Episode Details

In this episode, The Gravity Well changed things up. Mark Dorin, of the Polluter Pay Federation, Colin Smith, and I co-host a few groups facing gravel pit activities in their communities. Firstly, you hear about 13 wetlands being destroyed, though a request for the activities to cease (having a stay) and an appeal is underway to protect the fourth largest Spring in Canada, Big Hill Springs in Rocky View County.

Then we hear about the eight gravel pits in South McDougal Flats, Mountain View County which have been instructed, by the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), to allow water trucks to such groundwater from the gravel pit sites when water levels are dropping by meters across the 400 homes in the area, and six local water wells have tested positive for elevated toxins. Water from the pits is being hauled away for hydraulic fracturing “frac’ing” operations for Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) wells in Central Alberta.

Asides:

* Water used for frac’ing is being removed from the ecosystem, even the water that returns is disposed of. Using freshwater for frac’ing is not good for production, either. It introduces bacteria, degrades the gas/oil (introduces H2S), and lowers production rates/revenue.

* Water well levels dropping by meters is a common concern across Southern Alberta beginning in the spring of 2023.

Before Mark offers his reflections, we hear about the 30+ year battle with gravel pits in Medicine Flats in Red Deer County. There are at least two wells with known turbidity and contamination in the areas, and many residents are concerned about new gravel pits being proposed. How their local Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) candidate, their provincial representative, assured residents that they would not proceed with further gravel extraction. How the day after the May 29, 2023 election, the Provincial government approved a new gravel pit!

Welcome to The Gravity Well where we break down heavy ideas into small buckets anyone can handle! Our mission is simple. To set aside our differences and collaborate with others through conversation and process. Together we can face our dilemmas and make the world better for all.

In the spirit of truth, we acknowledge we are settlers on Blackfoot Treaty 7 and Metis Region 3. We take reconciliACTION by seeking the wisdom of elders and principled individuals who aim to restore water, air, land, life, and community. A healthy living relationship with our homeland and each other is our guide.

Listen to Rocky View County Gravel Pit Neighbours

Muriel:

My issue is with the gravel pits next to Big Hills Springs Provincial Park, we live right adjoining, practically, the prospective gravel pits and our water could be compromised. Hillstone has an operating gravel pit. It’s been operating for some years, monitoring and sending in reports that are not being questioned or made to report. It makes us wonder what’s going to happen with the others [proposed gravel mines]. There are several [gravel pits] in a row, about six that are immediately next to the headwaters of the Big Hill Springs Provincial Park. The one that has been approved and is under appeal right now, both by the Big Hill Springs Preservation Society, myself, and others. It’s 800 meters away from the headwaters of the spring. These springs feed the Big Hill Creek, which then empties into the Bow River, we’re talking pristine water “the 4th Largest Spring in Canada”. It holds this ranking, it’s a very important spring, and Rocky View [council] said, “Go ahead.”

[New gravel pit applications] went forw