I sincerely hope Nielle Hawkwood’s warning on the dangers of Fracking is taken seriously by those who read her article. It is important to bring these concerns closer to home, indeed in our own backyards. There were upwards of 80 fracked wells in the small area of the Lochend, Bearspaw and other areas minutes north of Cochrane a few years ago. Present numbers are unavailable at this time but we know fracking has continued so it would be good to know the latest numbers. Fracking started approximately nine years ago in the area. Where are we today in this area? Several people over these years have suffered various unexplained health effects such as rare cancers, significant incidents in people with premature hair loss, kidney problems, rashes and other symptoms that can be associated with some of the toxins used in various recipes of frack fluid. Several people upon recognizing the various negative effects of living with fracking became aware of these unexplained health effects in their community and banded together to seek help. These folks did their homework looking at both sides of the issue and concluded families in the Lochend were at risk. Alberta Health Services were contacted and meetings were held. At that time the doctors and staff barely had any idea of what fracking was. Residents asked for a scientific research study to be done to determine why the sudden onset of symptoms some were suffering. After a few years of meetings and more meetings, no scientific study was forthcoming that has been released to the public. Many Albertans who live by fracking have/are suffering health effects, their waters, air and land polluted. In fact, the only province that has engaged in research studies is B.C. on the effects of the chemicals used to frack and impact on nearby residents and the environment. These same concerned folks in the Lochend have spent incredible lengths of time informing themselves about what the truth is regarding the safety in fracking, carefully looking at both sides of the argument. This and watching neighbours succumb to these unexplained health effects, led a number of people to the conclusion we are in grave danger. Much of their lives have been spent for years trying to raise awareness to Cochranites and members of surrounding communities as to the extreme dangers of the 100 plus chemicals used in various recipes in fracking and the effects on air, water, and land and inevitably to our children. There are significant numbers of people throughout Alberta who have been damaged by fracking. We hope these cries can be heard above the roar of the O & G industry. Profit above people is all to common today. Many articles have appeared in the media through interviews with folks affected in the area around Cochrane. The Cochrane Eagle, Cochrane Times, Calgary Herald, CBC TV and radio in Calgary and nationally, the Tyee and others have graciously allowed this voice to be heard. Hats off to those who speak out for the courage to be confronted by nay-sayers. They are trying to save lives. Given all the info out there on the dangers of fracking to human lives, I believe it is time for you to do your own homework and find out whether the writings of folks like Nielle Hawkwood are the ravings of left-wingnuts or if indeed true. Is it not worth the time to do your own research looking at both sides to find out of your children and family are in danger? “Concerned Health Professionals of NY and Physicians for Social Responsibility have come to yet another conclusion looking at all the potential hazards. Their review, which studied 1,300 peer-reviewed studies found that “fracking poses significant threats to air, water, health, public safety, climate stability, seismic stability, community cohesion, and long term economic vitality.” There is no evidence that fracking can operate without threatening public safety.” http://concernedhealthny.org/category/press-releases/ https://thetyee.ca/News/2014/05/01/Frack-Slow-Report/ Patricia Pearsall Pickup
