Fracking fraught

Farcical is not a word I would use to describe this process, it’s seriously hazardous, dangerous and presents great risk to the communities of Andover if hydraulic fracturing was to go ahead.

I note from the article plans are not being publicised – why should I not be surprised – and a consultation runs until September 29.

What consultation, I ask?

Consultation is not just about providing information, it needs to be meaningful and productive with collective involvement through open debate, collective decision making and must take into account people’s concerns and social responsibility of government and local authorities.

This is clearly not happening.

Examples of the impact/ risks of fracking: n Noise pollution – from drilling and the fracking process itself, coupled with the movement of heavy vehicles in and out of sites n Air pollution – the main concern is exposure to methane escaping into the atmosphere and other associated air contaminants n Water pollution – added chemicals used in drilling and toxic chemicals released from fracking contaminates groundwater/riverways n Contaminated soil – from chemical spillage and drilling waste Hydraulic fracking may produce millions of barrels of natural gas but at what price? You can’t put a price on a safe environment or the health, safety and well being of communities.

If fracking goes ahead government and local authorities will be reneging on their responsibilities, be in serious breach of health and safety legislation and the Human Rights Act.

What can we do?

This is a collective problem which needs to be addressed on a collective basis we need organisation, a clear strategy and a collective campaign against fracking in Andover.

The Andover Advertiser can support this campaign by raising awareness of fracking and inform the community of the dangers and very serious implications and encourage everyone to get involved to stop it happening before it’s too late.

Paul Simmonds, Tech IOSH, Saxon Fields, Andover