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Fracking in Fernhurst - Smith (27th Jun 2013 - 11:49:52) The following may be of interest to residents of Liphook and surrounding areas...... FRACK • FREE • FERNHURST OPPOSING OIL & GAS EXPLORATION IN THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK The local community are concerned about the proposals by Celtique Energie to drill for gas and oil in Fernhurst and the surrounding area and are seeking your support. There will be a meeting on MONDAY 1ST JULY from 7pm (latecomers welcome), in the Fernhurst Village Hall. Please come along to hear more about it or how you can help. Please also visit www.frackfreefernhurst.com THE CONCERNS The mining uses high pressure water and chemicals to fracture shale rock and release gas in horizontal wells up to 2 miles long. Once this particular well has been established, more are likely to appear at 2 mile intervals in every direction, This is not an issue for Fernhurst alone, if we allow a precedent to be set, we will potentially see these wells appearing right across the South Downs. 35 heavy lorries per day, some carrying toxic waste, will use the A286 and travel through either Haslemere or Midhurst. Fracking has been banned in France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Romania, Bulgaria and several states in the USA due to environmental concerns. There have been over 1,000 documented cases of water contamination next to areas of gas drilling as well as cases of sensory, respiratory, and neurological damage due to ingested contaminated water. The site would be floodlit all night generating light pollution and disturbing local wildlife. Pollution of the soil and water would have a devastating effect on the natural environment and put at risk birds, bats, wild orchids, butterflies and larger animals. The process releases greenhouse gasses such as methane into the atmosphere. Fracking can cause land subsidence and earthquake. Houses may not be insured in this event. Celtique Engergy are backed by US venture capitalists, but have no money themselves to compensate should a disaster occur. This will not reduce energy bills as the quantities are insufficient to make a difference to gas and oil imports. HOW YOU CAN HELP? Contact us on frackfreefernhurst@gmail.com to sign up for updates. Visit our facebook page: www.facebook.com/FernhurstAgainstFracking. Attend the meeting on the 1ST JULY to find out more.

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - TTull (27th Jun 2013 - 21:25:17) Could I ask for as many people possible to please support this group. It will affect a lot of people if this goes ahead. Please read and take action to help support the residents of Fernhurst and other unfortunate villages/towns. Regards Tracy

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - A. Ryan (28th Jun 2013 - 11:03:30) Have made my objections, hope more people will get involved.

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - Phill (30th Jun 2013 - 19:16:27) This issue is a big concern to all- serious consequences for short-term profit. Support this group!

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - liz (1st Jul 2013 - 11:20:13) Is this definitely fracking rather than conventional drilling?

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - Allan (4th Jul 2013 - 01:18:45) It's a shame that this topic has dissappeared from this forum as it concerns so many people, not just in Fernhurst, but nationally. I confess to not being an expert on the subject of "fracking", but it seems that there is so much anecdotal evidence for and against that a degree of clarity on it's risks or lack off would be welcomed,certainly, by the local populace with their concerns (founded or otherwise, but legitimate nontheless) by either government sources or the vested industries who wish to profit from it. The Greens (Friends of the Earth, etc) are almost Luddite in their unreasoned opposition and weaken their arguments as a result Conversely,the extraction companies sound cavalier in their assurances that the risks are so minimal as to be ignored. So, the truth is we don't know for sure either way.The energy requirements of our country are vital. To rely on supplies from countries with unpredictable political regimes sounds very alarming to me. Self-suffiency, if it can be acheived without too much environmental upheaval, sounds like a better option, clearly. But the price? We will have to decide sooner or later

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - sjenner (28th Jul 2013 - 07:31:51) I am responding to this simply to get it back to the top. Remember some time back when Cuadrilla Resources or Celtique Energie (can't remember which one) were carrying out geological tests in our area for oil? Things have moved on and we are in an area that is threatened by potential exploration and drilling. I know that there is a demand for cheaper energy but unfortunately this government has chosen a very invasive way of attempting to satisfy that demand. The dubious methods and science involved in fracking have not been over-dramatized and even the water companies are up in arms over the potential to poison the water supply. Fracking is potentially hazardous, not least to local populations and the environment and yet a number of companies have been granted licences to go ahead and explore. I voted Tory in the last election, in fact have done so for most of my life, but this is one policy that will drive me away from them. Please read the Frack Free Fernhurst web page articles and check out the comments made in other media in other countries that contradict the wisdom of shale gas extraction. This WILL impact us and large swathes of the southern weald will be exposed to industrial activity that normally would not be permitted.

