Register now and comment on Brulpadda drilling
The anti-fracking lobby group Frack Free SA has asked the public to take urgent action against the intentioned drilling of 11 more exploration wells at sea for the Brulpadda project. The area that will be affected is between Cape St Francis and Mossel Bay. "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," it noted in a circular.
The Brulpadda project is spearheaded by the global fuel company Total, with Total E&P South Africa the main shareholder.
Frack Free SA 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 is an international environmental advisory company consulting to a number of industry sectors. It has asked for a virtual meeting with stakeholders in the Brulpadda project this 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, https://slrconsulting.com/za/ slr-documents/tepsa11b12b.
"This must be stopped," reads the Frack Free circular. "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."
Environmentalist poses questions
Respected Southern Cape environmentalist and past chairman of several nature conservancies, Fred Orban, questioned the exploration for fossil fuels "in a changing world that is moving away from such fuels". 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."
* Also read a related letter on the letters page - Ed