FROM: SFU Library Digital Collection: British Columbia Postcards Collection
Varcoe: Alberta seeks answers on links between earthquakes and fracking
Jeff Gu, a University of Alberta geophysicist, says the scientific community needs to better understand what’s triggering earthquakes near fracking operations. Ryan Jackson / Ryan Jackson/Edmonton Journal
Early in the new year, a tremor shook the area near Fox Creek in northwest Alberta.
It wasn’t the region’s first earthquake, but it was the largest — rattling pictures on walls, but not causing injuries or damage.
However, it did more than simply unnerve local residents.
It reverberated into the Alberta government, which ordered the province’s energy regulator to speed up its examination into the links between hydraulic fracturing and seismic activity.
The tremor that struck just west of Fox Creek on Jan. 12 registered as a 4.8-magnitude event, classified as a moderate quake.
Three months later — and after 23 more seismic events in the area — the province has just received a draft report on the issue from the Alberta Energy Regulator, with a final version expected this fall.
No one is saying what’s in the preliminary version.
But it’s logical to expect the AER will recommend more education, and possibly more monitoring, as more fracking by energy companies takes place.
Hopefully, it will call for more science to understand why this particular area has felt so many tremors, with more than 420 seismic events recorded near Fox Creek since the start of 2015.
The review comes as a new survey published this week by a team of researchers indicates a link between oilpatch hydraulic fracturing in Western Canada and quakes in the region.
The group reviewed data from 12,289 oil and gas wells drilled across the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) since 1985.
In 39 cases, it found a correlation with earthquakes that registered at a magnitude of 3 or more.
Between 2010 and 2015, more than half of all induced earthquakes of such scale occurred “in close proximity to hydraulic fracturing operations, in both time and space.”
“There’s a scientific consensus that some areas — particularly in the Fox Creek area and parts of the Montney trend of British Columbia — there’s a clear association between hydraulic fracturing and induced earthquakes,” says David Eaton, a geophysicist at the University of Calgary who worked on the report.
Before the fault-line of public opinion splits apart in Alberta, it’s important to put this issue into context.
According to the Alberta Geological Survey, any seismic event of a magnitude under 4 is categorized as being “small, minor or micro,” while under 6 is deemed “moderate.”
Provincial data indicates only four earthquakes near Fox Creek since 2015 have been categorized at a magnitude of 4 or higher.
The industry drills thousands of wells each year. Last year, the AER approved almost 2,000 wells completed by fracturing.
Yet, the study found significant seismic activity occurred in only a tiny fraction of fractured wells, about 0.3 per cent of such cases.
The AER points out induced seismic activity has not caused any injuries or damage. But that doesn’t mean we should ignore the issue, either.
“Considering that thousands of such wells are drilled every year in the WCSB, the implications for hazard are nonetheless significant … particularly if multiple operations are located in close proximity to critical infrastructure,” the report cautions.
In other words, Alberta only needs one significant man-made seismic headache for the fallout to shake everyone to their core.
Jeff Gu, a University of Alberta geophysicist involved in the study, notes the report uncovers several other findings.
Unlike induced earthquakes in United States, which appear to be tied to underground wastewater disposal, the main source of induced earthquakes in Canada is associated with hydraulic fracturing.
But he believes the scientific community needs to better understand what’s triggering these quakes, why they’re clustered in specific areas — such as the Duvernay formation around Fox Creek — and how the risk can be reduced.
“It’s definitely worth looking into because we don’t know exactly how big these events are or can be, and where the next one will happen,” Gu says.
Canada trails only the United States in developing its shale oil and gas resources, and fracking has allowed the industry to unlock massive petroleum reserves underground.
The method usually involves high-pressure injection of fluids along horizontally drilled wells, often at two or three kilometres deep, to create or open cracks in rock underground to access the resource.
The NDP government took a cautious stance to the new survey this week, saying it’s working with the regulator and industry to better understand the relationship between fracking and seismic activity.
From industry’s perspective, the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers noted the report reinforces a link between hydraulic fracturing and seismicity established in recent studies in British Columbia — but it also shows the vast majority of seismic events in the basin are minor and localized.
In the regulator’s realm, the AER issued new rules for operators near Fox Creek following an earlier quake in 2015. It requires companies fracking in the area to monitor seismic activity within five kilometres of their wells.
