Experiment with coalbed methane (CBM) drilling at the expense of wildlife? Community members and scientists specializing in CBM impacts say the experiment is not worth the risk.
Research scientist from the University of Montana Erin Sexton states CBM drilling in wildlife-rich areas such as the Flathead and Elk Valleys will inevitably lead to loss of wildlife.
“It’s insincere for industry to claim that you can have commercial CBM and long-term wildlife populations. The two are not compatible,” says Sexton. “You can either have CBM operations or healthy wildlife populations, not both. It may not happen within the first five years, but over time, we’ll lose the wildlife.”
At his recent presentations in Cranbrook and Fernie, carnivore expert Dr. John Weaver outlined that disruptions to wildlife’s ability to freely roam throughout the Rocky Mountains were directly linked to expansion of human activity, including roads such as highway 3.
The land footprint associated with Highway 3 is considered relatively small when compared with the enormous tracts of land that will be used to install the network of roads, well-pads and compressor stations associated with a CBM extraction operation.
“For species like bears, lynx, and wolverine, wildlife habitat affected by CBM drilling operations is habitat that can never be regained,” says Sexton. “Coalbed methane extraction will permanently scar the landscape and essentially de-wildlife the area.”
British Petroleum (BP) is currently seeking long-term drilling rights for a 300 sq. km area adjacent to Fernie and Sparwood known as Mist Mountain. The proposal may be approved by the B.C. government as early as April 21st, 2008. If approved, BP’s operations will result in the endangerment of sensitive and diverse wildlife, forests, and water sources already compromised by industry.
Sexton completed her master’s thesis on CBM extraction in the Rocky Mountains in 2003. Much of her research concentrated on the potential disturbances from CBM drilling industry on B.C.’s southern Rockies.
Wildsight believes the evidence illustrated by these respected members of the scientific community is proof that further large industrial experiments should not proceed.
“It’s not rocket science. CBM drilling will harm wildlife,” says Wildsight Program Manager Casey Brennan. “When looking at how Highway 3 has impacted wildlife connectivity in our region, just imagine what sprawling networks of roads and well sites will do.”
