The community has a number of reasons to be cautiously optimistic about BlackPearl Resources Inc.’s plan to operate a steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) oil recovery project 50 km northwest of Wandering River.
Granted, the project is still in the conceptual stages and it’s a long way from becoming a reality.
First, the company must receive regulatory approval, which is a complex and lengthy process.
But the company, which hosted an open house at the Grassland Community Hall to share information about the project, is clearly serious about making it work, and that should be a source of excitement.
BlackPearl is aiming for a production capacity of 80,000 barrels per day of crude bitumen. And they’re going to need a lot of help to make it happen.
Scores of workers will be needed on the project, starting with construction and continuing with its operation.
Those employees, whether they’re already local or move here for the job, will have to live somewhere, either in local communities or an on-site camp. Even if they choose the latter, they’re sure to bring their dollars into town on a regular basis.
Such a project can’t help but stimulate the local economy.
Environmental concerns are natural when faced with a project like this, and such concerns will surely be addressed in the coming approval process. For now, BlackPearl is adamant the project will not use any fresh water, and those conjuring up images of the open pits associated with oil sands mining needn’t worry as the SAGD process involves the drilling of horizontal wells.
The project, if it comes to fruition, is still years away, but if and when it does, it’s sure to provide a significant and lasting boost to the local economy.
