Sponsored by
Fracking debate - Environmental impact concerns
I was interested to read the letter from Chris French supporting Hydraulic Fracturing which in simple terms means shattering shale rock at great depths with a mixture of water, sand and chemicals to release gas.
What he failed to point out, apart from the possibility of fracking triggering minor eathquakes, is that it could cause major environmental damage if toxins leaked from the site. To supply enough water in Mid Sussex to residents and businesses has always been a problem. We had a drought order issued as recently as last spring and with plans in place to build thousands of new homes in the area more water will be needed.
Mid Sussex gets 70 per cent of its water from underground aquifers.
Successful fracking involves pumping vast quantities of water, sand and chemicals below the level of aquifers in order to shatter the shale rock to release gas. Where will this extra water come from? Is there any guarantee there will be no leakage of toxins that could affect our water supply?
It has been noted in some places in the US where fracking has taken place that it has caused contamination of water together with air pollution resulting in environmental damage to plants, animals and it has also affected the health of local residents. Do we really want to risk the environmental quality of our countryside and the health of residents in return for cheap energy? Fracking poses too many unanswered questions to be considered a safe way to supply our energy needs. Safer alternatives are available.
Kathleen Dumbovic,
Holmesdale Road,
Burgess Hill
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Haywards Heath
Saturday 25 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 5 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
