MOSSEL BAY NEWS - An organisation called Frack Free SA has alerted the public that there is a plan to drill 11 more exploration wells at sea between Cape St Francis and Mossel Bay.
Frack Free SA noted in a circular: "This area is where the warm and cold currents meet, a sensitive and biodiverse ecotone. It is fundamental to the marine biodiversity of our coastline."
This drilling is for the Brulpadda project, spearheaded by the global fuel company Total. Total E & P South Africa is the main shareholder in the proposed project.
The Frack Free SA circular is also being distributed via e-mail by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (Wessa).
SLR Consulting has publicised the proposal about the drilling.
The anti-fracking lobby group advised people to register as soon as possible as an interested and affected party, with Candice Sadan at SLR Consulting (021 461 1118/9 or csadan@slrconsulting.com) and submit written comments by e-mail by 20 July. SLR, an international company consulting to a number of industry sectors, describes itself as "global leaders in environmental and advisory solutions".
It has asked for a virtual meeting with stakeholders in the Brulpadda project on Friday 16 July. An invitation will be sent out to all registered interested and affected parties. The Draft Scoping Report is available for public review on the SLR website.
This diagram shows the Brulpadda area where drilling is planned to take place, as well as existing oil and gas fields.
Environmentalist poses questions
Respected Southern Cape environmentalist Fred Orban questioned the exploration for fossil fuels "in a changing world that is moving away from such fuels".
"What studies have they done to see if there are other options for energy?" Orban asked. "Which tests are required? Underwater explosions interfere with marine life. If you kill the ocean, you kill the world."
He pointed out that seeing economic advantages from fossil fuels is a short-term view. "What is the long-term view? Is this being done scientifically? Those are the questions people must ask. Job creation is one thing, but you have to think of the health of the country and the world. Covid-19 is a clear example: if you abuse nature there will be a negative outcome."
Orban is a previous chairman of several nature conservancies, having held the positions of trustee of the Pinnacle Point Conservation Trust, CapeNature director, Gouritz Biosphere Reserve director and founder chairman of the Mossel Bay Environmental Partnership (MEP).
Frack Free SA said in its circular about the proposed drilling: "This must be stopped. We have a constitutional right and responsibility to protect our natural resources and heritage for future generations. Join the online meeting. Use the chat function to pose questions. Think of the questions you want to ask beforehand. There are risks that they cannot mitigate against, that will impact artisanal fishing and marine life. For their own profit they will destroy the livelihoods of others and the rights of future generations to enjoy the marine life."
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