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - tony (28th Jul 2013 - 11:56:32) From what (very) little I know about this subject, (and it seems I'm not alone), it seems to be all the rage at the moment. It is credited with making the US oil self sufficient for the first time. However there are many law suits going on across the world by people who claim their health has been affected by water pollution (if the myriad of lethal chemicals get into the water supply through freshwater underground aquifers), air pollution, allergic reactions (to the chemicals and gases including methane), earthquakes caused by the fracking itself, the list goes on. The problem is that many countries including the US consider the court cases to be a threat to their national security as oil is so vital, so they have censored the outcomes of the cases so far. There is very little information on the decisions made or why and enormous pressure on the courts to comply with 'national security'. You've got to love the US! As a result, although we can be pretty certain that hydraulic fracturing is a nasty, poisonous messy business, it's really hard to know all the facts or prove anything. Let's just hope it doesn't get too close to Liphook, contaminate our underground water supply (I don't have a clue whether we use any acquifers near Fernhurst) or affect the air quality with it's highly poisonous gas byproducts. For not just our sakes, but our childrens too.

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - bdavies (29th Jul 2013 - 13:48:08) I am surprised at such a muted response from Liphook to this. Just looking at the Fernhurst action group Facebook page and website you really have to be very concerned about the potential disruption even at this early stage. Insurance companies will not cover your property should damage occur form fracking activity. So even if you do not care so much about the environment (hopefully not the case) beware of the affect on property prices and saleablity! This Government faces a huge backlash from middle Englanders whose own wealth will suffer so as to grow the earnings and wealth of a few speculators.

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - Andrew (29th Jul 2013 - 15:14:42) There is no way that any of the geologists can guarantee that there will be no pollution of the local environment. The science that the companies use to claim that there is no enviromental impact is at best estimated guesswork (in the same way as economics is). The only thing that is certain is that in areas where this has been carried out in the US, there has been notable increases in critical illness. If you are planning to grow your own veggies in the backgarden I would forget it if this goes ahead. The chemicals used are highly toxic and as I have mentioned before there can be no guarantee that the environment and health in the local area will not be compromised. If the companies involved are so sure of their science. Then I suggest that a £2billion public bond is created. It should be held so that it is only released once the extraction has been over for 20 years. This way we can see that the companies have really thought about the long term consequences.

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - Rob (29th Jul 2013 - 15:17:15) So nice of you to patronise us, call us "middle Englanders" etc. Perhaps we are unconvinced by the furor over the subject being raised by the normal crowd of "antis" and protesters. Energy is vital for our society to function, scarcity is often the cause of conflict. If we in England can provide more of our own energy this seems to be a damn good idea to me. There is very little evidence that I have seen to prove that proves Hydraulic Fracturing to be a scary dangerous thing. As for the "Earthquakes" yes ok, really scary, we aren't talking San Andreas Fault here are we, lets be honest.....

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - bdavies (30th Jul 2013 - 09:25:10) Rob, that term is quoted directly from a Daily Telegraph article which you will find reproduced on the Facebook page quoted in this thread; sorry if you took offence to it, none was meant. If you really think that this is the only solution to sustainable energy production then you need to read up on the subject a bit more. Speaking of patronising - the normal crowds of 'antis' you refer to are mainly residents of the towns most likely to be impacted.

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - Alan (30th Jul 2013 - 15:44:34) Did a quick search online about fracking (gas fracturing). Rob do you want our village to wind up like some of parts of America where they could literally set fire to their kitchen taps? Another from Queensland in Australia where the local river is '' bubbling like a soda bottle''. The articles cover a couple of years. The Australian one is from May of this year ! I realise we need more resources but at what cost. Our village and surrounding area is lovely as it is.

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - tony (30th Jul 2013 - 17:26:47) Just saw this on the BBC website. Front page news about fracking up north. www.bbc.co.uk/news/... They seem to be saying that it's best to carry out fracking in 'desolate areas'. Interestingly the public can respond (just log on and get yourself a password. The top comment (I take it to be sarcastically), is arguing that they should start first around Guildford. Put your opinion across, the government is very sensitive to opinions on those sites, it's like a 'trial ground' on policy for them.

