KZN Midlands under fracking attack
Despite assurances from potential extractors that the technique is safe, evidence of failed safety measures and resultant contamination is increasingly common in areas where fracking has been approved
The Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal is considered an area of interest for potential extraction of shale gas using Hydraulic Fracturing (fracking). Two Technical Co-operation Permits (TCP) have been issued for KZN.
The Sungu Sungu TCP includes areas between Giants Castle and Rosetta, as well as Estcourt, Bergville and along the edge of the Berg, Dannhauser and into the Free State.
The Rhino Oil and Gas TCP includes areas around Richmond, Eston, Pietermaritzburg, Hilton, Howick, Karkloof, Balgowan, Dargle, Kranskop, Weenen and as far north as Vryheid.
These concessions are in the areas where our rivers start. Rhino Oil and Gas has now initiated an Environmental Authorisation Process, which must be undertaken prior to the commencement of prospecting activities.
The Midlands Conservancies Forum (MCF) opposes, on ecological, health, social, and economic grounds, the use of fracking to recover natural shale gas. Specifically, the MCF believes that the risk of contamination of groundwater in an already water-stressed environment is simply unacceptable.
Despite assurances from potential extractors that the technique is safe, evidence of failed safety measures and resultant contamination is increasingly common in areas where fracking has been approved.
The MCF has been awarded a Global Green Grants Fund grant to raise awareness on fracking. In collaboration with The Centre for Environmental Rights, MCF will develop and publish resources for use at schools, in communities and businesses to ensure people understand the potential impacts of fracking, especially in the KZN Midlands.
For more information visit https://www.midlandsconservancies.org.za/prpagefracking.php
