Fracking-free Garden City declared

No fracking in Christchurch if council has its way.

Chris Hutching
Mon, 16 Apr 2012

Christchurch is the first city to declare itself a "fracking-free zone".

Councillors voted unanimously on the declaration last week.

It remains unclear if mining companies or the government will take any notice.

Hydraulic fracturing involves injecting chemicals into rocks so they break, releasing oil and natural gas.

But there are reports from overseas that it can also contaminate aquifers and cause earthquakes.

The strong council stance arises from concerns about the contamination of the city’s underground water supply and the link to earthquakes.

The council also decided to call on the country’s other territorial/local authorities and regional councils to declare their areas fracking-free.

Christchurch City Council will discuss the issue with Environment Canterbury.

Chris Hutching
Mon, 16 Apr 2012