An Open Letter to New Brunswickers Concerning
SWN's Campaign of Disinformation
Letter To The Editor :: 20 June 2014
On June 17th, both television news and the Brunswick News papers reported that SWN Resources would contribute millions to the N.B. economy through shale gas development.
The company speculates they will:
- hire locally and purchase supplies from the government.
- save fresh water by re-using non-potable water.
- work with the Nature Conservancy to protect wetlands.
- follow responsible management practices.
SWN has not been able to keep the aforesaid promises doing business in the U.S., so why would we believe that they could do so here? They have, in fact, incurred countless violations and penalties over the last 10 years, all of which are documented and in the public domain.
Much of the credible research that has been done on the industry indicates that the gas reserves are not as productive as the industry had predicted and that the associated pollution of air, water and land from fracking is making people sick.
Environment Canada recently announced that there is "little information on the effects of shale gas development on the environment."
The International Panel on Climate Change concludes "data about potential environmental impacts are neither sufficient nor conclusive."
Because of statements like these, in the province of N.B., there has been no ongoing approval or Social License granted on the part of the public. There is not the slightest indication that a majority of New Brunswickers have expressed any kind of broad social acceptance of the shale gas industry.
There is no shortage, either, of credible science-based criticism of the industry coming from scientists and environmentalists alike.
Peer-reviewed scientific reports and Government statistics from across North America indicate that:
- the cement walls of well casings lose their structural integrity, threatening groundwater.
- flaring increases greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
- there are negative health impacts to residents living up to several kilometers from gas wells.
- there is a breakdown in community well-being in areas associated with fracking.
Scientists agree on what must be done to help those living with shale gas exploration now and those who wish to protect themselves from the industry now and in the future.
Industry needs to stop misleading the public, adopt science-based regulations and impose rigorous inspections. Government needs to look to science for information, fund credible research and stop spreading disinformation.
The public needs assurances that until the potential impacts are understood and acknowledged there will be a 10 year moratorium, time enough to determine whether the industry is safe or not.
Donna Mclellan on behalf of the
Tantramar Alliance Against Hydro-Fracking
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