Environmental Advocates Urge Council to Pass Fracking Ban

Fracking was a hot topic at Wednesday's city council meeting, as many Food & Water Watch supporters urged the council to consider banning it in the city of New Brunswick.

Hydraulic Fracturing, or "fracking" is a controversial mining technique in which chemically altered water is blasted at high pressure into rock to free up natural gas reserves.

According to Food & Water Watch, fracking causes extensive pollution of groundwater and air in the communities in which it is performed.

On May 16, the federal government decreed that all Fracking companies must publicly disclose the chemicals they use in the process. The guidelines also contained standards for proper well construction and disposal of waste.

In 2011, the New Brunswick City Council passed a resolution in support of a statewide ban against fracking.

The issue on Wednesday was to hear testimony from the group regarding a possible resolution or ordinance banning fracking.

City spokesman Russell Marchetta said the council is "Looking at any and all options," but a decision has not yet been made as to what action may be taken, he said.

After hearing testimony from Jim Walsh, Eastern Region Director for Food & Water Watch, council member Kevin Egan said he was ready to vote on a ban, but council president Rebecca Escobar said the council had to do further research and discussion on the issue.

Escobar said a resolution could be ready for introduction as early as the next council meeting, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. June 5.

Amy Braunstein, a democratic committeewoman and resident in New Brunswick, said the issue of fracking is not an out of sight, out of mind one.

"What happens down the river can wash...into New Brunswick," she said.

We very often forget what it takes to keep water clean and safe and abundant, resident Lauren Petri said. However, fracking would expose the local water supply to many hazardous chemicals and radioactive materials that cannot be removed, she said.

"We take our water for granted in this country," said Lauren Petrie.