Natural Resources
May 31, 2016

Ensuring Responsible Policy Development

Provincial Government Receives Independent Hydraulic Fracturing Panel Report

Today, the Newfoundland and Labrador Hydraulic Fracturing Review Panel released its final report. The Provincial Government has received the report and is beginning the process of reviewing the contents.

"I extend many thanks to the panel members who have undertaken a thorough and expert report. We received the final report yesterday and met with the panel to discuss the report. Our government has assembled a team to review the information and recommendations that have been put forward. In the meantime, the current policy to not accept applications for hydraulic fracturing will not be changing. Any future decisions regarding the hydraulic fracturing industry will be based on scientific evidence, and most importantly, on a social license from the Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who may be affected."
- The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Minister of Natural Resources

The report is available on the Newfoundland and Labrador Hydraulic Fracturing Review Panel website here: //nlhfrp.ca/ External Link Icon.

"The panel believes that, at this point, the "pause" in accepting applications involving hydraulic fracturing in Western Newfoundland should remain in effect while the fundamental gaps and deficiencies are addressed."
- Dr. Ray Gosine, Chair, Hydraulic Fracturing Review Panel

The panel was appointed in November 2014 to review the implications of hydraulic fracturing operations in Western Newfoundland and was comprised of five academic experts from the fields of resource development, environmental science, geological engineering, international development, and economics. It was led by Dr. Ray Gosine and included Dr. Graham Gagnon, Dr. Maurice Dusseault, Dr. Wade Locke and Dr. Kevin Keough.

QUICK FACTS

  • The Provincial Government has received the final report released today by the Newfoundland and Labrador Hydraulic Fracturing Review Panel.
  • The report is available on the Newfoundland and Labrador Hydraulic Fracturing Review Panel website here: //nlhfrp.ca/ External Link Icon.
  • The panel was appointed in November 2014 to review the implications of hydraulic fracturing operations in Western Newfoundland.

- 30 -

Media contact:

Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 631-8155
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca

2016 05 31                              1:25 p.m.