Hampton, New Brunswick, Canada, Blocks Seismic Testing Within Town Limits for Shale Gas

EXCERPT:
"They [council] received a standing ovation from residents in the gallery after the vote [to ban seismic testing].

Citizen groups and environmentalists have blocked roads and staged demonstrations at public meetings, government buildings and shale gas test sites in their efforts to halt development.

They are worried that groundwater supplies could be contaminated from hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking."

COMMENT:
When the elected officials act on behalf of the citizens to protect the health, welfare and safety of the citizens and environment, communities can join in solidarity and begin to live in harmony with their environment.  In the words of Julie Whitten, "Land, animals, soil fungi and rocks are not resources.  They are "the community to which we belong."

October 12, 2011
HAMPTON, N.B. - A town council in New Brunswick has voted unanimously to reject Windsor Energy's request to allow thumper trucks to conduct seismic testing *within Hampton town limits* for shale gas.

Councillors voted unanimously Tuesday night to block the testing after dozens of residents protested earlier in the day against shale gas exploration in the area.

They received a standing ovation from residents in the gallery after the vote.

Protests have been growing around the province over Premier David Alward's position to proceed with shale gas development.

Citizen groups and environmentalists have blocked roads and staged demonstrations at public meetings, government buildings and shale gas test sites in their efforts to halt development.

They are worried that groundwater supplies could be contaminated from hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking.

The process involves forcing a cocktail of chemicals, water and sand into a gas well to fracture layers of shale rock and release trapped pockets of natural gas.