DEP agrees to delay permits for fracking test wells

Representative Gwen Graham is applauding a decision by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection decision to delay seismic testing for oil and gas in Calhoun and Gulf counties.

The Texas company, called Cholla petroleum, is seeking permits to drill test wells on private property between Blountstown and Wewahitchka.

DEP issued a notice of its intent to issue permits but delayed that action after a private citizen filed a petition seeking to block the permits.

The agency is reviewing the petition and the issue could go to the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings.

There has been widespread opposition to Fracking in our area.

Representative graham said eleven of the fourteen counties in her district have voted in some form against fracking – that includes Franklin and Gulf Counties.

Franklin County’s resolution raises concerns about the chemicals used in the fracturing process, some of which are known to be carcinogenic.

It also discusses the need for substantial amounts of fresh water during fracking at a time when many local governments are struggling with the impacts that water scarcity may have in the state in the near future.

The resolution also raises concerns about the potential harmful impacts fracking can have on wildlife and on the oyster industry and points out that the state has spent millions of dollars on buying property in Franklin County for conservation to help protect the Apalachicola River and Bay and fracking would greatly threaten that protection.

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