Calgary-based energy giant EnCana (TSX:ECA) was likely the intended target of three gas industry bombings in northern B.C., the RCMP said Wednesday, publicly speculating for the first time about what may have motivated the attacks.

The Mounties also released video surveillance images of eight people they want to interview as they investigate the bombings of two pipelines and a wellhead in October near Dawson Creek/>/>, not far from the Alberta-B.C. boundary.

The explosions were preceded by a letter that called oil and gas companies, and EnCana in particular, "terrorists" and demanded an immediate halt to operations.

Until now, police have not speculated about a potential motive other than to say the bombings and the letter appeared to be related.

A possible motive?

But Sgt. Tim Shields told a news conference Wednesday that investigators believe EnCana was specifically targeted.

"Investigators are confident that the person or persons exploding these bombs is from the local area and has a grievance with EnCana," he said in a prepared statement, asking the public to speak up if they know anyone who has expressed anger about the company.

"They will have talked about those grievances to someone, possibly advocating or threatening violent action. This person will have knowledge of and possibly access to explosives."

EnCana spokesman Mike McAllister appealed directly to the bomber Wednesday, inviting whoever is involved to stop their attacks and contact the company directly if they have concerns about local oil and gas development.

"We do not believe you intend the loss of life, but you must understand that a continuation of the bombings dramatically raises the danger of that occurring," McAllister said in a statement.

"It is apparent from your letter that you have grave concerns about the course of energy development in the Tomslake area. I urge you to contact EnCana to discuss your concerns."

No one was injured in the blasts -- which occurred on Oct. 12, 16 and 31 -- but two pipelines were damaged and there was a small leak of toxic sour gas at a wellhead.

The blasts put a spotlight on local concerns over the rapid growth of the industry in the region, particularly projects containing sour gas.

The gas contains hydrogen sulphide, which can be lethal if breathed even in small amounts.

A booming industry

B.C. has more than 4,000 producing oil and gas wells, all in the northeastern part of the province, and the industry has seen massive expansion.

In 1996, it was worth about $370 million in revenues to the province. By 2006, that figure had jumped to $2.5 billion, mostly related to natural gas projects.

The threatening letter was mailed to local media on Oct. 7 -- just days before the first bombing -- from a Shoppers Drug Mart in Dawson Creek/>/>.

There are eight people on the store's surveillance footage who mailed letters that day and who police have been unable to identify.

Shields said investigators need to speak to those people and he appealed for public help in the case.

"Protecting the person responsible by remaining silent, or failing to notify police of your suspicions, only enables the bomber to continue," he said.

Fighting crime online

The Mounties have also launched a website -- DawsonCreekBombings.com -- which contains the surveillance camera images, as well as other information about the case.

The incidents are reminiscent of the bombings and vandalism that plagued Alberta/>/>'s oilpatch in the 1990s.

Alberta/>/> farmer Wiebo Ludwig, who blamed the industry for hurting his family, his land and his livestock, was convicted of several charges and spent nearly two years in prison.

Police said they have spoken with Ludwig as part of their investigation, but don't consider him a suspect.