An Upper Miramichi group is upset that seismic testing went on in the community without proper permission. (CBC)

Another anti-fracking group has come forward complaining that an oil company conducted seismic testing within the limits of a rural community without municipal council approval.

This summer, SWN Resources Canada air-dropped materials for seismic testing on a property in Upper Miramichi and began looking for shale gas.

It had that landowner's consent, but not the community's.

The anti-fracking group — the Upper Miramichi Stewardship Alliance — has sent a complaint about the incident to the government, asking for it to investigate and charge SWN.

“They went ahead and were doing their seismic testing that day. People were very shocked that it was actually happening. They had no idea, they hadn't been informed,” said Bradley Wood, a member of the group.

Following last week's admission by the government that its own regulations aren't strong enough to penalize companies that break the law, members say they wonder if anything can be done at all.

The RCMP stated it wouldn't be charging another company, Windsor Energy for exploring in Sussex without permission.

Wood said he worries about what shale gas exploration could do to water in Upper Miramichi.

He said he's even more concerned when companies break the law.

Mayor Scott Clowater said SWN made an honest mistake because of the huge size of the community. Upper Miramichi is made up of 16 communities around and including Boiestown.

“Southwest Energy — they've been here, they've apologized to us, in written form and as well as at a public meeting. They met with council. I just believe that there's nothing done intentionally,” Clowater told CBC News.

Wood argues companies like SWN have an obligation to know a community's boundaries and the province's laws.

“Well, in fact, the rural community was established four years ago and they just started exploring this year. So they had plenty of time to find out that this was actually an incorporated village,” Wood said.

“We already have regulations in place and these industries are flaunting them already. So my concern is, when they actually get into production and there's real money on the line that they're just going to do whatever they want to,” he added.

Representatives of Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup said he was unavailable for comment Wednesday, but would likely issue a statement Thursday.

Wood said the group doesn't have the funds to take the matter to court. Instead it would like to see the government come through with the tough industry regulations it has been boasting about.