Jessica Ernst discusses fracked life at fundraiser
http://tatamagouchelight.com/stories.asp?id=6253
Angela Saieva Dec. 7, 2011
Jessica Ernst shares her experiences with hydraulic fracturing at a fundraiser for Energy Future Coalition of Nova Scotia held at Tatamagouche Centre on December 7. (Saieva photo)
TATAMAGOUCHE:
Energy Future Coalition of Nova Scotia held a fundraising potluck dinner at Tatamagouche Centre the evening of December 7 featuring Jessica Ernst of Rosebud, AB as the keynote speaker. More than 60 people attended the dinner to help raise funds for the fight against hydraulic fracturing and to hear Ernst speak.
Ernst was asked by the Council of Canadians to come to the Maritimes to share her story with the communities which have already experienced shale gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing or are facing the possibility of it in the future.
“I think fracking is the worst issue I’ve ever seen,” said Ernst. “Anyone who asks me to come to their community to speak, I go. It’s my honour and due diligence to share this information and my experience.”
Ernst is currently in a legal battle with EnCana, Alberta Environment, and the Energy Resources Conservation Board. She launched a $33 million lawsuit, charging them with negligence and unlawful activities that have left her community’s well water so contaminated it can be lit on fire.
Ernst is no stranger to the oil industry or EnCana. She is an environmental consultant and biologist with three decades of experience working in the oil industry. Her company, Ernst Environmental Services, was consulting for EnCana at the time it began its shale gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing operations in Rosebud.
Ernst’s “fracked life,” as she refers to it, began in 2003 with a lot of noise when EnCana began drilling wells near her home.
“It sounded like jet engines taking off 24/7,” she said.
EnCana also tested her well water. The tester deemed the water “clear” and did not report any visible gas.
Ernst says that during the summer of 2004, the water wells in her community started to go bad. EnCana investigated itself and declared its innocence, blaming the bad water on the local water well driller.
Ernst did a search on EnCana’s practises in Rosebud through the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act of Alberta. She found a report from July 16, 2004 which stated, “Pressure test to 21 Mpa (supervisor error). Pressure cracked the remedial cement. Cement will no longer pressure test to 7 Mpa.” Ernst believes these cracks allowed methane to migrate from EnCana’s wells into the fresh water aquifers the wells in her community draw from.
In August 2004, EnCana’s land manger attempted to get blanket approval to drill wells in Rosebud. Ernst tried to consult with EnCana, as per her job, and encouraged the company to hold an open house so the community could understand what EnCana wanted to do and have the opportunity to ask questions. Ernst says the land manager agreed to the open house, only to hit the streets once again a few days later to try to get signatures for blanket approval.
Ernst resigned from EnCana on September 9, 2004.
“How could I ethically consult for a company who was lying to my community?”
On January 11, 2005, an explosion resulted in significant damage to Rosebud’s potable water reservoir. Investigators reported an accumulation of gas appeared to be the culprit. The explosion caused the water tower’s concrete lid to move 16 inches, exposing the potable water to the elements, as well as cracking the tower’s walls.
Alberta Environment tested Ernst’s water on March 3, 2006. The results showed an alarming amount of gas. Ernst said she was told she is not using enough water and therefore is to blame for the gas accumulation in her well.
Three days later the Environment minister and his staff called an emergency meeting with the owners of the contaminated water wells. Ernst said the owners were told they are using too much water and are to blame for the migration of gas into their wells.
Tests performed throughout the spring and summer of 2006 showed toxic chemicals in Ernst’s water as well as the Hamlet of Rosebud’s water.
Levels of methane dissolved in Rosebud’s water were recorded at 30-66 mg/l. A gas migration report issued by the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) in 1996 states there is a risk of explosion at 1 mg/l if gas contaminated water passed through a confined space.
Ernst began to notice strange things happening with her water.
“My water dramatically changed,” she said.
Her skin would burn after showering, she could no longer make suds, her dogs refused to drink the water, her taps were whistling, and water was spurting out of the tub and toilets. At times, she even had difficulty closing her taps because there was so much gas trying to push its way out.
“My water’s too dangerous to even have connected to my house,” said Ernst.
She wasn’t the only one who noticed something was wrong. In May 2006, Rosebud resident Bruce Jack saw water exploding from the lines that connected his well to his house. Jack called government regulators who came to investigate. While the men stood examining the well it exploded sending all three of them to the hospital.
Ernst says EnCana will not release the names of the chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process.
“To this day we do not know what chemicals were injected,” said Ernst. “I’ve heard the same thing in all the communities I’ve talked to.”
Though the allegations Ernst has filed against EnCana, Alberta Environment and the Energy Resources Conservation Board have yet to be proven in court, they have raised awareness of the issues surrounding shale gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing. Ernst’s story has also been a source of motivation for those who are fighting against fracking in their communities.
Ernst agreed to take questions after sharing her story. One resident asked if she thought there was a chance to stop hydraulic fracturing in Nova Scotia. Ernst said Nova Scotia has the benefit of years of accumulated research, knowledge and media coverage which will aid in the fight against fracking.
“I think (here in) Nova Scotia can ban it,” she said. “You have the whole world concerned.”
Another resident asked Ernst if she would settle out of court. Her answer was simple – no.
“I believe my freedom of speech is more important than even $1 billion,” Ernst said. “There is no amount of money worth more than spreading this information.”
Questions about how to best focus the efforts of the community were also asked. Some wondered if they should focus their energy on other communities that are much closer to being fracked or if it’s of greater benefit to try to stop it from happening in their own backyards.
Ernst said the best approach is to balance time and energy between your own community and others in need of help. She also stressed the importance of sharing the load and knowing how much is too much for one person to handle.
“It’s important to pace yourselves and to rest,” said Ernst.
She also discussed the necessity to remain strong and united as a community. Ernst said the oil and gas industry’s approach is to cause rifts within the community so it becomes easier to gain support.
“It’s really important to have compassion for those in your community,” she said. “When you allow this industry to divide you they have you.”
Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, agrees that the community must work together and make a stand in order to keep hydraulic fracturing from happening on the North Shore.
“I personally don’t support fracking on the North Shore,” Armstrong said. “I think we have too much to lose; the benefits don’t outweigh the risks. The community has to build public support, stay strong, stay organized, stay vigilant and be prepared.”
Armstrong also said he will do what he can to work with the public and will address concerns from his constituents.
Ernst emphasized the importance of staying positive and appreciating the value of every achievement, no matter how big or small, as a step in the right direction. Having strong convictions and refusing to back down is extremely powerful.
“I have learned that we have an incredible, amazing amount of power and our governments and regulators are afraid of that,” said Ernst.