The AER also introduced a traffic light system: if companies record anything above a magnitude 2 event while fracking, they hit a yellow light and must inform the regulator. Anything above a 4-magnitude quake means full stop.
This go-slow approach makes sense. A moratorium, such as in New Brunswick, doesn’t seem like the answer.
And hopefully, the AER examination will get to the bottom of what’s causing the tremors near Fox Creek.
“We have to weigh the economic development against the risks on both sides. There’s a danger in going too far in either direction,” says Eaton.
In other words, proceed with caution.
Chris Varcoe is a Calgary Herald columnist
Source: Varcoe: Alberta seeks answers on links between earthquakes and fracking | Calgary Herald
Trailer Park Boys release statements from participants
TORONTO, April 2, 2016 /CNW/ – Regarding Mike Smith’s involvement in an incident that occurred early Friday, April 1st in Hollywood, following are statements issued by the participants:
Georgia Ling, described as the victim in this incident, stated: “Mike and I did indeed have a heavy argument but it saddens me the way things are being reported and the way it was handled by the police. At no point did I feel I was in danger, otherwise I would’ve called the police myself, which I did not. The police were called by others not present in the room who mistakenly perceived the argument to be something other than what it was. When the officers arrived I tried to assure them there was no real issue, but they proceeded to arrest Mike”.
Mike Smith commented: “Georgia is a friend of mine and we had a loud and heated dispute. That is all. At no time did I assault her. I am not guilty of the misdemeanour charged against me.”
The other members of the Trailer Park Boys and all staff stand behind Mike and look forward to the matter being resolved favourably.
SOURCE Trailer Park Boys 
For further information: Sheila Roberts, 647-787-4165
Source: Trailer Park Boys release statements from participants
Vancouver Leaves California With Perfect Road Trip As Former Duck Etem Scores Winner In 3-2 Win
CANUCKS BANTER By Andrew Chernoff April 1, 2016
The Vancouver Canucks (29-36-13) ended their 2-game California road trip tonight against the Anaheim Ducks (43-24-10), finishing off their 5-game season series, with a 3-2 win.
The Canucks snapped a 9 game “winless” streak (0-8-1), against the San Jose Sharks the night before 4-2 and were looking for a second consecutive win to sweep their road trip.
The Ducks entered the game having won five of their last seven games(5-1-1), and were looking to take top spot in the Pacific division with a win.
Former Anaheim Duck, Emerson Etem scored the wining goal with under seven minutes left in the game; Jannick Hansen contributed two assists; Bo Horvat had a goal and an assist. Dan Hamhuis had the other Canuck goal; Henrik Sedin and Alex Biega each had one assist.
ANAHEIM, CA – APRIL 01: Emerson Etem #26 of the Vancouver Canucks celebrates his goal with Bo Horvat #53 and Brendan Gaunce #50 to take a 3-2 lead over the Anaheim Ducks during the third period at Honda Center on April 1, 2016 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Jacob Markstrom snapped his five game losing streak with the victory, stopping 31 of 33 shots, for a .939 Sv%.
Both Chris Higgins and Linden Vey left the game late in the second period and did not return for the rest of the game.
GAME REVIEW
Anaheim wasted little time making the home fans happy, as they scored on their first shot of the game at 48 seconds to take a 1-0 lead.
Josh Manson, his 5th goal of the season, assisted by Jakob Silfverberg (17) and Andrew Cogliano (21).
Vancouver would receive the first man advantage of the game, when Corey Perry would trip Chris Tanev at 4:44. Canucks would continue their power play woes, going 0 for 1.
Vancouver not only got behind early but the Canucks were also feeling the physical side of the Ducks, being out hit early, 7 hits to 1 for Vancouver.
The Canucks would provide some push back on the physical side, and with less than seven minutes left, they had 6 hits to the Ducks 12 hits, and had tied the Ducks at 6 shots apiece.
Vancouver would receive a late power play when Ryan Kesler would go off for slashing Jacob Markstrom at 17:18. The result would be another flat power play, Canucks going 0 for 2 with the man advantage in the period.
Period ends with Ducks up 1-0.
In the first period:
- Vancouver out shot Anaheim 9-8 and won 10 of 18 face-offs.
- Canucks out hit by Ducks 15 to 8.
