Norton residents protest seismic testing

The RCMP was called in to diffuse a protest in Norton on Monday as residents were blocking an energy company’s access to test for natural gas.

Residents of Teakles Road in the southern New Brunswick community are upset that Windsor Energy has been given approval to perform seismic testing in the area.

Windsor Energy is testing in the Norton area to see if there is natural gas trapped in underground shale.

The handful of residents began protesting two days ago.

Shirley Teakles said the group was hoping to stop the company from going forward with the testing.

Trevor Carson, another Teakles Road resident, said he’s concerned if natural gas deposits are discovered in the area the company will damage the environment in the process of extracting it.

"I have to live here. Everybody else gets to go home, except for me and the residents of this street," Carson said.

The RCMP were called on Monday to move Carson and his neighbours out of the way.

RCMP Sgt. Bruce Reid said he spoke with the protesters, outlining the concerns with their decision to block the road.

"After explaining that to them and advising them of the law, they co-operated," Reid said.

Carson said he was told to move his vehicle or face possible charges of blocking a right of way, disturbing the peace, and public mischief.

But he contends it's the company that's not playing by the rules. Carson said some of the testing was done too close to some homes and a well.

Khalid Amin, the president and chief executive officer of Windsor Energy, denies the company has tested too closely to any homes or wells.

Amin said residents' fears about seismic testing are unfounded.

He said it's perfectly safe and the company will pay for any damage if it occurs.

Reversed decision

Norton council had originally prohibited Windsor Energy from performing the testing in the area.

However, the council reversed that decision in a public meeting that residents said they were not informed of.

The village mayor said the seismic testing was approved with certain provisions.

For instance, by allowing the company to test in specific areas in the community, Windsor Energy will not be testing close to people's backyards.

Many people who live around the test sites are concerned about the safety of their wells. The village has also put in place provisions that would force the company to pay for any damage testing may cause, according to Mayor Wendy Alcorn.

Carson said he is not swayed by the village's response to the testing controversy.

He said he plans to look into a possible civil suit and vows to fight any future seismic testing.