
He poses a poignant question about water conservation: “how are we going to protect it if they keep giving it away to industry?”
Along with these public forums, the government is holding sessions with targeted stakeholders in communities where Watershed Planning and Advisory Councils exists. In a press release, the government states that it will address water concerns with First Nations and Metis through separate processes.
Albertans who wish to participate in the water conversation, but cannot make a scheduled session can participate in an online survey that’s open from Feb. 11 to March 29. The survey is available at .
The Feb. 21 discussion is at the Hinton Centre, located at 965 Switzer Dr. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the conversation runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
