Dear Editor,
For readers, and especially those living in the Priddis-Millarville area who may have missed recent media coverage, the University of Calgary is planning a Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) monitoring project on the Rothney-Cross Observatory parcel.
CCS is very much in the public eye right now, with the Alberta government committing $2 billion to develop this technology. At the same time there are worrying reports of surface leakage, contamination and dead animals in Saskatchewan.
The Priddis project is reportedly small-scale; with some 600 tonnes of CO2 being injected underground annually at a depth of about 750m. The concern for local residents in part relates to their reliance for domestic supply on groundwater drawn from the underlying Paskapoo aquifer. Those in charge of the project appear aware of the need for public acceptance of geological storage of CO2; however there are concerns that must be addressed.
The selection of the U of C’s Rothney-Cross parcel appears to be by reason of economy; both in terms of proximity to the university and the avoidance of land-use fees. But should these be the defining criteria? The Priddis-Millarville corridor, while still primarily agricultural, is now well developed residentially, with numerous acreages. Many of these acreage owners rely on groundwater for their domestic needs. Furthermore, while the U of C will likely take great care to confirm the suitability of the underlying rock strata before injecting any CO2, there is a risk. It is a risk the community takes, not the U of C, or indeed the prime beneficiaries — the oil and gas industry and the Alberta government.
The argument in favour of the project is that should any injected CO2 gas migrate upwards, it will be stopped by the basal layer aquifer. Escaping gas would thus be unable to contaminate upper level aquifers from which the community draws groundwater, or indeed reach the surface.
This is all well and good, but is any such risk worth taking? Would it not be far more sensible to locate this project in a sparsely populated area that does not have a major underlying aquifer, one which so many Albertans rely on, not just those living in and around Priddis-Millarville?
On Jan. 27, Foothills MD council will be briefed by the U of C on the Priddis CCS monitoring project. The fact that this project carries serious implications invites really hard questioning. Foremost being safeguards that there is absolutely no risk of either groundwater or surface contamination.
Nicholas Worthington
Millarville
