A TranscCanada Corp. subsidiary has been ordered by the National Energy Board to stop drilling immediately after an Athabasca River spill allowed a substance that is potentially toxic to get into the water. The subsidiary, Nova Gas Transmission Ltd., has had 4 different incidents regarding water contamination in the river, and one occurred last month in October while the other 3 happened this month according to Darin Barter, who is the spokesman for the NEB. River bank erosion was also a concern in addition to the toxic substance spill and resulting water contamination. An investigation into the spill is underway by the NEB and the agency is trying to determine the amount of drilling fluid released and the exact chemical makeup of these fluids.

When discussing the Athabasca River spill and the National Energy Board order to stop drilling Barter explained that “There is the potential within that drilling mud where the additives aren’t approved and they may be toxic.” No wildlife in the area have been affected or harmed so far, and the the Alberta Environmental Department and the federal Fisheries and Environment ministries are also taking part in the investigation. According to the NEB the company in question failed to adhere to the environmental protection plan in place, and that means a lack of compliance. Mark Cooper, the spokesperson for TransCanada, tried to downplay concerns and stated “While great care and attention goes into preventing this from occurring, the released drilling muds were composed of bentonite clay and water and do not pose an issue for humans or wildlife. TransCanada responded quickly and voluntarily shut down drilling activities, and notified the appropriate provincial and federal government agencies. We are working with regulators and government agencies, and will not resume drilling before they approve our ongoing plans. These plans will also identify the completion of any required environmental assessments and testing.” Do you think the NEB should allow drilling to continue? Why do you feel this way?