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'It proves that we're totally right when we ask for a moratorium.' - André Belisle.
Quebec (7 Jan. 2011) - More than half of the shale gas wells inspected by the Quebec ministry of natural resources have been found to contain leaks.
Quebec has granted dozens of oil and gas companies exploratory permits to drill in the lowlands along the St. Lawrence River.
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Of 31 wells inspected, 19 showed natural gas emissions, according to the 35-page report dated Dec. 7. The report is available to the public in French on BAPE, the website of Quebec's environmental protection agency.
According to Article 60 of the Quebec Mining Act, "if a well is closed temporarily it must be left in a condition that will prevent a fluid or gas flow from the well."
The nature and the extent of the emissions are not clear and nobody at the ministry was available to comment.
André Belisle, president of the Quebec Association Against Atmospheric Pollution, says the emissions are probably methane, much more harmful to the environment than carbon dioxide. The leaks are proof that more scientific studies need to be done to assess the environmental impact of shale gas exploration in Quebec, he added.
"It proves that we're totally right when we ask for a moratorium," said Belisle. "Things have been going too fast and all kinds of problems are occurring everywhere from all sides."
Belisle is demanding the government reveal more information about its test results.
Shale gas extraction has become a growing issue in a number of jurisdictions in Canada and the U.S.
The Prince Edward Island Union of Public Sector Employees (PEIUPSE/NUPGE) recently expressed concern that the province's water supply could be threatened by a decision to grant "hydrofracking" rights to a Toronto energy company for 440,000 acres of land in the province. The union has called for a moratorium.
In New Brunswick, the province's new Conservative government has announced a review of all provincial oil and gas exploration laws including drilling for shale gas.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
More information:
• PEIUPSE urges government to halt hydrofracking
• New Brunswick reviewing oil and gas exploration laws
• YouTube Video: Gaz de schiste: Wo!