What is happening in the Valley?
What is hydraulic fracturing
(hydro-fracking)?
Shale gas extraction uses a new technique called hydraulic fracturing, which allows a company to drill down and then horizontally under the ground (up to 2.5 kilometers). Large amounts of water, mixed with sand and chemicals are pushed into the well at very high pressure, creating cracks or fractures in the shale, which makes the gas available for removal. France, South Africa and New York State have moratoriums (no activity and more time to learn about the process) on shale gas exploration until more is known about the risks of this type of drilling. Nova Scotia has a temporary moratorium on Shale Gas exploration/drilling (reported on CBC Radio’s The Current on May 12, 2011).
What happens if Shale Gas is found?
If the seismic testing shows that there is geology that may contain shale gas, then drilling and hydro-fracking could be carried out to extract the gas. Some of the concerns and potential risks are:
*** Large volumes of clean water are used in the shale gas extraction process (hydraulic fracturing), 4 + million gallons of water per session, with up to 20 fracks per well. This may greatly impact our local watershed and wildlife.
*** Large volumes of contaminated water are produced. This water contains a mixture of sand and unknown, “secret” chemicals, which need to be dealt with safely. Not all the contaminated water comes back to the surface. This leads to the question, where does it go? Our current provincial regulations are not adequately equipped to deal with the safe handling of this contaminated water.
*** Large tankers carrying heavy loads of water and toxic chemicals pose a risk to the environment, human and wildlife health.
*** Provincial safeguards are not enough to protect and/or compensate landowners who are impacted by spills, wells going dry or the contamination of well water, associated with these operations.
*** There are very few studies available on environmental risks and impacts due to shale gas extraction and horizontal hydro-fracking.
*** Seismic lines cut swaths through private land will impact wildlife
*** Hundreds of trucks and heavy equipments will produce dust and noise, impacting quality of life for residents.
*** There are also quality of life issues related to dynamiting and diesel generators creating noise pollution for residents and wildlife.
*** Are NB roads and bridges built to withstand a significant increase in industrial traffic?
*** NB-Department of Environment (DOE) does not have enough staff to monitor activities and properly study the issues; there are very few studies to guide them.
*** There will be few local jobs created from gas development; the work is not long-term.
*** Crown land access will allow the use of “horizontal drilling” underground. This horizontal drill could reach under private land, causing drilling related risks, even where private land owners decide not to allow companies to drill on their land.
These points have been made in media reports, example: CBC Radio, and studies, example: Duke University, Post Carbon Institute.
For more information on shale gas:
READ:
www.conservationcouncil.ca - Shale Gas Link
Google: fracking
Hughes, J. D. May 2011. Will Natural Gas Fuel American in the 21st Century? Post Carbon Institute. Available online @ www.postcarbon.org
Jackson, R. et al. 2011. Research and Policy Recommendations for Hydraulic Fracturing and Shale-Gas Extraction. Duke University. Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences. Retrieved from www.pnas.org
Osborn, S. et al. 2011. Methane contamination of drinking water accompanying gas-well drilling and hyraulic fracturing. Duke Univeristy. Retrieved from www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1100682108.
WATCH:
The documentary “GASLAND” by Josh Fox
(gaslandthemovie.com or on Facebook)
“The Facts of Fracking”
by Dr. Anthony Ingaffea
“What You Need to Know about Natural Gas Production”
CONTACT:
Your neighbours because this is happening quickly & not enough people know about it.
Your local MLA with concerns and questions:
Constituency Office: Southwest Miramichi
137 Main Street
Blackville, New Brunswick
E9B 1B9
Canada
137 Main Street
Blackville, New Brunswick
E9B 1B9
Canada
Jake Stewart MLA
Phone: (506) 843-7729
The Minister Of Natural Resources
Hon. Bruce Northrup
Phone: (506) 453-2510
The Minister of Health
Hon. Madeleine Dubé
Phone: (506) 735-2528
The Minister of Environment
Hon. Margaret Ann Blaney
Phone; (506) 444-5136
The Premier of New Brunswick
Premier David Alward
Telephone: (506) 453-2144
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