Hydraulic fracturing, or Fracking, is a controversial technique used to exploit unconventional sources of gas, such as shale gas and coal bed methane.

Fracking is an expensive process which is only economically viable when the price of fossil fuels are high. It involves drilling deep in the earth (up to 20,000 ft) and high-pressure pumping a mix of water, proppants (such as sand) and chemicals (including highly carcinogenic benzene and formaldehyde) into the bore hole to ease the flow of gas for extraction.

There are many risks associated with fracking around the world, including the seepage of toxic chemicals and methane into local water tables, poisoning drinking water for humans and animals, and contaminating agricultural land. A recent industry report confirmed that fracking was the likely cause of an earth tremor in Lancashire earlier this year. Reports from the USA where fracking has been going on for some time, indicate methane leakage so bad that locals can set their tap water on fire.

Energy companies like to promote fracked gas as 'natural gas', claiming that it is cleaner than conventional fossil fuels and the obvious answer to our energy needs. However, far from lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, gas obtained through fracking could have a bigger GHG footprint than not only conventional gas but as bad as, or worse than, coal - the dirtiest fossil fuel around.

Coal bed methane extraction is on the increase in Scotland, and companies are exploring the potential for shale gas too. We think that the risks associated with these activities must be properly and independently analysed before this industry goes any further!

If you are concerned about any coal bed methane or shale developments in your area, please get in touch.

Campaign supported by: