A series of earthquakes has recently rocked the Peace region of northeastern British Columbia, raising concerns over the impact of fracking activities on local communities and their way of life. Between February 8 and 12, at least four quakes, with magnitudes ranging from 3.1 to 4.3, struck the area, with the most significant event occurring on February 11. The B.C. Energy Regulator confirmed that this quake was induced by fracking operations conducted by Tourmaline Oil, one of Canada's largest natural gas producers.
The seismic events have not only unsettled residents but also prompted regulatory actions aimed at increasing oversight of induced seismicity in the region. On February 13, the regulator issued a North Montney monitoring order, setting a threshold of magnitude 4 for earthquakes occurring within five kilometers of fracking operations. This decision comes as a response to growing concerns among local residents, particularly those like Bo Hedges, whose family has lived on their ranch north of Fort St. John for nearly five decades.
The Hedges family has experienced firsthand the adverse effects of these earthquakes. Their ranch features a natural spring that previously flowed at a rate of 10 to 11 liters per minute but has now diminished to a mere two liters per minute. The family is anxiously awaiting the thawing of the ground to determine whether their spring's normal flow might be restored or if they will need to drill a well.
"We're still waiting until the ground thaws to assess whether our spring's normal flow may be restored, or if we will have to drill a well," – Bo Hedges
The seismic monitoring area encompasses six firms operating in close proximity to the Dead Horse Creek ranch, where Bo Hedges and his family reside. The B.C. Energy Regulator maintains a network of 35 seismometers across the Peace region to monitor seismic activity. Typically, more than 15 companies conduct fracking in this area, raising concerns about cumulative impacts.
In light of these earthquakes, the regulator has stated its commitment to "strengthening" oversight over induced seismicity. It emphasized that upon reviewing evidence from these seismic events, it would determine if any compliance actions are necessary to mitigate further impacts.
"Upon reviewing the evidence we would determine if any compliance actions would be required to prevent or mitigate any additional impacts," – B.C. Energy Regulator
Residents have voiced their concerns about the effects of these quakes on both their properties and livestock. Bo Hedges described the experience vividly, recalling how the tremors felt like "a big truck hit the house," shaking it violently and waking everyone inside.
"It felt like a big truck hit the house," – Bo Hedges
"The whole house just shook and there was a giant bang and woke everybody up," – Bo Hedges
The disturbances have raised questions regarding the potential impact of earthquakes on livestock health and behavior. Ronaldo Cerri, a professor at the University of British Columbia, noted that while there is limited scientific literature on this topic, stress can significantly affect livestock, particularly during calving.
"Stress and calving are indeed tied together," – Ronaldo Cerri
"Even the natural way in which a cow triggers the beginning of labour is because there's a system inside the fetus that starts to produce … cortisol, which is a stress hormone, and that triggers a whole cascade of events that leads to the calving process," – Ronaldo Cerri
Bo Hedges expressed his worries about how the earthquakes might disturb his livestock, especially in light of other natural stressors like predators wandering through his herd.
"We get bears and wolves and cougars and all sorts of things wandering through the herd and maybe stirring them up a little bit. This was above and beyond that," – Bo Hedges
The B.C. Energy Regulator's decision to enhance monitoring comes amid increasing scrutiny of fracking practices in the province. The regulatory body aims to ensure that companies adhere to safety protocols that prioritize community well-being.
A representative from ConocoPhillips also underscored this commitment, stating that the safety and well-being of surrounding communities is their "top priority."
"The safety and well-being of the community surrounding its operations is a top priority," – ConocoPhillips
As residents like Bo Hedges grapple with the implications of these seismic activities, they remain hopeful for more robust regulatory measures to protect both their livelihoods and their land. The earthquakes have disrupted not just daily life but also raised existential questions about sustainable practices in an area rich with natural resources.
