State Report Says Fracking Can Be Done Safely
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State environmental officials support legalizing a controversial form of drilling for natural gas, even as drilling companies are curtailing production across the country in the face of depressed prices.
The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued a draft report Friday that recommends legalizing hydraulic fracturing — commonly known as fracking — in the state.
The report comes ahead of a public hearing Tuesday night in Sanford to discuss the issue.
“After reviewing other studies and experiences in oil- and gas-producing states, DENR believes that hydraulic fracturing can be done safely as long as the right protections are in place,” the draft report said. “It will be important to have those measures in place before issuing permits for hydraulic fracturing in North Carolina’s shale formations.”
The report — and any subsequent legislation — is important to northern Moore County, which lies atop the Deep River Basin, where state geologists believe a 40-year supply of natural gas exists.
State Rep. Jamie Boles, who made a “frack-finding” trip to Pennsylvania earlier this year, said DENR’s findings echo his concerns.
“We have an opportunity to create jobs and lessen our reliance on foreign oil,” the Southern Pines Republican said after the draft report was released. “But let’s take advantage of our opportunity to do it right from the get-go and protect the environment. Let’s avoid the mistakes that have been made in other states.”
The draft report contains 20 key recommendations. For more on the story, see Sunday's edition of The Pilot.
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Comments
Toda 1 year, 2 months ago
Support of Fracking was predicted when Representative Jamie Boles and other GOP members took a trip to Pennsylvania, "Wait until the report comes back!" Well the report came back and now after article after article labels Fracking as hazardous to our water and environment. Apparently the cash handouts have finally filtered down to those decision makers to re-position their views on destroying our environment even more than already has been done.
Apparently, the damage from dumping in Aberdeen and the effect on Aberdeen Lake by chemical companies is history forgotten. Not again.
Toda 1 year, 2 months ago
It would be interesting to find out how many politicians see fracking as an investment opportunity? Insight is 50% of investment strategy. Just wait and see who jumps on board!
alladat1 1 year, 2 months ago
Well stated Toda.
RmeMP 1 year, 2 months ago
there are pro's and con's of everything we do; what's important is how much we can minimalize the risks. your vehicle brake pads contain asbestos and use lead wheel weights to balance your tires. the sun emits harmful UV rays. everything consumers do is dangerous to themselves or the environment. earth isn't "pandora" from "avatar" and never will be (hence the glamor of the movie). mother earth is just as toxic as man. there are naturally occurring deadly compounds and elements in the earth. there are measures right now the industry is going through to protect you from the "toxic, heinous, deadly, bilge water left behind from hydrofracking". you rely on energy to continue living in this great society. if not, turn off your computer and get off the internet. quit consuming natural resources like driving to work or eating at restaurants that use electricity. everyone wants to limit the amount of resources we import from overseas - yet they dont want it done "in my backyard". give the industry a chance and see what the "right protections" which must be in place beforehand include.
GJohn 1 year, 2 months ago
FOR SHAME! What a disaster in the making! I am so disappointed in Governor Perdue and the other legislators who are blinded by dollar signs. They are blinded to the environmental and health problems that they are welcoming with open arms to North Carolina.
They may see a few temporary, low-level, minimum wage jobs given to citizens, but it will never balance the irreparable damage done to our beautiful state and its people. People of North Carolina: Stand up and be heard - DOWN WITH FRACKING!
GJohn 1 year, 2 months ago
Oh, and have you heard? Any energy benefits that could be realized will be sold overseas so the gas companies enjoy additional profits. The natural gas won't even stay in America. What will stay in America is compromised and destroyed ecosystems, communities damaged because we're not prepared for the abuse to highways, get-rich-quick businesses thrown up overnight to serve the new, but so temporary influx of "jobs" - businesses that will fail in a few years and be a financial burden to the owners, the list goes on and on. Please don't listen to Jamie Boles and Bev Perdue! They are buying a pig in a poke - and when that pig finally escapes the bag, we'll be left holding a bag of poop!
theonewithsense 1 year, 2 months ago
NC DENR is insanely conservative concerning environmental issues. The problem is that there are people out there that are against fracking that haven't read the report. Not only do people make opinions without reading the report, some people have opinions without having degrees in engineering or environmental science and think they understand the issues based on misinformation via youtube.
sfavela 1 year, 2 months ago
I've seen and heard so many negative things about it. There's a lot at stake.
GJohn 1 year, 2 months ago
To theonewithsense: And some people talk to victims of fracking in other states who know first-hand the damage that can be done. I haven't accessed YouTube for my information. And I don't need a degree in engineering or environmental science to know that fracking will compromise our beautiful state forever for a few dollars now. But, I'm not really surprised at the lack of interest. The "not in my backyard syndrome" only affects people who have something happen in their backyard. Those not affected usually feel free to disregard the problem. If only NC citizens could see that it affects all of us!