In recognition of the National Day of Action: Freedom from Toxic Fracking Waste, the Calhoun County Citizens Against Fracking (CCAF) hosted a River Rally. On Tuesday, June 7th, supporters of a fracking ban enjoyed the sunshine, clean air and sparkling water at the Chipola Landing on Highway 20 in Clarksville.
With over 20 in attendance, some waved signs advocating the importance of water over oil. Others distributed flyers citing the ill effects of fracking on outdoor recreation.
Fracking is a fishy business. Phillip Smith, Environmental Educator, explains, “Clear cutting woodlands can devastate crucial living areas for dozens of wildlife species.
Withdrawing water from streams and rivers can threaten fisheries.”
The effects of fracking over the long term can be seen in Pennsylvania where the contamination of streams, creeks and wetlands from fracking fluid is associated with fish kills. BiologicalDiversity.org sites studies attributing, “deaths, serious illnesses and reproductive problems with wildlife, birds, horses, cattle, cats and dogs poisoned by chemicals in fracking fluid wastewater ponds.” Any threat to fish and game populations is a threat to our own.
The CCAF finished out the week hosting a documentary, Groundswell Rising: Protecting Our Children’s Air and Water on June 9th at the Mossy Pond Library. The overall goal of the group is to increase public awareness that fracking, for either oil or gas, is a totally different process than the regulated drilling for conventional oil. The implementation of the ‘Halliburton Loophole’ in 2005 exempts gas companies from reporting the hazardous chemicals injected into underground gas veins. Due to Florida's unique geology and hydrology the injection of these chemicals makes our state even more prone to the hazards of fracking. No matter the location, all fracking wells pass through our aquifers posing the ominous risk of turning our drinking water into a toxic soup.
There is a reason for the expression: "You can't fool Mother Nature." Neither should you fool With Mother Nature!
For more information please contact calhounagainstfracking@gmail.com.
Bentonite,main drilling mud material, can be found in toothpaste and other hygiene products. When drilling on their land,farmers and ranchers in Texas insisted the drilling mud was diluted and pumped on the pastures resulting in the greenest grasses around. One drillers comment, "I would let my kids play in it."