[FREDERICTON, NB] — The New Brunswick College of Family Physicians is calling for a moratorium on shale gas fracking in the province until more research is done on the process.
In a letter to all members of the provincial legislature, president Dr. Anick Pelletier says doctors are concerned about potential contamination of public water supplies and the possibility of air pollution or spills of toxic chemicals.
Fracking involves pumping water and chemicals into a gas well to fracture rock layers and release trapped pockets of shale gas.
Pelletier says the potential risks of fracking outweigh the benefits.
Environment Minister Bruce Fitch says he shares the group's concerns and that's why his government will soon bring in stronger regulations to govern shale gas development and protect the environment.
Liberal Opposition Leader Victor Boudreau says the letter from the doctors reinforces his party's call for a moratorium until those regulations are in place.