- Vancouver face-off leaders: Markus Granlund-1 for 5; Bo Horvat-4 for 5; Brendan Gaunce-1 for 3; Henrik Sedin-3 for 4; Linden Vey-1 for 1
- Jared McCann- 3 shots; Chris Higgins- 2 shots.
- Andrey Pedan: 3 hits, Emerson Etem: 2 hits
- Vancouver power play 0 for 2
- Canucks TOI: Dan Hamhuis-8:10; Bo Horvat-6:33; Emerson Etem-6:41; Chris Tanev-6:58; Ben Hutton-6:29; Matt Bartkowski-6:19; Daniel Sedin-6:39; Henrik Sedin-6:06; Alex Biega-6:36
- Teams Corsi For:
- Even Strength: Vancouver-13; Ducks-11
- All Strengths: Canucks-16; Anaheim-13
- Top Canucks:
- All Situations: Chris Tanev and Linden Vey +5 each; Chris Higgins, Emerson Etem, Dan Hamhuis: +4 each
- Even Strength: Chris Tanev +5; Chris Higgins, Emerson Etem, Dan Hamhuis: +4 each
Canucks finished the opening period with the momentum in the game but not the lead, and they were hoping to continue battling and score a couple of hard-to-come-by goals, against this defensive minded Ducks team.
Vancouver got some shots within the first two minutes, and continued to do so, out shooting Anaheim 6 to 0 by the four minute mark of the period.
Finally, Bo Horvat would score between the legs of Ducks goalie John Gibson, on a sloppy Ducks line change, on the Canucks 7th shot of the period.
Horvat’s second goal in consecutive games, and 14th of the season, assisted by Jannick Hansen (15) at 4:22, to even up the game at 1-1.
Horvat’s goal was a career high, in just his second season in the NHL.
Tempers would spill over, as Nikita Tryamkin would get the Ducks attention, taking exception to some rough play by Tryamkin.
Both Tryamkin and the Duck’s Chris Stewart would get roughing penalties at 10:07.
Canucks were playing with a short bench late in the period with Chris Higgins and Linden Vey not taking their regular shifts on the ice and in the change room.
Last minute of the period, Alex Biega would put the Ducks on the power play as he would get a penalty for holding Ryan Getzlaf at 19:24.
In the second period:
- Vancouver out shot Anaheim 13 to 8 and won 6 of 15 face-offs.
- Canucks out hit by Ducks 10 to 8.
- Canucks face-off leaders:Markus Granlund-1 for 3; Bo Horvat-1 for 3; Brendan Gaunce-0 for 3; Henrik Sedin-4 for 6; Linden Vey-1 for 1
- Vancouver Time On Ice: Alex Biega-7:42; Dan Hamhuis-6:13; Chris Tanev-6:55; Ben Hutton-6:05; Henrik Sedin-6:59; Matt Bartkowski-7:48; Jannick Hansen-6:22
- Teams Corsi For:
- Even Strength: Anaheim-14; Vancouver-25
- All Strengths: Ducks-14; Canucks-25
- Top Canucks After Two Periods:
- All Situations: Chris Tanev, Ben Hutton, Daniel Sedin, Brendan Gaunce +6 each; Chris Higgins, Alex Burrows, Markus Granlund, Linden Vey, Dan Hamhuis +5 each
- Even Strength: Chris Tanev and Brendan Gaunce +6 each; Chris Higgins, Dan Hamhuis, Markus Granlund, Ben Hutton, Daniel Sedin +5 each
Anaheim would start the 3rd period with the power play left over from the second period, and register a few shots in trying to get the go ahead goal but would go 0 for 1 on their power play.
The Ducks would use the momentum built up from their man advantage to carry the play against the Canucks nearing the five minute mark of the final period, building up an 8 to 2 lead on shots, but going 2 for 7 on face-offs.
Anaheim would regain the lead at 8:42 when Nate Thompson would score on a disputed goal that the Canucks felt was goalie interference but was rule good.
Thompson’s 2nd goal of the season, assisted by Chris Wagner (1), to make it 2-1 Anaheim.
With 9:28 left, Ducks out shooting Canucks 11 to 3; Vancouver 6 for 14 on face-offs; and both teams with 5 hits each.
