Harnett Dispatch

Fracking- More Questions than Answers

Brad Salmon, a local farmer and attorney, who is also a candidate for North Carolina House District 51 recently visited the central Arkansas town of Conway to learn more about hydraulic fracturing, also known as “fracking.”   Fracking is the breaking and fracturing of underground rock formations through the use of high pressure water and chemicals to release natural gas deposits.  Salmon said, “after hearing much of the positive and negative hype surrounding fracking, he wanted to take the opportunity to see first-hand the impact this process of gas extraction has on communities. “

During his trip, Salmon was able to talk with experts, local residents of both the city and county, and the mayor of Conway.  He visited new well sites, old well sites, water dump stations, and water containment ponds.  Salmon said the opinions were varied; with most agreeing that fracking has led to at least some economic gains.  Others, more critical, talk about property rights violations, contaminated water issues, roadway wear by the constant flow of water trucks, and concerns of long term community decay after the temporary gas resources are gone.

Salmon said, “This trip was very informative, but left more questions than answers. Fracking can create jobs and increase the tax base, but there are pronounced tradeoffs.”   He vows to continue to research the issue that is soon to effect residents of Harnett and Lee Counties.