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

2. 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

3. 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?

4. 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

5. MMMMMMM NN

6. Areas affected by fracking

7. 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