About
IN July 2010 US drilling company Cuadrilla carried out a drill called a "test frack" for shale gas in Cowden on a previous site drilled for oil. They have until June 2012 to renew their license to continue this highly controversial and risky drilling method which can cause earthquakes and contaminate the water table. Last year their drilling at Preesall in Lancashire caused several earthquakes. Yet the government still think they can be trusted to continue.
We oppose hydraulic fracturing in Cowden (or anywhere else). This is big business that tramples on small communities like ours, and is a timebomb for the environment.
We oppose hydraulic fracturing in Cowden (or anywhere else). This is big business that tramples on small communities like ours, and is a timebomb for the environment.
What is fracking?
The process of drilling down and creating tiny explosions to shatter and crack hard shale rocks to release the gas inside. Water, sand and chemicals are injected into the rock at high pressure which allows the gas to flow out to the head of the well. The process is carried out vertically or, more commonly, by drilling horizontally to the rock layer. The process can create new pathways to release gas or can be used to extend existing channels.
Why is it called fracking?
It is shorthand for hydraulic fracturing and refers to how the rock is fractured apart by the high pressure mixture. Experts also refer to a "frac job" and a "frac unit".
Why is it controversial?
Much of the water used in fracking is collected from the well and processed, but there are concerns that potentially carcinogenic chemicals can sometimes escape and find their way into drinking water sources. Some American householders also claim that shale gas leaking into their drinking supply causes tap water to ignite.
(Info from BBC)
Caudrilla has obtained licences in Balcombe in Sussex, Lingfield in Surrey, and here in Cowden. They need to renew their license here in Cowden by June 2012.
We need to show strong public opposition to this if we are to have any hope of protecting our families, our water and our area of outstanding natural beauty.
The process of drilling down and creating tiny explosions to shatter and crack hard shale rocks to release the gas inside. Water, sand and chemicals are injected into the rock at high pressure which allows the gas to flow out to the head of the well. The process is carried out vertically or, more commonly, by drilling horizontally to the rock layer. The process can create new pathways to release gas or can be used to extend existing channels.
Why is it called fracking?
It is shorthand for hydraulic fracturing and refers to how the rock is fractured apart by the high pressure mixture. Experts also refer to a "frac job" and a "frac unit".
Why is it controversial?
Much of the water used in fracking is collected from the well and processed, but there are concerns that potentially carcinogenic chemicals can sometimes escape and find their way into drinking water sources. Some American householders also claim that shale gas leaking into their drinking supply causes tap water to ignite.
(Info from BBC)
Caudrilla has obtained licences in Balcombe in Sussex, Lingfield in Surrey, and here in Cowden. They need to renew their license here in Cowden by June 2012.
We need to show strong public opposition to this if we are to have any hope of protecting our families, our water and our area of outstanding natural beauty.