1,000 signatures reached
To: The Vale, RCT, Neath Port Talbot and Swansea local councils
SAY NO TO FRACKING IN SOUTH WALES
We call on the relevant local councils to reject any existing and all future applications for licenses to commence any gas extraction drilling related operations in their boroughs including fracking, CBM, UCG and other unconventional gas extraction methods, until full disclosure can be provided to establish the scope and magnitude of the effects to the environment, geology, water supply, air quality and the community at large.
Where a risk to these factors exist, before any application is approved, license holders must commit contractually to mitigate these risks without exception, to ensure their operations cause no adverse affect to the environment and the communities they operate in.
Existing licenses must be re-evaluated to establish the scope of risks to the environment and community. Where these risks cannot be mitigated, operating licenses must be revoked.
We demand that the environment, health and the community is put first above all else.
Why is this important?
The evidence of the effects of existing Unconventional Gas Extraction operations around the world is a serious cause for concern.
The potential exists for toxic and radioactive water contamination, severe air pollution, tens of thousands of wells, pipelines and compressor stations devastating the countryside and blighting communities. The geological stability implications are also well documented. This form of unconventional gas extraction is short lived , whilst the environmental impact would last for generations. Fresh water supply requirements is another area of concern, potentially causing widespread drinking water shortages, reduced water quality and driving up prices.
Without full disclosure of the long term risks, enabling the people to determine the costs and benefits, licenses cannot and should not be granted. Many European countries and others further afield have issued blanket bans on unconventional gas extraction operations. The reasons for this need to be evaluated in order to decide whether 'we' in the UK are prepared to take the risk.
The only way this industry can take hold in the UK is if we allow it, in an open and transparent debate and being aware of the risks. There are many alternative methods of energy generation which can be researched and developed.
The environment and our communities must take top priority over all else!
