Water contamination one of shale industry’s biggest risks, says study CHRIS MORRIS Legislature Bureau May 1, 2014 FREDERICTON• A highly anticipated Environment Canada study on the environmental impacts of shale gas extraction has identified water contamination as one of the biggest risks from the industry. The report, Harnessing Science and Technology to Understand the Environmental Impacts of Shale Gas Extraction, was prepared for the federal government by a panel of 14 scientists, including seven who are members of the New Brunswick Energy Institute. Environmentalists in New Brunswick already are reacting to the report, released Thursday, including the Conservation Council of New Brunswick which has raised concerns about potential impacts of shale gas exploration, especially water contamination. “This report is welcome validation of the concerns that many communities, community groups, unions, medical professionals, churches and others have been voicing but brushed off as misinformed by decision makers,” said Stephanie Merrill, director of the conservation council. The panel of scientists states that water contamination from leakage around improperly sealed well bores and migration through geological fractures, poses the largest risk from the industry. The report finds public concerns about hydraulic fracking are valid because there is not enough monitoring of the effects of injecting chemicals and sand deep underground the fracture the rock and release natural gas. The scientists say governments and the shale gas industry need to do more research to reassure Canadians who are concerned about potential environment impacts, especially on groundwater. Energy Minister Craig Leonard and Opposition Liberal Leader Brian Gallant will comment on the newly-released report on Thursday afternoon. Gallant has stated that this report – as well as a second report by the United States Environmental Protection Agency not slated to be completed until 2016 – is critical in informing his position on whether shale gas development should go ahead in New Brunswick. Gallant has said the two studies will ultimately aid in answering questions the Liberals have on the potential health and environmental risks of hydraulic fracturing. “We want more information to be able to fully understand the risks to our water and environment and we also want to fully understand any potential economic benefit,” Gallant said recently.
Posted on: Thu, 01 May 2014 16:50:01 +0000
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