Regional District to Examine Health Impacts of Oil and Gas Development

It has long been argued rapid growth of the oil and gas industry in this region has outpaced an understanding of potential health impacts on the local population. In an attempt to better understand possible impacts, Northern Health commissioned a report. It subsequently took three years to be released to the public. Six months later, directors of the Peace River Regional District are now planning to take action on this report by developing a working group to investigate any potential health issues facing Northeast BC as a result of oil and gas development.

Initiated by Dr Lorna Medd in 2005, this report, released just this past January, will be at the core of the new working group. To date limited interaction has occurred in BC between all relevant agencies and the public to address this controversial issue. Medical Health Officer for the Northeast Dr Charl Badenhorst says working to find the answers will be a challenge since none of the parties are accustomed to working together.

From a health perspective, there is a data gap regarding the potential health impacts resulting from exposure to oil and gas development. Chair Karen Goodings is hoping the formation of this working group will eventually lead to some clarification on whether or not the industry has negatively affected residents in the region.

Right now Badenhorst is looking for names - individuals from key agencies who will form the working group. He is hoping to have the first meeting inside a month.  While no terms of reference have yet been decided on, one of the group's aims will be to examine the effects of rapid growth in frontier resource communities including increased rates of sexually transmitted diseases, drug and alcohol abuse.  Goodings says the key to making the working group a success will be its ability to move quickly, rather than take years to come to any conclusions or solutions.

Alicia Asquith, CJDC TV News Fort St John