Oil and Gas development, logging, mines, large dams having alarming impact

Oil and Gas development, logging,mines, large dams and other industrial infrastructure are having an alarming impact on natural areas and wildlife habitat in the Peace Region of northeastern British Columbia, reads a new study released by the David Suzuki Foundation and Global Forest Watch Canada. Scientists commissioned by the foundation analyzed 40 years of satellite images to track the growing patchwork of clear cuts, oil wells, fracking operations and thousands of kilometres of seismic lines, roads and oil and natural gas pipelines that crisscross the 56,000-square-kilometre region of sensitive boreal forest that is home to threatened populations of caribou and grizzly bears. The study found that concessions to industry are widespread and often multilayered in the same area. As a consequence, more than 65 per cent of the region has felt the impact of industrial activities and little intact wildlife habitat remains, especially in the eastern Peace Region. “Our study found that there are 16,267 oil and gas wells, 28,587 kilometres of pipeline, 45,293 kilometres of roads, and 116,725 kilometres of seismic lines packed into the Peace Region. If laid end to end, the roads, pipelines and seismic lines would wrap around the planet an astonishing four and a half times,” said Peter Lee, who led the research study. Local First Nations and the foundation are concerned that further expansion of the industrial footprint in the region will cause irrevocable ecological harm. Particular concern exists over a proposed third major hydroelectric project, at Site C, near Fort St. John on the Peace River. If built, the dam would flood 3,173 ha of prime Class 1 and 2 farmland which has sustained local farming communities for generations. “In 2010, First Nations from across the north travelled to Victoria to deliver a joint declaration to the B.C. government asking that the cumulative impacts of industrial development be looked at before Site C was ever considered,” said Chief Roland Willson of West Moberly First Nation. “Today’s study confirms our worst fears that our lands and waters are being devastated by rampant industrial development. Site C will only further this damage.”