Dan Hamhuis and the Canucks would pull even, as Hamhuis would score the equalizer to make it 2-2 at 11:02, assisted by Henrik Sedin (42) and Jannik Hansen (16) , just two minutes and twenty seconds after the Ducks went out in front.
Former Duck Emerson Etem would put Vancouver up by a goal at 3-2, as the Canucks scored twice in two minutes and twenty-one seconds.
Etem’s 4rth goal of the season, assisted by Alex Biega (5) and Bo Horvat (22) at 13:23.
With 2:22 left in the game, the Ducks pulled Gibson for a 6th attacker to get the tying goal.
The Ducks called a time-out with 45 seconds left to draw up a scoring plan to even up the game, while the Canucks took a breather.
Time would run out on Anaheim, as Vancouver would play spoilers again, in winning their second consecutive game to make their California road trip perfect, as they head back to Vancouver.
In the third period:
- Vancouver was out shot by Anaheim 20 to 6 and only won 12 of 26 face-offs.
- Canucks out hit Ducks 8 to 5.
- Canucks Time On Ice: Dan Hamhuis-8:36; Daniel Sedin-6:54; Henrik Sedin- 7:06; Chris Tanev-8:36; Ben Hutton-8:02; Jannick Hansen-8:00
- Teams Corsi For:
- Even Strength: Vancouver-11; Anaheim-28
- All Strengths: Ducks-34; Canucks-11
End Of The Game:
- Vancouver finished with 28 shots, Anaheim 36 shots, and Canucks won 28 of 59 face-offs.
- Vancouver had 24 hits to the Ducks 30 hits.
- Canucks penalty kill was 1 for 1; power play was 0 for 2.
- Vancouver Time On Ice: Ben Hutton-18:55; Dan Hamhuis-22:59; Matt Bartkowski-19:56; Chris Tanev-22:29; Daniel Sedin-19:45; Henrik Sedin-20:11; Alex Biega-19:29
- Teams Corsi For:
- Even Strength: Ducks-53; Canucks-49
- All Strengths: Anaheim-61; Vancouver-52
- Top Canucks in game:
- All Situations: Chris Higgins, Linden Vey +5 each; Andrey Pedan, Brendan Gaunce and Alex Burrows +2 each.
- Even Strength: Chris Higgins +5; Linden Vey +3; Andrey Pedan, Alex Burrows, Brendan Gaunce and Markus Granlund +2 each.
Videos from the official Canucks YouTube channel here : http://www.youtube.com/Canucks
Vancouver Takes On Anaheim Tonight In Final Game Of Road Trip
CANUCKS BANTER By Andrew Chernoff April 1, 2016
CANUCKS LOOK FOR CONSECUTIVE WINS ON CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP
The Vancouver Canucks (2 8-36-13) end their 2-game Californian road trip tonight against the Anaheim Ducks (43-23-10), finishing off their 5-game season series.
Anaheim is 2-0-2 in the previous four games between the two Pacific division rivals.
Vancouver played last night in San Jose, where Jannick Hansen scored the winning goal, his 20th of the season,and picked up an assist, as the Canucks snapped a 9 game “winless” streak (0-8-1).
Daniel Sedin, Bo Horvat, and Markus Granlund had a goal in support, with Alex Burrows and Henrik Sedin earning an assist each. Ryan Miller stopped 32 of 34 shots for a .941 Sv%, in the Canucks first win since March 12 against the Nashville Predators.
Anaheim enters the game on a winning note, defeating the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night 8 to 3.
The Ducks have won five of their last seven games(5-1-1), and are 31-8-4 since Dec. 26, the best record in the NHL. They are one point behind the Los Angeles for top spot in the Pacific Division.
Look for Jacob Markstrom to start in goal for the Canucks, coming off a 4-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night.
He is 11-13-4 on the season, with a 2.63 GAA and .917 Sv% with no shutouts.
Markstrom is 2-6-0 in his last 8 games, and has lost his last five starts, through no fault of his own. The Canucks in supporting him have only scored 3 goals and surrendered 16 goals. He has faced 169 shots, stopping 154, for a .911 Sv%, in his five losses.
For the Ducks, John Gibson is expected to get the start. He is 19-11-3 for the season, with a 2.04 GAA and .920 Sv%, with 4 shutouts.
Andrew Phillip Chernoff 