Fracturing the Prairies: An examination of small-scale, high-frequency energy development and cumulative effects management

Hydraulic fracturing is an innovative technology that has allowed for the exploitation of previously unextractable resources. The province of Saskatchewan has embraced this technology, allowing for its deployment in high-frequency with little regulation. Hydraulic fracturing is associated with many negative environmental, and human health effects, and its frequency can lead to cumulative impacts far greater than that of a single well-site. Further, the area in which Saskatchewan is employing hydraulic fracturing is an endangered landscape, inhabited by 38 federally-listed species at risk. This thesis examines the Saskatchewan case study and performs a comparative analysis of other sub-national Canadian jurisdictions’ regulatory approaches towards the technology. The analysis presents regional management frameworks as a ‘best practice’ and suggests the lack of public opposition as a reason Saskatchewan has taken a minimalist regulatory approach. Further, this thesis identifies adoptable frameworks and highlights how such a framework would benefit Saskatchewan without hindering the economy.M.A