Central Alberta farmers concerned by fracking operation's use of water
A number of farmers near Rimbey, Alta., are raising concerns about a nearby hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operation, saying they believe its significant use of water is having an impact on their businesses.
'The consequences on our herd, it's devastating,' said Butch Smith, who added his family has operated a bison farm in the area for three decades.
'Our animals in the feedlot — for three-and-a-half months — did zero gain on full feed, our yearlings, which is the way we make our living.'
Smith and others have voiced concerns ever since Calgary-based Spartan Delta Corp. began work on its fracking operation last year after purchasing land to do so in the area.
The Alberta Energy Regulator describes fracking as 'a technique used to break up the rocks deep inside the earth to help get the oil and natural gas flowing,' noting the process has been used in more than 180,000 wells in the province since the 1950s.
Story continues below advertisement
Spartan Delta Corp.'s operation uses hoses to pull in water from sources that can be several kilometres away in order to feed a reservoir, which some area farmers told Global News is leaving their water sources low, drying up their pastures and making it difficult to sustain their livestock.
Get breaking National news
For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
'Nobody sees what goes on in these communities — the effect it has, the loss of livestock in these areas,' said Dustin Dial, an area farmer. 'We're having to sell off livestock because we can't water them.'
Smith said the water issues, combined with noise from the oil and gas company's construction work, also resulted in his family selling some of its herd.
'Our aquifer's not refilling,' he said. 'And I would say if they keep pumping water the way they are, we'll be out of water in no time flat — and then what do we do?'
Spartan Delta Corp. took part in a town hall with members of the community in the fall and another public meeting that will involve the AER is set to take place next month to talk about the issues.
In a statement to Global News, a company spokesperson said it 'strictly adheres to all regulations — as set out by the Alberta Energy Regulator and Alberta Environment.'
Spartan Delta Corp. noted that it has already been audited 39 times to ensure it is complying with its responsibilities.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Global News
39 minutes ago
- Global News
Demand is surging for the BC SPCA's pet food bank, but donations are falling
As the cost of living for British Columbians continues to rise, the BC SPCA says it is experiencing a decline in donations for one of its key services. In a recent press release, the organization reported that the drop is affecting all their animal centres across the province. As of May 31, 2025, the BC SPCA's pet food bank program provided 298,681 meals to pets in need, which they report is an increase of 4,180 meals compared to the previous year. 1:39 Charlie's Pet Food Bank cares for pets in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside In total, they have fed more than 20,000 vulnerable animals in B.C. this year. Story continues below advertisement 'We completely sympathize that people's ability to donate is difficult right now with the economic challenges we are all facing,' said Diane Waters, outreach specialist for the BC SPCA. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'But without an increase in donations, we may not be able to support all the pet guardians who need the BC SPCA's help.' BC SPCA The BC SPCA shared how one client and his dog Maya were supported by Charlie's Pet Food Bank, a community initiative that improves the lives of pets in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. 'During a hard time in his life, Maya's guardian would come by to get food and supplies,' said Waters. 'He loved Maya so much; he was willing to go without (food) to feed her.' Waters expressed her concerns over guardians having to sacrifice food for themselves to feed their pets instead. Story continues below advertisement 'Nobody should have to make that difficult decision Maya's guardian was faced with,' she said. 4:04 High cost of caring for pets hitting some British Columbians hard The BC SPCA is asking the community for donations of unopened pet food and/or cash donations for their food banks. The biggest need right now is cat food and cat litter. The BC SPCA is also looking for volunteers to help collect and distribute pet goods and supplies. Donations of supplies can be dropped off at any BC SPCA animal centre. You can find out more about how to donate at the BC SPCA's website.
Global News
2 hours ago
- Global News
Burnaby RCMP called to rescue an injured hawk
It's not every day that the RCMP are called to rescue a feathered friend, but recently, one officer flew into action to save an injured hawk. On June 4, just after 1:00 a.m. a concerned citizen contacted the RCMP when they spotted the injured hawk that appeared to have been hit by vehicle. They were worried it was going to be hit again. The red-tailed hawk was rescued in the middle of the road near Hall Avenue and Kingsway in South Burnaby. Following the rescue, the officer spoke with a conservation officer and all local wildlife rehabilitation centers before transporting the injured bird to an animal emergency clinic in Langley until the OWL Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society could take the bird into its care. View image in full screen A young red-tailed hawk rescued by the Burnaby RCMP. Burnaby RCMP In a press release, the Burnaby RCMP thanked the citizen who alerted them of the injured bird as well as the medical team who are treating the bird back to good health. Story continues below advertisement 'As a police officer, you never know what you're going to encounter, or who is going to need your help on any given shift. We are very pleased that an officer was around to aid this hawk in her time of need,' said Const. Tyler Hawkins from Burnaby RCMP's Strike Force. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'This is clearly a 'wing-win' situation, where the only feathers ruffled were from the hawk as she was being removed from the road by our officer,' said S/Sgt. Steve Eagles with Burnaby RCMP's community programs. 'We are glad this hawk is safe and getting the care she needs, and we would also like to acknowledge the hawk-eyed member of the public who made us aware of the injured bird.' The hawk is now on its road to recovery at the wildlife rehabilitation centre in Delta.
Global News
3 hours ago
- Global News
Hundreds of Toronto students walk out of class after beloved principal shuffled by board
Hundreds of students at Rosedale Heights School of the Arts have walked out of class in support of their beloved principal, who is being transferred to another school. On Thursday., June, 12 students at the high school located at 711 Bloor St. E. walked out of class to protest the transfer of the school's long-serving principal, Barrie Sketchley. On Monday, the Toronto District School Board sent a letter home to students that, along with a series of principal and vice-principal promotions and transfers, Sketchley would not be moving schools for the following school year. 'Principal Barrie Sketchley will transfer to Principal at Harbor C.I., where he will be an outstanding addition to the school following the departure of their Principal,' the letter reads. Sketchley founded the Rosedale school 33 years ago. A letter from parents opposing the move said he built the school into one of Toronto's most inclusive and creative high schools. Story continues below advertisement Sketchley, 82, is one of the longest-serving principals at the school board, the letter says. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'After so many years at RHSA, Barrie Sketchley should be able to retire from Rosedale, not some other school that he might lead for just a year or two,' said Katrina Matheson, chair of the school's advisory council. The parents claim a policy which allows parents to participate in the decision of principal transfers was not followed. Matheson said that the students are devastated by the news, adding it will also impact the students at the school he is being transferred to when Sketchley retires two years after the move. The devastation was made clear on Thursday when the students spoke out against the move during the demonstration, with one describing Sketchley as a fierce supporter of the arts who always shows up for the students. 'Removing him now just before retirement is not only unfair, it's unjust,' the student said as a crowd of hundreds chanted Sketchley's name. The letter sent from the school board also praised Sketchley for his years of service, saying he is a 'caring, dedicated and exceptional leader who has touched the lives of thousands of students and families over his decades-long principalship at Rosedale Heights.' The school's advisory council is encouraging parents who are concerned about the transfer to reach out to the Minister of Education Paul Calandra. Story continues below advertisement 'The ill-timed transfer of Barrie Sketchley against the wishes of parents and students speaks to the existence of larger governance failures within the TDSB. We are counting on Minister Calandra to ensure that educators, parents and students are treated with dignity by the school board,' Matheson said.
