Letters July 30: Concerns and questions of trust over fracking scheme

I AM writing in connection with Third Energy’s ambitions to develop a shale gas industry in Ryedale. I am a local resident, a retired teacher, with no particular axe to grind – other than deep concern for the welfare of our future generations, and a love for this wonderful area.

I have tried to read up on the subject, and attempted to weigh reports of the potential risks and dangers of this technology against the information offered by the fossil fuel industry and its supporters. Closer to home, I have followed the developments regarding the schemes for the Kirby Misperton and Ebberston Moor sites.

I have no reason to contest Third Energy’s claim to a good safety record over the last 20 years. However, fracking of deep rock layers to release gas is radically different from conventional drilling. It has only been used in a significant way for just over a decade, principally in the US. My research has revealed some alarming stories of pollution and threats to health. I am also concerned that fracking uses such vast amounts of fresh water (10 times that of conventional drilling). Where will this come from? What happens in the event of a drought – who takes priority? Even more worrying is what will happen to all the waste water.

Of course we need to think ahead, especially as North Sea oil runs out. But instead of “scraping the barrel” for hard-to-get fossil fuels, why not direct our efforts into renewables, and actually live up to our commitments – or even become a world leader? It can be done. Germany is phasing out its nuclear power stations and has put fracking on hold. Yet it remains a net exporter of power.

Energy consumption is actually dropping, through energy conservation. Its target for renewables as a proportion of energy production is 30 per cent by 2030, and 60 per cent by 2050. This is the route we should be taking.

Finally, there is the matter of trust. It is well known that the present government wants to go all out for fracking. Can Ministers be trusted when they even try to “rubbish” their own research when it doesn’t support their argument?

Third Energy’s first application to test-frack at Kirkby Misperton was rejected by NYCC last month. The council’s nine-page response highlighted fundamental deficiencies in the application, with vital issues such as volumes of water, the chemical mix site restoration, among others, not addressed. All this hardly inspires confidence, when the stakes are so huge.