Fracking boom continues to raise environmental concerns

Supporters of hydraulic fracturingor frackingsay the technology is helping sluggish economies in Canada and the U.S. pick up steam.

The technique involves pumping water, sand and chemicals deep down well bores to crack open fissures and boost the flow of oil and gas.

But landowners arecontinuing to raise environmental concernson both sides of the border.

Chuck Nerud, who operates a ranch in northeastern Montana, istorn on whether to allow fracking on his land.

"It's a tough decision as to whether or not you want it or don't want it," he said."But if it comes our community as we know it will never be the same."

Nerud says fracking crews areslowly moving towards his land from nearby North Dakota, which is currentlyseeing a huge energy boom.

"You look out over the hills to the east they are within 30 miles," he said.

Nerud also worries that if fracking begins in his area the local water will be at risk.

Groundwater contamination a big concern

"Water is an important thing and it is something that we have to protect," he said.

Nerud says he understands the lure of the money fracking can bring, but he worries about the long-term impact on his land.

"Would it be nice to have a little extra cash in your pocket, yah, but you have got to be careful what you wish for," he said.

Donna Bieda, wholives in Longview,Alta., says she isn't against the energy industry but worries not enough is known about fracking.

"We have lots of springs in the area and over time we are worried that it is going to come up and pollute our water and poison it," she said.

Fracking has been bannedin parts of the U.S., Europe and in Quebec over environmental concerns.

ButAlberta's Energy Resource Conservation Boardhas said in the past thatthe province has strict regulations surrounding the practice.

Chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process were of particular concern to Environment Commissioner Scott Vaughan in his last report as auditor of Canadian environmental regulations.

Chemicals used include nitrogen, methane and carbon dioxide, and the mixturesare often patented by the companies that use them.