Repeat human-induced earthquakes rattle ranchers in northeastern B.C.
Bo Hedges’ parents have called their ranch north of Fort St. John, B.C., home for nearly half a century, where they have operated the Dead Horse Creek Cattle Company. Nestled near their log home is a natural spring that has been a source of tranquility and sustenance for their livestock. However, the serenity of their surroundings has been shattered by a series of earthquakes triggered by the natural gas industry’s operations, leaving the elderly couple in a state of constant fear.
During a visit to the ranch a few years ago, Bo Hedges experienced the jolting impact of an earthquake firsthand. The earth trembled beneath their feet, and the house shook violently, causing a loud bang that reverberated through the night. Since then, a string of earthquakes ranging from magnitude 3.1 to 4.3 have rattled the Peace Region of northeastern B.C., with some directly linked to fracking activities.
Fracking, a process that involves injecting liquid and sand into drill holes at high pressure to release trapped gas, has been identified as the cause of the most powerful quake on February 11. The seismic activity has not only affected the structural integrity of the Hedges’ home but has also disrupted the flow of the spring that sustains their ranch. What was once a gushing water source has dwindled to a mere trickle, posing a threat to the well-being of their livestock.
The impact of the earthquakes extends beyond structural damage, as evidenced by the premature birth of calves on the ranch following the seismic events. Bo Hedges reported a surge in calf births, indicating a potential link between the stress induced by the earthquakes and the early deliveries. While the scientific community grapples with understanding the relationship between seismic activity and livestock birthing, the Hedges family remains vigilant in caring for their animals amidst the ongoing tremors.
The lack of transparency and communication from B.C.’s energy regulator has added to the Hedges’ frustration, as they navigate the uncertainties brought on by the escalating fracking activities near their property. Despite the regulator’s reassurances of monitoring seismic events and enforcing operational halts in case of significant earthquakes, the family remains apprehensive about the long-term impact on their ranch and livelihood.
As the ground thaws and the family assesses the damage caused by the earthquakes, they are faced with the daunting prospect of drilling a new well to ensure a reliable water source for their livestock. The resilience of the Hedges family is put to the test as they navigate the uncharted territory of seismic disruptions in their once peaceful abode.
In a region teeming with natural beauty and abundant resources, the Hedges family’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of industrial activities in rural areas. As they strive to protect their land, their animals, and their way of life, they call for greater accountability and proactive measures from regulatory bodies to safeguard the well-being of all residents, both human and animal, in the face of seismic uncertainties.
