CALGARY - A high profile struggle between ranchers, aboriginal groups, environmentalists and the former PetroCanada over sour gas development on the eastern slopes of the southern Rockies has come to a head, with provincial regulators approving the 11-well project.
The 161-page decision by the Energy Resources Conservation Board, released mid-afternoon Tuesday, also laid out 15 conditions on the Sullivan Creek application that included tightening emergency planning procedures and implementing enhanced environmental protection measures.
The decision wrapped up years of regulatory processes that culminated in January 2009 after almost three months of public hearings.
Landowner and conservationist groups have battled the project for the past three years, saying the development of 11 sour gas wells, corresponding batteries and pipelines would irreparably damage the region's fragile ecosystem. They also were concerned about the possibility of a well blow out endangering residents in the area.
More coverage to follow.
domeara@theherald.canwest.com
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