Alberta government creating urban drilling policy

Alberta government creating urban drilling policy by Jeremy Nolais, June 24, 2012, Metro Calgary
In the midst of cries from two northwest Calgary communities over proximity to a planned oil drilling project, an MLA announced Sunday the province is working to establish a blanket policy for such endeavours. The Rocky Ridge Royal Community Association hosted a rally Sunday protesting Kaiser Exploration’s approved exploratory well just hundreds of metres from a shopping centre and numerous homes. But on Sunday area MLA Sandra Jansen expressed hope the matter could be resolved fairly with the development of an urban drilling policy that she says is being undertaken by provincial energy ministry. “I don’t think any drilling policy we have now takes into account high-density areas,” Jansen said. “I believe this is precedent-setting.” Top of mind will be proper safety procedures and evacuation plans in the event of a problem, Jansen said. No timeline for a completed policy has been established.