LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
- June 10, 2008
To The Editor,
Editor;
I've just recently learned that on the evening of May 28, at a public event about coalbed gas (CBG), a chair meant for me was conspicuously empty.
Due to a communication error, I did not receive my invitation in the mail. I deeply regret that I was not available to answer your questions and respond to your concerns on Petrobank's behalf.
That said, over the past few weeks, we have heard (and read) about some community members' concerns over Petrobank's proposal to drill two more CBG evaluation wells outside of the Town of Princeton.
Many of these concerns are about understanding the nature of CBG and how it might affect the local community. Since we first started working in Princeton in 2004 with the drilling of a single CBG evaluation well, we have taken pride in our goal to be open, honest and constantly available to explain CBG and the details of our small program.
Through public meetings with members of the community and government, advertising in the local newspapers, and active communication with the local media, we have shared our plans and proposals every step of the way. A fact-focused, positive dialogue with the community is important to us.
For information about CBG in Canada, we continue to encourage people to go to the Canadian Society for Unconventional Gas at
www.csug.ca. The government of British Columbia also has clear and strict rules that regulate CBG and water protection in BC, and their website located at
www.coalbedgas.gov.bc.ca can also be a valuable source of information.
But, for information about Petrobank's CBG project near Princeton, we continue to maintain a toll-free number (1-866-764-4571), e-mail address
(PrincetonCBG@petrobank.com) and website
(www.petrobank.com/princeton) so that people can always contact us with questions and concerns.
During our last open house in Princeton, we heard legitimate and reasonable questions about water, land use and project specifics. Many concerns, especially those raised in recent letters to the editor, are based on old CBG projects that occured in other places such as the United States. CBG in BC is different and so is Petrobank's approach to this project. We hope our track record speaks for itself and that you accept our commitments.
So, please, if you have any questions or concerns about our proposed project, contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Gregg Smith
Vice President Canada
Petrobank Energy & Resources Ltd.
