http://www.news24.com/SciTech/News/Frack-off-Shell-says-group-20110405

Frack off Shell, says group

2011-04-05 14:51
Duncan Alfreds

Cape Town - An environmental group has slammed oil company Shell's proposed fracking in the Karoo, saying its plans are devoid of credibility.

In launching its report, A Critical Review of the Application for a Karoo Gas Exploration Right by Shell Exploration Company BV, the Karoo Action Group (KAG) says that they would like to call a permanent halt to the proposed fracking.

"Shell isn't the only applicant, there are many mining companies greedily eyeing the Karoo. We would like to stop this technology in its entirety in South Africa," the KAG's Jonathan Deal told News24.

"This document [their report] lays waste to the draft EMP [Shell's environmental management plan]," he added.

The Critical Review report, which was compiled by 22 experts led by Dr Luke Haveman, is mainly concerned with the use of water in the fracking process.

Experts

"A common thread in the report is that there's not sufficient data to make an assessment on the EMP. We have major concerns about water in a water-stressed area," said Haveman, who holds a masters degree in marine and environmental law.

He rejected suggestions that Shell's expert panel was competent to deliver an unbiased evaluation on fracking.

"Our experts are the best in their fields and we would like to sit down with Golder [which compiled Shell's EMP] and debate the issue with them."

"It's not only the issue of experts. There's the history of what's happening in the rest of the world," said Deal.

In December 2010, the state of New York placed a moratorium on hydraulic fracking and Maryland placed a moratorium on drilling in March of the same year.

The Tyndall Report in the UK has noted that "for the application of the precautionary principle in the EU, shale gas extraction in the UK must surely be delayed until clear evidence of its safety can be presented".

There are also international concerns that fracking may pollute groundwater.

The KAG says that it is prepared to fight any institution or organisation that permits for fracking to continue.

"We're prepared to go all the way to the Constitutional Court and the ball is really in Pasa's [Petroleum Agency SA] and the minister's court at the moment," said Deal.