Low levels of methane were recorded in about half of the private wells surveyed in a recent well water quality study commissioned by the New Brunswick Energy Institute.
The research, carried out by the University of New Brunswick (UNB) was the first of its kind in the province and gives scientists a baseline to use going forward.
“It is purely a fact gathering study,” said Diana Loomer, project manager and UNB PHD candidate.
“Just looking at what is there and then if anything should change in the future, you have a solid foundation.”
What researchers found was that around half of the 434 wells in the study had low levels of methane which they say are typically not concerning.
“Fifty-five per cent of the wells tested did have detectable methane but 99 per cent of the wells tested had methane concentrations below ten milligrams per litre,” said Loomer. “What these results are indicating is that low levels of methane certainly can be naturally occurring.”
The study began in 2014 and was completed earlier this year.
Four areas were surveyed — Central, Kent, Shediac and Sussex — with over 6,100 square kilometres covered.
The locations were chosen based on oil and gas leases that were granted in the areas by the government in February 2014.
Only Sussex had previously seen development, however Loomer says the wells closest to the McCully gas field didn’t show higher methane concentrations.
“What we’re finding more is that the bedrock geology that is in the area where these rocks host these oil and gas reserves … that’s where you see the higher methane concentrations,” Loomer said.
In a statement the Department of Energy and Resource Development said they haven’t been given the results of the study yet and are not in a position to comment on it.
The Conservation Council of New Brunswick was also contacted for comment, but say they are currently reviewing the report and have no comment at this time.
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