HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES-2012-039 Resolution Regarding Hydraulic Fracturing in North Carolina RESOLUTION—2012-039 y C
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION
Shale Gas Development in North Carolina
WHEREAS, the organic-rich shale deposits located in the Triassic Basins of North Carolina
appear to contain potentially significant quantities of natural gas; and
WHEREAS, a portion of Orange County is located in the Durham sub-basin of the Deep River
Basin of Triassic age; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina has historically had essentially no history of oil or gas exploration
and development, and neither horizontal drilling or well fracturing are currently allowed in North
Carolina; and
WHEREAS, potential exists for the contamination of scarce surface water and groundwater
resources, given some of the materials and procedures that are utilized to recover natural gas
from deposits that were formerly unrecoverable; and
WHEREAS, millions of gallons of water are routinely used for the hydraulic fracturing of each
natural gas well, and the resulting wastewater, which typically contains elevated concentrations
of salts, metals and other compounds, possibly including naturally occurring radioactive
materials, must be disposed of properly; and
WHEREAS, Orange County continues to participate in regional efforts to protect surface water
resources, as well as plan for the utilization of these resources, throughout the Triangle region
in a cooperative, safe, and sustainable manner; and
WHEREAS, the lack of experience and regulatory protections in North Carolina means that
several aspects of these practices must be thoroughly studied in order to develop the adequate
and appropriate regulations that must be in effect to safely permit the exploitation of shale gas
resources in North Carolina;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of Commissioners
does hereby urge the North Carolina General Assembly to maintain existing laws and
regulations that prevent the use of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing in the State and to
take no action that would weaken these laws and regulations before it is fully demonstrated that
North Carolina public health, waters, land, air, economy, and quality of life can be protected
from impacts that may occur by allowing the development of shale gas resources in the state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, should the State authorize hydraulic fracturing, local
governments should retain some regulatory authority regarding proposed drilling-related
activities as they affect water resources and previously identified significant natural areas,
through land-use and other established regulation.
This the 17th day of April, 2012.
Bernadette Pelissier, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board