Pond near Blindman River, Lacombe County, AB. (rdnewsNOW/Jordan Rein)

By Jordan Rein

In Bluffton

Meeting to focus on fresh water from Blindman for fracking use

Jul 31, 2024 | 10:11 AM

The Friends of the Blindman River invites the community to attend an upcoming meeting in Bluffton regarding freshwater use for hydraulic fracturing focusing on the Blindman River and its tributaries.

The public meeting will be held on Thursday, August 8 at 6:30 p.m. at Liberty Hall (AB-611, Bluffton).

Organizers say the meeting will include presentations from a representative from Baytex Energy, who will provide an overview of freshwater use in hydraulic fracturing operations from an industry perspective.

Additionally, officials say a representative from the Alberta Energy Regulator will be on hand to discuss current water licences and trends in the Blindman River sub-basin. The presentation will also include a summary of water licensing regulations, monitoring and enforcement on the Blindman River and surrounding surface waters.

Finally, organizers say a representative from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas will also be present and will give an update on the current Water Management Plan for the Blindman sub-basin. This is expected to include current water policies affecting upstream oil and gas, specifically hydraulic fracturing operations, and the process for creating and modifying water policies.

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At the end of the meeting, organizers say there will be a moderated question and answer period to provide attendees with further insight into freshwater use in hydraulic fracturing operations.

The public is encouraged to submit all questions in advance of the meeting in writing by Wednesday, July 31 to blindmanwateruse@gmail.com.

“The public meeting will offer attendees an in-depth view of freshwater use in hydraulic fracturing and the associated processes and approvals for water licences within the Blindman River watershed,” says Haleigh Sanderson, spokesperson for the Friends of the Blindman River. “The meeting will also share the importance of maintaining healthy water levels and river/creek ecosystems within the Blindman River sub-basin of the Red Deer River.”

ABOUT: The Friends of the Blindman River is a dedicated group of citizens committed to raising awareness about water use in hydraulic fracturing in the Blindman River watershed. We strive to drive positive action and policy change to preserve this vital resource for future generations, ensuring freshwater remains available for households, agriculture, recreational activities, and municipal and industrial use. We hope to transition into a formal watershed society.

Click here for more information on Friends of the Blindman River.

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