The 2012 water test astoundingly revealed about half the previous gas volume and no H2S in the gas sample but remarkable sulphide content (which converts to H2S) in the water sample (6.28 mg/L when the limit for safe exposure is 0.05 mg/L) .

 

It is important to note that the gas sample sat at the University of Calgary untested for six weeks prior to analysis.

 

With no government assistance, some Albertans struggle with water contamination or loss of their water, while others try to make a buck by selling it. Water for sale sign as seen in a field from Hwy 22 North of Cochrane, Alberta - *We have blocked out last digits of phone number and plate number, as sign has now been removed or moved.In 2012 we began giving public presentations, both on our personal concerns with water contamination and with the handling of this investigation. The purpose was to inform other impacted water well owners of our experiences so they could realize the tremendous battle it is to have these problems addressed in Alberta. The presentation below was given at U of A campus (Camrose),  but clarity on the slides is better on this practice version that was taped at home. (video presentation at http://www.frackingcanada.ca/alberta-the-campbells).

 

The government repeatedly denied impact by oil and gas, but the finding of thermogenic gases in the water is proof alone. No other industries work at those depths. There have been no major earthquakes in Alberta. We do not sit on a historic fault line, yet a shallow water well contains gases isotopically identified as coming from a deep formation.

 

This is scientific evidence being ignored by the government's regulator.

 

Our 2013 water test is scheduled for next month and we have now been instructed by the ERCB to not “touch” our water well before the consultant comes to sample. (ERCB letter attached)

 

That's an odd instruction, don't you think? We can only presume that they do not trust us.

 

The information that led to that instruction came after we informed the ERCB that we had performed proper well maintenance prior to their test in 2012: chlorinating and purging the well because it had not been used for several months. This would normally be considered good well maintenance so why were they so upset? We believe it's because they could not blame the gas presence on bacteria in the well, because the chlorine destroys bacteria (as it's supposed to do).

 

The isotope of the gas was completed after “being lost” for six weeks (normally this should be done within a day or two) and either the more thermogenic gases (propane, butane, etc.) had dissipated or the mass spectrometer was not allowed to run long enough to identify their presence, or perhaps they had disappeared in the same manner as the sour gas.

 

Now who really should be suspect of trust?

 

We do appreciate the many years of testing as it has helped us learn and understand the problem better, but we do not look forward to trying to figure out what angle will be tried next to negate the presence  of thermogenic gases in the water, or being accused of tampering with the water well.

 

In other countries one finding like ours would be proof enough to bring regulatory enforcement, fines and possibly charges against the oil and gas companies, but not in Alberta.

 

We have suggested to the ERCB that dye or chemical tracers be injected at the energy wells to trace and identify the source of the gas migrating into our water, but this has been ignored. Makes one wonder if they really want to find the offending source or not?

 

To make it official: We, The Campbell's alert the Alberta government that groundwater in the Crestomere area is contaminated by gases from oil and gas activity.

 

If the ERCB will not or cannot identify the source, then under the promises of the previous government ministers and premier, we ask that safe water be provided by the government under the Water for Life Strategy.

 

We had been very patient and exposed our selves, other family members and our farm and livestock to this contaminated water for five years. After receiving the water analysis in 2011, with it's elevated gas numbers, we reworked a previously abandoned well and began using it for our house.

 

We still purchase bottled water to drink and cook with as we know the likelihood of other contaminants migrating into groundwater in this area is high due to the many energy wells and the ERCB granting licenses for further drilling and fracturing in close proximity to our water well (2013 Artisan map attached).

 

We made adjustments to our water system to allow testing to continue on the contaminated water well. We however do not feel this is an adequate solution to a serious community problem.

 

Where is the next contaminated well going to show up?

 

We suspect at least two more in our community, but haven't the resources to test and fight for another seven years on those as well. Is this how community contamination gets covered up?

 

We are challenging all political parties to represent impacted citizens of Alberta, and lobby for answers to the investigations being carried out by the ERCB. Protecting water once was the mandate of Alberta Environment. Now the Energy department investigates itself?

 

How do we get unbiased reports when they don't want to stop or punish the industry that they are mandated to protect?

 

The regulatory system is broken and needs to be fixed. I was encouraged when I first heard that things were going to change...I never suspected a change for the worse: putting the ERCB basically in charge of everything, clearing the way for water use and abuse, air pollution and soil destruction.

 

Not much is left except the people, impacted people like us looking for answers. A reply would be appreciated; real answers would be a blessing.

 

Sincerely,

 

Ronalie Campbell   Shawn Campbell

 

Attached: ERCB Letter of June 22, 2012

                Our Reply Letter of January 28, 2013

                2013 Artisan Map of Drilling Plans

 

 

 

 

Bullying Is Confronted

Well I would say that I would agree with the statement to the extent that it's not the role of Alberta Environment to advocate on behalf of the environment.

 

—Rob Renner, Minister of Environment, 2007

And the other political parties contacted by the Campbells?

Here's their response.

 

 

 

back to top