Fracking & Protected Areas Parliamentary Select Committee 25 November 2014 Biodiversity and Conservation

Section 48 National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act Despite other legislation, no person may conduct commercial prospecting or mining activities in – a special nature reserve, national park, marine protected area, nature reserve, world heritage site or forest protected area A protected environment without the written permission of the Minister of Environmental Affairs and the Minister of Mineral Resources

Fracking development Fracking requires – Infrastructure, both on site and access to the site – includes habitat destruction and fragmentation, soil erosion, siltation, artificial night lighting, loud noise Use of chemicals – carcinogens Use of water – how is this to be supplied? surface water extraction? Transport to the site? Storage?

Fracking potential impacts Groundwater contamination Waste water return to surface (±40%) fracking chemicals + salt + heavy metals from the shale + radio active materials Waste water includes carcinogens, materials which have effects on reproductive and central nervous systems, respiratory and neurological effects Potential severe impact on water systems, plant &wildlife Cumulative impact of multiple drilling pads, water supply, infrastructure, waste

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Areas affected by fracking

Perhaps the strongest argument against fracking is that this exploitation and use of fossil fuels is in direct contradiction with the government's pledge to significantly reduce carbon emissions