Newfoundland Places Temporary Moratorium on Fracking

Last summer, before going to Newfoundland, we heard that fracking was being proposed off of Newfoundland’s west coast, near Gros Morne National Park. The photo in this post is from a trail in the park a bit north of the proposed fracking site. 

Because of the chemicals, sand and large amounts of water used in fracking, we wondered how  residents of Newfoundland felt about this. When we were in the province, we heard opposition to the plan from B & B hosts and people sitting near us in restaurants having lively discussions about the dangers and risks of fracking. While in the Gros Morne area, we also came upon a petition opposing the plan.  And I’d already heard that UNESCO had voiced serious concerns because fracking near Gros Morne, a World Heritage Site, could put the site at risk.

Coastal Trail, Gros Morne Park, Newfoundland, August 2013

Then, earlier this week I was glad to hear that the Newfoundland government had placed a moratorium on fracking in the province until it was satisfied that it would be safe for the environment and the health of people.  The government plans to hold a review and consult with residents.  This sounds like a good first step.  I’ll be following this in the news to see further developments.