April 26, 2014
Dear Premier McNeil
I am writing to voice my objections to fracking in Nova Scotia. Reasons for fracking are few and center
on the perceived notion of lots of jobs and lots of royalty money for Nova Scotia. In reality, the costs of
fracking will far outweigh these limited and over-stated benefits. Here are some not so hidden costs:











Inappropriate use of water resources at 5 million gallons/well fracked (each well is fracked
multiple times)
Potential for contamination of aquifers with thousands of gallons of toxic and/or carcinogenic
chemicals added to make slick water
Potential for contamination of surface waters, including the Bay of Fundy, our most famous
resource
Surfacing of long-lived cancer-causing radioactive isotopes caused by deep drilling into shale
layers
Noise and air pollution from diesel truck traffic and diesel compressors
Further degradation of an already degraded road system due to thousands of truck trips
Visual degradation of scenic areas
Loss of tourism as a sustainable industry—no one wants to visit an industrial park
Potential for earthquakes if waste is injected into deep underground wells
Loss of real estate property values
Further exacerbation of global warming due to well head leakage of methane, a more potent
greenhouse gas than CO2
Unregulated large-scale fracking as currently conducted has serious and widespread ramifications. These
are well documented in the US, the home of fracking. History shows us repeatedly that environmentally
ill-considered human pursuits result in disaster. Here are a few examples:



Removal of millions of acres of sod cover in the Great Plains resulted in the Dust Bowl of the
1930’s. Currently, the waters of the Ogallala aquifer are being pumped at eight times the
regeneration rate; this will certainly result in another Dust Bowl.
Over-use of antibiotics in humans and in promoting growth in livestock has resulted in bacterial
resistance. We are running out of options for treating bacterial infections.
Reliance on fossil fuels that produce carbon dioxide has resulted in climate change. Methane is
just another source of CO2 once it is burned.
Nova Scotia is globally recognized as a progressive province in the areas of waste management and
limitations on indiscriminant pesticide usage. By taking the lead in sustainable energy production, Nova
Scotia can once again be a model for responsible action. Nova Scotia has sun, wind, geothermal, and
tidal energy to harvest. Capture and utilization of methane generated from agricultural pursuits such as
dairy and chicken farming is becoming more feasible and is gaining ground in the United States. We
should promote energy conservation and award those who reduce their consumption.
While reading my Citizenship Study Guide, I noted with pleasure that one the Citizenship Responsibilities
is “Protecting and enjoying our heritage and environment—Every citizen has a role to play in avoiding
waste and pollution while protecting Canada’s natural, cultural and architectural heritage for future
generations. “ The citizens of Nova Scotia and Canada can only be successful in this responsibility if their
elected officials also believe this and act responsibly. Future generations will thank us for being mindful
of their well-being while preserving the unique qualities of Nova Scotia.
Please continue the fracking moratorium.
Sincerely,
Lorna J Williamson, PhD
Cc:
Hydraulic Fracking Review
Keith Irving, MLA South Kings
Andrew Younger, Energy Minister
Randy Delorey, Environment Minister