Province Extends Hydraulic Fracturing Review

The province is extending the review of hydraulic fracturing to mid-2014 to ensure its review committee has the best information to make informed recommendations.

No hydraulic fracturing will be approved in Nova Scotia during the review.

Energy Minister Charlie Parker and Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau announced the extension today, April 16, to consider technical reviews underway in Canada and the United States.

"I have talked to many Nova Scotians who are concerned about their drinking water and the implications of injecting sand, chemicals and large volumes of water into the earth," said Mr. Parker. "They have questions and concerns and we will take time to learn from jurisdictions with significantly more experience in this area than Nova Scotia."

"It is important that we have the appropriate rules in place around this activity to protect the environment," said Mr. Belliveau. "We want to ensure we are making informed decisions to protect our natural environment, including our water, today and for future generations."

Hydraulic fracturing is a technique used to extract gas and oil from shale by using pressure, chemicals and large volumes of water that has been controversial in Nova Scotia and parts of North America.

No hydraulic fracturing approvals will be granted during the review but traditional oil and gas operations will continue.

The review committee will continue to monitor and share information during the extension. New material will be posted at www.gov.ns.ca/nse/pollutionprevention/consultation.hydraulic.fracturing.asp as it becomes available.