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Thread: Fracking in the Karoo

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    Diamond Member Blurock's Avatar
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    Fracking in the Karoo

    How do you guys feel about Shell and other companies applying fracking in the sensitive Karoo? Fracking has been banned in Australia, New Zeeland, Quebec and a number of states in the USA.

    "SCIENTISTS in the US have found almost all of the 596 different chemicals used during the fracking process currently being considered for gas exploration in the Karoo are extremely hazardous to human health, causing cancer, birth defects and even sterility."

    If you agree with this, then join the action group:

    http://www.facebook.com/groups/chaseshelloutofthekaroo
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    Site Caretaker Dave A's Avatar
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    Debbie already did some stirring on the Karoo fracking application. Good to be reminded of it though, I suppose.

    Last I heard it seemed unlikely it would get the green light, but that was some time ago. Has there been any recent news on this?

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    Diamond Member Blurock's Avatar
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    As with everything that happens, those that can gain from the granting of exploration rights are still hoping that it will go ahead.
    France is the latest country to ban fracking. In South Africa it put on hold. Why? To blow over so that someone can quietly approve and get a back hander?

    Fracking should be banned altogether!
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    Diamond Member wynn's Avatar
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    It would be tragic that if a few years after the 'fracking' of the Karoo we find that there is a huge aquifier below the levels they are drilling to, one that would sort out any water problems this country may have in the future and we can't use it because it is toxic.
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    With the current technology I don’t think it will happen, but who knows what they will be capable of in 10-15 years time. The technology has already undergone massive development in recent years.

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    Diamond Member Blurock's Avatar
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    The problem is that exploration has not been stopped as in other countries. The moratorium may be lifted by end of this month. Our incompetent government and the unions believe the lies from the oil giants who are promising jobs. Unfortunately those jobs will be no more than shovel and broom pushers with no value add.

    All the arguments about people's rights, destruction of the Karoo, job creation, etc is almost irrelevant. If you have ever been to a Karoo farm or town you would realise just how dependent those people are on underground water. Water from underground veins is extracted by windmills and boreholes which is scattered all over the countryside.

    Common sense tells me that any underground explosion can disturb (frack?) this sensitive system. Once a vein is fractured, you can not repair it again and someone downstream is going to be without water or may have a poisonous cocktail of chemicals mixed with their water. Is it so hard to understand? Frack off Shell!
    Excellence is not a skill; its an attitude...

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    Site Caretaker Dave A's Avatar
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    My gripe is
    1. we don't really need it, and
    2. if they stuff it up, or we discover a problem as a result of the fracking years down the line, will they fix it? (Look at the rising water problem in our mines, the Thor claims, and I'm sure there are many others to get your answer).

    The only reason anyone is thinking of fracking is to line their pockets - it certainly is not in the national interest.

    Quote Originally Posted by Blurock View Post
    Unfortunately those jobs will be no more than shovel and broom pushers with no value add.
    I was watching a program on the construction of the Cape Town World Cup soccer program on Discovery HD a night or two ago. The lack of local highly skilled personnel on the project was all too apparent

    Even much of the construction materials was imported - like the glass for the roof. Honestly, we can't do this locally?

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    Diamond Member Blurock's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dave A View Post
    The only reason anyone is thinking of fracking is to line their pockets - it certainly is not in the national interest.
    You said it Dave
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    Diamond Member Blurock's Avatar
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    Frack off Shell

    http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/201...is-not-a-given

    "The petroleum company heading calls for the Great Karoo to be opened up for exploration for natural gas has admitted that it cannot guarantee the safety of its operations.

    This concession by Shell SA boss Jan Willem Eggink was made as the findings of a UN investigation of oil-industry pollution in Nigeria, with particular reference to the culpability of Shell, were released.

    Shell wants to explore the Karoo for natural gas and recover it using hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking"."

    I hope the minister will now realise why fracking has been banned in so many countries.
    Excellence is not a skill; its an attitude...

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    Diamond Member Blurock's Avatar
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    Fracking the Drakensberg

    So the Karoo is too far off and will not affect you if exploration starts there and ground water is contaminated?

    Well, what about the Drakensberg? Apparently licences have been granted for exploration, but put on hold due to the general moratorium on fracking imposed by the minister.

    The Drakensberg catchment area is the main source of water in KZN. Can you imagine what may happen if this water is contaminated? Not only rivers, but underground aquifers all the way down to the coast may be affected.
    Let's stop this madness. Add your voice to the anti fracking group now.
    Excellence is not a skill; its an attitude...

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