Yellowknife, NWT – The president of the NWT Chamber of Commerce says when it comes to fracking in the Northwest Territories, a balanced approach is the order of the day.
Allen Stanzell believes the territory is proceeding cautiously when it comes to hydraulic fracturing, and that economic development and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive.
Stanzell understands fracking is a contentious issue in the North, but says some of the arguments he’s heard are simply not true.
“There are groups out there that claim that hydraulic fracturing is responsible for the spontaneous combustion of people’s tap water. I mean, that’s a load of BS. There’s naturally occurring methane in water tables throughout North America and it’s that naturally occurring methane that’s going to cause tap water to start on fire so let’s just start looking at this objectively.”
Stanzell says fracking in the Sahtu region has proceeded slowly and cautiously compared to other parts of the country, and that environmental impacts are being assessed.
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