| Sour well rejected
The Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) has rejected a controversial application from Calgary-based Polaris Resources to drill a sour gas well in the Whaleback region near Maycroft.
The application was strongly opposed by environmental groups and some local ranchers because the proposed gas well would have been in an ecological sensitive area.
The EUB said it felt the application was not in the public interest.
The body listed off several concerns including "the company’s inability to provide detailed information about mitigation of potential environmental effects, the company’s emergency response plan, the company’s overall ability to deal with challenges presented by this well, certain technical aspects of well application and ineffective communication and consultation with the community."
Alderman battle
A group of citizens has filed a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission over the City of Calgary’s use of the term alderman.
The group, comprised of five women and five men in Calgary, says the term is sexist and outdated.
"It personally offends us," says spokesperson Mary Valentich a Calgary social work professor. "We see it as an issue of gender equity. We think people should be treated fairly."
In September a motion to change alderman to councillor was defeated by city council. Valentich says the group felt a human rights complaint was the next logical step.
"Frankly this is an issue from the ’70s when sexist language became an issue," she says.
The Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission hasn’t responded yet to the complaint.
Bighorn flights
Environmental groups are pleased that Icefield Helicopter Tours will not be allowed to increase the number of helicopters flying into a heliport close to sensitive wilderness in the Bighorn Wildland.
Last week Clearwater County’s Subdivision and Development Appeal Board refused Rimrock Holdings Inc. request to increase the number of helicopters that could use its heliport.
However, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, the Bighorn Country Wildlands Coalition and the Bow Valley Naturalists say they’re concerned about the helicopter company still being allowed to conduct flights into Banff National Park and prime protection zoned lands.
"Really the only restriction is they’re supposed to stay at least 500 feet above the ground. There’s certainly research that helicopter flights have an impact on wildlife," says Mike McIvor, a member of the Bow Valley Naturalists.
"The other major issue is the disturbance helicopters can cause (tourists) in the park"
E-recycling input
The Alberta government is asking the public for suggestions on how to deal with the growing amount of e-waste ending up in landfills.
E-waste is any electronic equipment that is thrown out, including computers or electrical appliances.
The government plans to implement an e-waste recycling program and wants input on what electronic products should be included, whether an environmental fee should be charged on certain products and how and where the materials should be collected.
To give your input call 780-427-6267 or complete a survey at www3.gov.ab.ca/env/waste/ewaste/survey.html. |
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