WHEREAS water is our most important resource and should be managed prudently; AND WHEREAS there is increased activity in the oil and gas activity in northeastern BC that is utilizing this vital resource for its hydraulic fracturing operations where alternative solutions need to be explored and implemented such as the use of effluent water: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM petition the Province of BC to encourage oil and gas industries to enter into partnership agreements with either local or regional governments to construct effluent water facilities rather than utilizing aquifers for hydraulic fracturing purposes.
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas and Minister Responsible for Housing The Province recognizes that oil and gas industry water use for hydraulic fracturing operations is a significant concern in north-eastern British Columbia communities. Managing water equitably for economic development and domestic and environmental purposes is a priority of the Province. The Province applauds the unique waste water management project agreement that was reached with the community of Dawson Creek and would support future such agreements where practical. However, the great majority of oil and gas activities do not occur in proximity to communities where effluent water facilities are a practical solution. To effectively manage water quality and sustainability, the Province is developing a northeast British Columbia Shale Gas Hydraulic Fracturing Water Strategy, with planned completion by mid 2013.