Anti-shale gas group suing New Brunswick government

The New Brunswick Anti-Shale Gas Alliance and three citizens are suingthe provincial government overplans to develop the industry in New Brunswick.

The alliance, which represents22 community organizations, and the three other plaintiffs,filed a notice of action and statement of claim with the Court of Queen's Bench in Saint John on Monday, alleging Charter of Rights and Freedoms violations.

They are calling for a moratorium on the development of "unconventional oil and gas exploration" until the government can establish "beyond a reasonable doubt and with scientific certaintythat it will not contribute to climate change, nor to the contamination of the water, air and land use which causes harm to the health of the plaintiffs and their future generations."

Meanwhile, they contend the government should divert the social, political and economic resources currently at its disposal for unconventional oil and gas development into an energy supply system that is based upon renewable energy sources instead.

The provincial government has 20 days to respond.

The group hinted during a news conference in Moncton on Monday that additional lawsuits against the province by other groups may be on the horizon, but declined to elaborate.

The documents filed with the courtciteconcerns about hydraulic fracturing, alleging the process causes "serious harm to both the environment and human health," including "permanently contaminating and depleting finite clean water and air supplies for both present and future generations."

All life, including human, animal and plant life is impossible without clean uncontaminated water and air.- New Brunswick Anti-Shale Gas Alliance, statement of claim

Hydraulic fracturing,also known as hydro-fracking, involves injecting a mixture of water, air and chemicals into the earth under high pressure to fracture shale rock and release gas trapped within the rock formations.

Opponents of the shale gas industry have long arguedthehydro-frackingprocess can cause water and air pollution.

"All life, including human, animal and plant life is impossible without clean uncontaminated water and air," the alliance,James DavidEmberger, ofTaymouth, Roy L.Ries, of Harvey,and Carol Ann Ring, ofRothesay, state.

The 16-page statement of claimalso outlines concerns about leaks, spills,illegal dumping of waste water, and a disruption to rural life.

"The cumulative, negative effects on rural people's mental health, due to increased stress, anxiety, fear and depression, leads to physical health problems," the documentstates.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.

Lawsuit last resort

Embergersays the group has tried everything to get the attention of the provincial government, including petitions, demonstrations, debates and meetings.

But the Alward government has rejected repeated calls for a moratorium on shale gas, he said.

The group has now raised $100,000 through individual donors and hopes to prove to the province that shale gas extraction can cause cancer, birth defects and respiratory problems.

Larry Kowalchuk, who represents the group, saysthe government has violated theCharter rights of New Brunswickers to life, liberty and security by moving forward with shale gas exploration without consulting citizens.

"This is a free and democratic society. The Charter is important. These topics are critical now," he said.

SWN Resources Canada intends to drill four exploratory wells next year in the next phase of its exploration program for potential shale gas development in New Brunswick.

Two of the exploratory wells are planned for Kent County, in Saint-Charles and Galloway. The other two are planned for Queens County, in the vicinity of Bronston Settlement Road and the Pangburn area.

Last month, a report by 14 international experts, commissioned by Environment Canada, concluded"data about potential environmental impacts are neither sufficient nor conclusive."

The prospect of shale gas development in New Brunswick has sparked protests across the province.

A protest along Highway 11 near Rexton on Oct. 17 ended in a violent clash with police.Six RCMP vehicles were set on fire and about 40 protesters were arrested.