UPDATED: County Council Will Study Both Sides of Fracking

Cumberland Municipal Council is going to spend the next number of months preparing for possible applications, to the province, to allow fracking in the county.

Following the public debate last week in Pugwash, county officials expect another round of requests for fracking projects, particularly in the area of Springhill and Joggins.

The Warden, Deputy Warden, a number of councillors, and county staff attended the debate promoted by the Six Rivers Chamber of Commerce. They said it was clear that the debate over fracking is not over.

Given the many references to the Wheeler Commission, a 2013 independent study that reviewed the pros and cons of underground fracturing of shale in search of oil or gas seams, the county wants to study the report to be better prepared.

Council will set aside time, during meetings, over the next six to eight months, to better understand the issues of fracking, both hydraulic and newer forms of underground fracturing.

Staff suggested the province may promote fracking and the county needs to better understand the process. While the province may receive certain royalties, the county might have to bear the risks and costs. Understanding the risk to reward ratio will let councillors make a more informed judgement if the question is put to a local vote.