industry & reform
industry & reform
Fracking headaches for farmers
A new paper warns authorities about the potential health effects of unconventional gas mining on rural Australians.
Melissa Haswell interviewed by Dallas Bastian
Australian health experts have urged state and federal governments and local councils to protect rural populations from the multiple potential health risks associated with unconventional gas mining.
The call comes from an article, published recently in Rural and Remote Health, that explored the impact UCG might have on Australians living in rural areas. The operations include shale gas mining, tight gas mining and coal seam gas mining, and can involve practices such as hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, and horizontal drilling.
The lead author of the article, professor Melissa Haswell from the Queensland University of Technology, highlights health concerns in six key areas. They are: No demonstrated long-term solution for hazardous
1 wastewater management The millions of litres of water brought to the surface through UCG operations contain some chemicals that pose risks to human and animal health, Haswell explains in the report.
These include volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, naturally occurring radioactive materials and endocrine-disrupting chemicals associated with adverse effects at extremely low concentrations.“ Exacerbated by incomplete assessment and problematic disclosure, health risks from fracking fluids and wastewater remain uncertain.” Air pollution
2 Haswell describes this as an under-recognised significant health risk. Her report states that all stages of UCG mining pose potential air pollution risks, including compressor station operations and the extensive use of trucks and machinery emitting diesel exhaust, a carcinogen containing fine and ultrafine particles and nitrogen oxides.
“ The peer-reviewed literature indicates concerning air quality and public health impacts, with 40 of 46 air quality studies finding elevated air pollutant emissions and / or atmospheric concentrations, and 26 of 31 public health studies finding public health hazards, elevated risks or adverse health outcomes,” she says. Competition for water and land between gas companies and
3 farmers“ While the link between food safety and security and UCG has received less research interest, it is a critical concern for farmers for whom livestock health and water rights are paramount, especially with increased droughts predicted in Australia and globally,” the report states. Risks to mental health and social and emotional wellbeing
4“ Disturbances from lights, noise, privacy invasion, anxiety about health, loss or contamination of water supply and falling property values enhanced distress among those living near wells,” Haswell says in the report, adding some people spoke of loss of social cohesion and communities polarised into those for and against.
“ In contrast, discussions with other residents and public relations firm Energy InDepth suggested the industry brings roads and neighbourhood improvements, reduced property taxes, increased business, training and research opportunities, jobs for local residents and increased self-worth.” High levels and potency of fugitive methane emissions
5 promoting climate change Haswell says the research shows UCG mining contributes to global warming through major incidents, fugitive emissions and competition with renewable energies. The report warns that continued development may accelerate the severe health impacts of climate change. Regulation will not eliminate risk and impact
6“ Even if theoretically possible, the capacity of regulatory agencies to handle the burden of adequately monitoring and responding to many hazardous chemical, social, mental and physical health risks posed by large numbers of producing and depleted wells is uncertain,” Haswell states in the report.
Haswell says research into the health implications of shale and
8 | nursingreview. com. au