An application for fracking near Gros Morne National Park has been put on hold by
the Newfoundland and Labrador government Monday.
CBC reports the Shoal Point Energy and it’s partner Black Spruce Exploration’s plan
to use hydraulic fracturing to extract gas and oil reserves from the shale rock on the
western region of the province has been paused, for now.
The government has stated that they will not look at the application until they are
satisfied that the process will not harm residents or the environment.
UNESCO has mentioned that environmental status of Gros Morne National Park
could be at risk.
Residents have expressed worries regarding fracking plans in their region to which
Natural Resources Minister Derrick Dalley has stated that the involvement of public
consultation will be important in the government’s decision.
NDP member George Murphy, who proposed to hold off on hydraulic fracturing
early this year, is pleased that the government has finally put off extraction until
further research is done.