Page 48-49 - CIO_June_2014

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49
CANADIAN INDUSTRY ONLINE - JUNE 2014
ventional fields that use hydraulic frac-
turing to unlock deep reservoirs.
New Brunswick now has the op-
portunity to develop its own secure,
reliable source of supply, provided
the province’s natural gas resource is
proven to be commercially viable.
As demonstrated in Canadian
jurisdictions where natural gas is
produced, the economic benefits are
significant: natural gas development
creates jobs, contributes to economic
growth and generates government
revenues. Also as demonstrated, our
industry develops resources safely and
reliably as a result of industry operat-
ing practices and comprehensive gov-
ernment regulations that ensure public
safety and protection of the environ-
ment.
We agree with the Council of Ca-
nadian Academies report’s main focus
area – the need for sound wellbore
construction to prevent methane or flu-
ids from leaking into groundwater.
Wellbore design is strictly con-
trolled by provincial regulators. In
New Brunswick, as well as in Alberta
and B.C., several layers of steel and
cement are required to prevent any-
thing travelling through the wellbore
from coming into contact with drink-
ing water aquifers. Companies also
pressure-test wells to ensure wells can
withstand the maximum pressures ex-
erted during hydraulic fracturing, and
they monitor pressure during hydrau-
lic fracturing.
In addition, natural gas producers
use voluntary operating practices for
hydraulic fracturing that apply nation-
ally. They complement regulations and
identify sound wellbore construction
as fundamental to protecting ground-
water and responsible oil and natural
gas development. The operating prac-
tices include requirements for com-
panies to design, install and maintain
wellbores to prevent any fluids from
migrating into groundwater.
This is not to say industry should
not seek ways to improve. When areas
for improvement are identified, indus-
try changes operating practices, and
we expect governments to modify pol-
icies and / or regulations. Our indus-
try’s focus on continuous performance
improvement remains the mainstay of
responsible development.
Excellence in environmental and
social performance, and a competitive
fiscal and regulatory framework are vi-
tal to assessment and development of
New Brunswick’s natural gas resource
potential.
Balancing these vital elements
will ensure New Brunswick’s natural
gas resource is developed safely, reli-
ably and in an environmentally re-
sponsible manner, bringing benefits in
the form of jobs, economic prosperity,
and a secure and reliable energy sup-
ply to the people of New Brunswick.
Originally published in the Telegraph
Journal
CAPP