Here’s a couple of interesting articles regarding progress in Quebec. Imho, this part of Molopo’s portfolio is definitely worth holding.
17th November 2011 Questerre Energy Corporation released today an abstract of a research paper entitled "The Stability of Fault Systems in the South Shore of the St. Lawrence Lowlands of Quebec – Implications for Shale Gas Development" written by John Brodylo, professional geologist with a double major in geology and geophysics; Jean-Yves Chatellier, professional geologist and PhD in structural geology; Guillaume Matton, PhD in mineral resources and Michel Rheault, professional geologist with a Master's degree in remote sensing.
John Brodylo, Vice President of Exploration with Questerre, presented the preliminary findings of his paper at the Canadian Unconventional Resources Conference yesterday in Calgary. The paper was undertaken to address areas of concern raised in the BAPE report.
Michael Binnion, President of Questerre commented, "The paper adds to an already substantial amount of independent data from various sources indicating that hydraulic fracturing of deep shales does not impact fresh water aquifers. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation, the Suzuki Foundation, the University of Texas, the Groundwater Protection Council and others all state that hydraulic fracturing, when undertaken at safe distances from aquifers, does not negatively impact fresh water." Binnion added, "There are real risks and impacts regarding shale gas development just as there are real benefits. We want to move away from the myth that hydraulic fracturing contaminates groundwater and discuss the real issues of well construction, cementing and water handling at surface."
Some key preliminary findings include: # There is considerable geophysical data available including 2-D seismic, aeromagnetic surveys, lineament analysis, well logs and earthquake data that can be used to assess the impact of hydraulic fracturing on fault systems # Natural earthquakes in Quebec are almost always below 5 on the Richter scale and usually occur at depths of 10-25 kilometres, whereas hydraulic fracturing of the Utica takes place at depths of 1-2 kilometres. # Micro-seismic events (mini-earthquakes) like those produced by fracturing the Utica Shale (-4 to -3 on the Richter scale) release less energy than that of a brick hitting the ground from a height of 1 meter # Subsurface stresses and pore fluid pressures are the two most important factors governing fault failure or fault reactivation. Hydraulic fracturing does not involve large enough fluid volumes to activate a fault in a stable subsurface stress regime
The BAPE report recommends that the government map the major fault systems in Québec. "We have 30 years of data which allows for the most accurate mapping of the fault network characterizing the area of the Cambro-Ordovician deposits, the area being targeted for shale gas development," explains Brodylo. "Although the paper is not finalized, preliminary findings show that the geology and inherent fault stability in the St. Lawrence Lowlands means the risks of fracture stimulation used in natural gas development in the St. Lawrence Lowlands reactivating surface faults and affecting shallow aquifers are remote."
The study is limited to mapping fault systems, evaluating rock stresses, comparing seismic events and what the implications are for hydraulic fracturing operations. The paper focuses on geological factors that could pose risks to groundwater and it does not include the engineering of wells which is a major factor in protecting groundwater.
Questerre undertook this paper as part of its ongoing commitment to transparency. In spring of 2010, the company became the first in Quebec to publicly disclose the additives it uses in hydraulic fracturing and it also released a French language video that explains the horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing processes used in shale gas development.
Huntingdon launches into shale gas November 15, 2011
The Town of Huntingdon, in Montérégie, began water treatment fracturing of shale gas. After months of tests and scientific analysis, the municipality entered into environmental testing phase.
"We started early this morning (Tuesday) the first discharge of water basins fracturing of this Directive at our plant in wastewater treatment, and everything is running normally.
The City entered in the gas industry and this is just the beginning, "said the local mayor, Stephane Gendron, in a press release.
The municipal authorities are currently negotiating with several companies in Calgary to provide the water treatment process of fracturing from the various sites for exploration of shale gas in Quebec.
"Our Huntingdon plant is one of the most powerful in Quebec and is one of eleven treatment plants capable of receiving sewage water fracturing. What we dump now has an environmental charge much less than that of textiles at the time (until 2005). It is thus a clear economic benefits for the city and taxpayers, "said Sullivan.
In the months and years ahead, the City will provide the necessary amounts of water to various fracturing operations and exploration for the gas industry in Quebec, and this, "at a competitive rate."
"Our filtration plant can easily provide this industry on a daily basis, more than 20 million liters without affecting the needs of citizens and the current industrial needs of the municipality. We see this as a true blue gold that will allow us to recover income levels similar to those we have known at the time of the textile mills, "said the mayor.
The Town of Huntingdon is prepared to work with the provincial government and various private companies to promote the exploitation of shale gas at local and regional levels.
In a brief Gendron that the mayor himself has filed a year ago at the public hearings of the Commission of Inquiry into the sustainable development of shale gas industry in Quebec, the municipality claimed that it "n is not against the development of shale gas development in their region or even on its territory provided that the operation is done in strict compliance with the environment and affected communities.”
