What measures are in place to ensure that drinking water is protected in shale gas development?
Regulation of the Canadian oil and gas sector is designed to protect drinking water and water quality in our lakes and streams. The specific regulations vary between jurisdictions but in all cases, Canadian natural gas production always isolates and protects drinking water (groundwater) from natural gas operations. Shale gas production is regulated under the legislation, rules and policies required for conventional natural gas production. In Alberta for example, regulation requires that natural gas development provide an extensive barrier (both vertically and laterally) between any shallow stimulation interval and existing water wells, in addition to isolating the aquifer and the fractured zone. Alberta has also increased the focus on water well education and standards in oil and gas producing areas. Tight gas reservoirs, including shales, are located far beneath the earth’s surface in geological formations that require different or special techniques to produce. To produce this gas a
