It has recently been brought to my attention the issue of Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking) after watching the documentary Gasland; which I would like to add that although informative on the general issue of what fracking is, is seen as a biased view of the subject. Fracking is a way that the oil companies remove natural gas from the earth. In this process they use chemicals that are known carcinogens and are known to be health risks to humans if brought in contact with them and especially if ingested. They shoot these chemicals into the ground to break apart shale to get at the natural gas. The real problem though is what happens to these chemicals. They have been known to seep into the ground further and to contaminate water supplies of entire communities. This practice is taking place all over the United States right now and the terrifying part is that these companies are exempt from the clean water and air acts! Though it has been happening in the United States as well as in Canada for a while, Canada has much stricter policies to protect citizens.
Upon hearing that Fracking was going to begin in my province, close to where I live it made me really upset. Although the companies here must test the water before, during, and after the drilling and fracking it still does not solve the fact that they have no safe solution for the earth or the public as to what they will do with the toxic and radio active fluid after. Perhaps put it in our rivers? or spray it into the air we breathe to evaporate? This is not something I want for my province, country, continent, or world for that matter. Apologies for the rant, but this is a cause that is close to my heart, and home, and affects many other people in the process…maybe even you.
for more information on Hydraulic Fracturing check out the ecology action centres pdf information page by clicking on the post title or the link below.
http://www.ecologyaction.ca/files/images/file/Coastal/Fracking_Factsheet.pdf
To watch Gasland (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) heres the link:
http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/gasland/
keep our planet and neighbours safe!
Au revoir
-brimi
