Exploration & Development

Nova Scotia put hydraulic fracturing on hold for 2 years

April 23, 2012

The Nova Scotia government said it needs 2 more years to study hydraulic fracturing, a practice that has raised concerns about potential contamination of drinking water in some US areas where it has been used on unconventional plays.

Paula Dittrick

No fracing will be approved until the extended review is completed, Nova Scotia officials said. Previously, Nova Scotia was scheduled to release a fracturing report this year, but officials announced Apr. 16 that the report was delayed until mid-2014.

Energy Minister Charlie Parker said the province wants time to review emerging regulations by the US Environmental Protection Agency and Environment Canada.

“We think it’s important to get the best possible information that’s out there and make an informed decision after we’ve learned all that,” said Parker.

Premier Darrell Dexter said the province was conducting “a scientific review and coming up with the right decision on it based on the science.”

No comment was immediately available from the Canadian Society for Unconventional Resources in Calgary.

About the Author

Paula Dittrick | Senior Staff Writer

Paula Dittrick has covered oil and gas from Houston for more than 20 years. Starting in May 2007, she developed a health, safety, and environment beat for Oil & Gas Journal. Dittrick is familiar with the industry’s financial aspects. She also monitors issues associated with carbon sequestration and renewable energy.

Dittrick joined OGJ in February 2001. Previously, she worked for Dow Jones and United Press International. She began writing about oil and gas as UPI’s West Texas bureau chief during the 1980s. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska in 1974.