Norton – About 300 people filled a room in Norton, located between Sussex and Hampton, on a hot July 4th evening to tell Dr. Louis LaPierre and the province of New Brunswick’s Shale Gas Group that they are opposed to shale gas.
The shale gas consultation in Norton was the final consultation in a series of consultations that did not include any of the cities in the province. The government will be accepting comments on 116 recommendations for standards on shale gas until September 18th.
Just over one year ago, on June 10th, 2011, a blockade was erected in Norton to stop seismic vibrators exploring for shale gas from passing on the community’s roads. Only two of the dozens of people who lined up to speak from about 6:45pm to almost 11:00pm spoke in favour of exploring for shale gas in the province.
Dr. Angela LeGresley, a Moncton emergency room physician, spoke at the shale gas consultation in Norton. Moncton area physicians and the N.B. College of Family Physicians are calling for a moratorium on shale gas in the province.
Caroline Lubbe-D’Arcy, a Fredericton dentist, suggested alternatives to shale gas that would lessen New Brunswick’s ecological footprint on the planet and yield economic benefits for the province.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcpFzukg8k4
Jim Emberger, a Taymouth resident, asked crucial questions on who decides whether the shale gas industry goes ahead in the province. David Whyte from the Department of Environment said the politicians ultimately decide.
Carl Wolpin from Hampton Water First delivered a passionate speech regarding the lack of monitoring of gas wells in Penobsquis. He told the government panel, “You are here to protect us! Not exploit us!”
