NDP Questions Whitehorse Trough Oil and Gas Disposition Process
Public encouraged to demand land use plan and fracking ban
WHITEHORSE - Yukon NDP Environment Critic Kate White today questioned the government’s oil and gas disposition process for the Whitehorse Trough and encouraged residents to make their concerns known.
“The NDP supports responsible oil and gas activity in the Yukon, but the current disposition process for the Whitehorse Trough raises a number of concerns,” said White. “Why is this process underway in an area without a land use plan? Why is this moving forward before anticipated changes to the Oil and Gas Act and regulations are introduced? We encourage concerned residents to make their voices heard.”
The government is presently accepting public comment on 12 Requests for Postings in the Whitehorse Trough. No information has been provided on the persons or companies that have submitted the requests. Comments made in the media by an official from the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources suggest that the controversial practice of fracking has not been ruled out in this highly-populated region.
“The Energy, Mines and Resources website makes it clear that the government will allow fracking in the Yukon,” said White. “This has been done without any meaningful public discussion or consultation. The government’s fact sheet on shale gas and hydraulic fracturing does not sufficiently address the potential risks. By failing to address the risks, the government is misinforming the public.”
White was referring to a document entitled “Shale Gas and Hydraulic Fracturing in Yukon” that can be accessed on the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources website.
In an email released under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, an official with Environment Yukon acknowledges that fracking has not been proven safe. That email states: “the long-term consequences of [fracking fluid] still remain unclear and need to be further investigated.” The email further warns: “wastewater that is released back into the hydrosphere (usually lakes and rivers) may be of concern, particularly because these toxic chemicals will enter the food chain through fish or farming.”
“The government’s own scientists say that the long-term consequences of fracking require further investigation,” said White. “Placing a ban on fracking until the process can be proven safe, and engaging in an honest conversation with Yukoners, is the only responsible thing to do.”
Oil and Gas Resources in the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources is accepting public comment on environmental, socio-economic and surface access concerns regarding the Whitehorse Trough Requests for Postings until the end of March.