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - Gass (31st Jul 2013 - 07:24:21) The Swiss Not fracking, but relevant to our argument: Here is a link to a Euronews report on drilling for energy that HAD indeed caused seismic activity and structural damage. The difference is that the Swiss were actually drilling for sustainable (geothermal, local, long-term) energy whereas in Sussex they are drilling for short-term, greedy, harmful fossil carbon. The link: www.euronews.com/... Gass

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - tony (31st Jul 2013 - 22:01:09) Driving from Liphook to Haslemere today there are signs all along the road protesting (from recollection) 'Fracking lorries will be using this route'. I assume they mean to access the A3, that the fracking lorries will be coming through Liphook. From what I've read underground oil fracturing operations require high volumes of heavy lorries to operate. Does anyone know who put these signs up and if it is true? I'm starting to think this may be a much bigger worry than the Bohunt Manor application.

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - Lizbo C (31st Jul 2013 - 23:33:17) FRACKING TRAFFIC Cracking campaign. Keep it up, whoever you are.

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - liz (1st Aug 2013 - 12:44:13) Scaremongering. Original post said that the lorries would travel through Haslemere or Midhurst. If it happens. I'm just waiting for the Bohunt developers to say they will sell out to an oil company if we don't agree with their application!

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - Keith (1st Aug 2013 - 14:02:00) But the lorries have to get to Haslemere from the A3 - so they are presumably going to leave the A3 at either Milford, Hindhead or Liphook (which could depend on whether they are heading North or South). At the meeting in Fernhurst there was talk of over 100 lorry movements per day.

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - ROB (1st Aug 2013 - 15:34:05) I couldn't care about the bohunt manor development - fracking in Fernhurst will destroy our way of life for ever - we need to take action NOW !!!!

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - Gass (2nd Aug 2013 - 19:23:29) FFF… Do we reckon there may be a possible connection between Future Fernhurst Fracking Freight and digging up our village roads? Gass

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - sjenner (4th Aug 2013 - 07:24:12) Possibly a link. The installation of compulsory water metres IS DEFINITELY linked. Fracking uses a lot of water - on average 20 million litres of water per year per individual well (source: www.theenergycollective.com/....). 70 to 140 billion gallons of water are used to fracture 35,000 wells in the United States each year - approximately the annual water consumption of 40 to 80 cities each with a population of 50,000, according to Earthworks. The deeper horizontal shale wells can use anywhere from 2 to 10 million gallons of water to fracture a single well. So when there is a drought in the South-East, you can imagine what the continued supply pecking order will be and just how much the price per 1000 litres will increase to households to accommodate the extra demand!

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - robert craig (10th Aug 2013 - 08:52:43) 'All The South Party' opposes fracking everywhere in the South Country (South West, South East and East Anglia). The central UK government cannot be trusted to look after the interests of the South Country. 'All The South' believes that we need a South Country assembly/parliament to look after our interests as Scotland and Wales have an assembly or parliament to look after the interests of Scotland and Wales. Robert Craig, Secretary, All The South Party, 20 Priory Road, Weston-Super-Mare BS23 3HU email: allthesouthparty@hotmail.co.uk

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - tony (12th Aug 2013 - 10:06:19) This article has just appeared on BBC website showing Cameron's pushing fracking everywhere, north or south. It's open for feedback if anyone wants to let Cameron know your opinion, this is your chance. Just go on there and let him know how you feel! www.bbc.co.uk/news/...

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - sjenner (13th Aug 2013 - 06:36:11) Just 1% of revenue returned to the communities blighted by this - they're breaking their hearts! And as one comment stated, there is no guarantee of lower household fuel bills. 70,000 new jobs is potentially good but who came up with that figure and what sort of jobs and where?

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - tony (16th Aug 2013 - 09:02:55) Hi, I just wanted to keep this issue fresh as it WILL affect us in one way or another over the coming years. There's another article on the Beeb today, this time about fracking in Balcombe, West Sussex. It looks like their campaign has stopped things for now, so a victory for them! Well done. The government have to balance between economic need and individual risk, this is nothing new. My concern is that they will put economic pressure before long term health (it wouldn't be the first time) and it seems we could be right in the thick of it if we aren't prepared. www.bbc.co.uk/...

