FREDERICTON – The New Brunswick Energy Institute will spend more than $500,000 on a groundwater study to assess the effects of shale gas development on domestic well water.
David Besner, Interim Chair of the New Brunswick Energy Institute, says it’s clear people have concerns about their groundwater supply as it relates to resource development.
Besner says the institute will provide scientific data to provide a better understanding about water quality and conditions.
The project will be the first large scale examination of natural methane gas occurrences in private water wells and the focus will be on the potential impact on shallow groundwater from unconventional shale gas production.
The two-year study will begin in April with a final technical report to be completed in April 2016.
The four potential study regions are Sussex-Petitcodiac, St. Antoine-Shediac, Harcourt-Richibucto and Boisetown-Upper Blackville.
(The Canadian Press)