Province Widens Ring for Public Input on Oil and Gas Developments
By 250 News
Monday, February 20, 2006 10:56 AM
The Provincial Ministry of Energy Mines and Petroleum Resources is expanding the cirlce of concern for landowners and residents .
Minister Richard Neufeld says the plan will increase public input.
Right now, industry has to meet with stakeholders who live within 1/2 a km of a proposed well site and flaring. That will be increased to 1 kilometer. The current "consultation radius" for a gas facility is 1.5 km and that will be doubled to 3km.
The second part of the changes involve the Oil and Gas Commission (OGC). It will develop a checklist of measures that could be used by the public to address concerns related to noise, odour, dust control, visual screening, and traffic.
The changes come into effect on the first of April.
Neufeld says the changes will act as a balance “These policy changes will ensure we balance the industry’s growth with the important and legitimate concerns of residents and landowners.”
Neufeld also announced the new community engagement strategy. It will see up to three long term committees established that will examine industry and public concerns in the North and South Peace regions and the Northern Rockies.
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