As part of the animated debate over shale gas resources, RéseauIQ released the disturbing results of an opinion poll among its members.

The poll, which was conducted by Senergis, revealed that three out of four engineers were in favour of an immediate and complete moratorium on the exploration and exploitation of shale gas resources. The engineers feel that it is premature at this time to move forward in the development of this sector, since the prerequisite conditions are lacking.

The main reason shale gas is not supported by engineers is the potential environmental impact of its exploration and exploitation. Engineers are concerned about the immense quantities of water needed for drilling, the chemical solvents that would be used and how to deal with the waste water: 12 million litres per well, or 500 tanker trucks!

Engineers also have reservations about the time allocated for BAPE to carry out its study and have strong misgivings about the government of Québec, which they suspect is primarily working on behalf of industry and not the people.

Why such urgency? Let us consider how other companies that are also considering this issue, and that have conducted large-scale, independent and comprehensive studies, have acted. Engineers must take the time needed to initiate the process properly, out of respect for the public interest and for the development of Québec, particularly as we hold multiple responsibilities in all aspects of shale gas exploration and exploitation.

Finally, RéseauIQ encourages the Government of Québec to proceed cautiously and in the proper order in assessing such a complex issue pertaining to an entirely need energy sector for the Québec of tomorrow.

I would like to thank the many members who participated in this poll!

Please read the press release (only in french).