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - tony (17th Aug 2013 - 19:09:52) Sorry to keep banging on about this, but here's another BBC article I spotted today: www.bbc.co.uk/..... Two quotes of interest I think are: 1)"...At the moment, we aren't saying there's a risk to it; we just need to understand if the risks are there or not. We are still at the exploratory stage of all of this." said Water UK's Neil Dhot. (=The water companies are WORRIED) 2) It is not just the concerns about contamination that worry the industry; it is the large amounts of water likely to be needed for the fracking process. According to the Groundwater Protection Council in the US, every fracked well requires up to 4 million gallons of water (15,000 cubic metres). Given that there could be several thousand wells in the south of England alone, this is a growing concern. (SEVERAL THOUSAND!!!) "Particularly in the South East, where water is scarce, we are going to need to plan accordingly - we just need to know how much water we are going to need. At the moment, it is not quite clear," said Neil Dhot. (that's why we're being put on water meters, we're going to be running VERY SHORT!) Just wanted to keep you informed, let's not sleepwalk into this. Thanks. (my comments in brackets)

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - Keith (21st Aug 2013 - 13:11:54) Frack Free Fernhurst are organising a protest lorry at 10am on Thurs 22nd August. The lorry will be the size of those expected to be involved with any fracking activity and will travel from Fernhurst along Vann Road and then through Camelsdale and Liphook to the A3 - it will have 'No Fracking Traffic' banners. If you wish to show your support before the lorry leaves Fernhurst, gather on the grass verge just east of the candle factory on Vann Road, Fernhurst.

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - H (21st Aug 2013 - 15:24:00) There is also a planning application on the South Downs National Park in this regard. Extra traffic problems could well end up hitting the Liphook and Haslemere areas to get to Fernhurst. Please object on the SDNP website. It would pay to get the BBC south today interested if there is a protest organised?

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - liz (21st Aug 2013 - 16:37:12) What will I find the application under - couldn't find anything under 'Fernhurst'?

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - h (21st Aug 2013 - 17:04:27) SDNP/13/02126/SCOPE

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - sjenner (22nd Aug 2013 - 07:13:05) They are no longer allowing comments with respect to this planning application. The government are reluctant to publish figures about the potential impact this will have on domestic energy bills because there is no guarantee that the new found resource will be ours to use as we please. The gas has to be sold on the open market, globally and the only thing guaranteed is extra government revenue to help subsidise home insulation. Conventional gas prices have dropped recently yet the big 5 will be increasing prices this winter again! Please write to Damian Hinds (damian.hinds.mp@parliament.uk) and ask him to clarify how fracking will impact us. He is our MP and supports fracking. The 1% revenue return would probably not apply to Liphook as we are not close enough (yet) to the potential drill sites but we will have to put up with the extra traffic. Celtique can be contacted on 0800 023 2148 or via mail - consultation@celtiqueenergie.com. They are submitting a planning application to SDNP along with an environmental statement during late September/early October. It is then that you can advise comments directly once a planning reference is assigned. This information was advised to me in a mail from Damian Hinds' House of Commons office. Not all of the protestors/objectors are loony fringe attention seekers. Please do not be put off objecting just because a group of uninformed non-locals have joined the fray. Communities will be adversely impacted by this and even if there is no will to stop the application, there is an opportunity to contribute opinions that will ensure that the companies being granted the licences behave appropriately. Blighting our local roads with even more heavy lorries is not acceptable! It is bad enough that they will inevitably be tearing up part of the one natural asset that Liphook has - our surrounding countryside.

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - Gassy (23rd Aug 2013 - 06:51:34) Such backward move against justice and logic, against the residence, their environment and the world. The move towards fracking is based on greed and exposes weak government with bad morals. I never thought in this part of the world where we pay our expensive tax will allow this. A massive net loss on our behalf. Let's look at Colombia; Yes, perhaps surprisingly, more enlightened and progressive decision making: www.euronews.com/....

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - liz (23rd Aug 2013 - 12:28:47) Someone must agree with the fracking by allowing Celtique Energy to drill on their land.

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - Simon Coyte (27th Aug 2013 - 15:17:34) How short the memories of these posters!! In the 16th century Fernhurst and the Sussex wield were the centre of Iron making in England with charcoal burners to provide the fuel to smelt iron for the cannons of the English Navy. The area would have been noisey, smokey, and locals would have had full employment. Happy Days!!

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - bdavies (27th Aug 2013 - 16:07:02) 16th century was a long time ago Simon - no wonder most of us have forgotten! I don't think that they had 18 tonne tippers working then and have you seen the pictures of Fracking wells?

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - liz (27th Aug 2013 - 17:08:11) Full employment maybe, but they wouldn't have lived very long...or well.

Re: Fracking in Fernhurst - h (27th Aug 2013 - 18:39:32) They would not have been drilling down too far into the rocks below either possibly causing earthquakes to happen! The population of Fernhurst would have had mixed rural occupations, farming, working for the landed gentry, tradespeople selling candles, brooms etc they would not all have been charcol burning!

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