Another Canadian Province Rejects Fracking

An environmental review undertaken by the Canadian Province of Quebec has concluded that shale gas extraction risk-to-reward ration is not beneficial.

Based on a cost-benefit analysis, Quebec's environmental review board, Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environnement (BAPE) said, “The exploitation of shale gas in the Lower St. Lawrence would not be profitable for the industry.”

The report concludes there are too many potential negative consequences to the environment and to society, citing risks to air and water quality and potential increases in noise and light pollution. 

Risks are magnified as shale gas deposits in the province are located in densely populated areas along the St. Lawrence River.

The report follows on a moratorium which was implemented in 2011 until appropriate environmental assessments had been undertaken, including the report published today.

Estimates concluded there are up to 300 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in shale deposits in Quebec.  Prior to the moratorium, 31 exploration wells had been drilled in areas ranging between Montreal and Quebec City.