Lethbridge’s Urban Drilling Problem Just Got Worse Press Release by No Drilling Lethbridge, January 24, 2014
No Drilling Lethbridge to present more info about Goldenkey’s plans by Lethbridge Herald, January 24, 2014
No Drilling Lethbridge said it is now known Goldenkey Oil Inc. has licensed the mineral rights for 23 square kilometres (8.9 square miles) within Lethbridge city limits, underneath about 4000 homes where more than 10,000 people live.
No Drilling Lethbridge is holding a media conference in west Lethbridge today at noon at the Lethbridge Public Library Crossings Branch, in the Service Credit Union meeting room. Maps and documents will be revealed that show the extent of the area that Goldenkey Oil Inc. has licensed. … The group said oil and gas activity in the [area] could bring with it up to a 16-per-cent drop in real estate values, cause future development and land sterilization, raises the potential for westside evacuation, potential water, air, noise and light pollution, the transportation of dangerous goods and increased truck traffic, water contamination and fluid disposal and sour gas and flaring.
According to No Drilling Lethbridge, if these three wells are approved and show productivity, Goldenkey Oil Inc. will be in a position to expand the project and increase the risks to our community with many more wells, associated pipelines, and processing and storage facilities. “Stopping this project now is crucial,” said Laurie Chinn, a parent, teacher, and volunteer with No Drilling Lethbridge. “The three exploratory wells that were presented by Goldenkey Oil have the potential to multiply across 23 square kilometers of our city.”
Over 3,000 residents have signed a petition against urban drilling In Lethbridge, said the press release. However, the final decision on whether or not this urban drilling project will proceed rests with the Alberta Energy Regulator. No Drilling Lethbridge is encouraging all residents of Lethbridge to write to their MLAs, sign the petition and file a Statement of Concern with the Alberta Energy Regulator. More information can be found on the website www.nodrillinglethbridge.ca
For a full story on today’s press conference, please see tomorrow’s print edition of The Herald.