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Hydraulic Fracturing (fracking) near Gros Morne National Park

Hydraulic Fracturing (fracking) near Gros Morne National Park

In 2012, Hospitality NL was informed that the oil and gas industry was investigating the possibility of fracking/oil exploration in the Gros Morne region based on the amount of shale rock that has been discovered along western Newfoundland’s coastline. It is proposed that exploratory wells will be constructed near the boundaries of Gros Morne National Park where they will engage in the practice of hydraulic fracturing.

Background

In 2012, Hospitality NL was informed that the oil and gas industry was investigating the possibility of fracking/oil exploration in the Gros Morne region based on the amount of shale rock that has been discovered along western Newfoundland’s coastline. It is proposed that exploratory wells will be constructed near the boundaries of Gros Morne National Park where they will engage in the practice of hydraulic fracturing.
Gros Morne National Park is a United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site. UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee voiced their concerns surrounding proposed hydraulic fracturing near Gros Morne National Park at an annual meeting and proposed to monitor the situation to determine whether this industrialization so close to Gros Morne will jeopardize the park’s world heritage status.

Hospitality NL’s Position

Hospitality NL believes industrialization in and around this vital tourism asset has the potential to jeopardize Gros Morne’s UNESCO World Heritage Site designation as well as our provincial reputation as a progressive, balanced steward of our natural resources and strongly urges for a hold on slick-water hydraulic fracturing in the province, especially within the greater boundaries of Gros Morne National Park, until a comprehensive analysis of the long-term impacts of the proposed hydraulic fracturing projects is completed.

Hospitality NL is not opposed to oil and gas development and understands its value to both the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador and the tourism industry. However, a balanced approach must be taken between such developments and the protection of natural tourism assets in our province that enhance the quality of life for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and serve as the foundation of other revenue-generating industries.

How will Hospitality NL achieve this position?

It is Hospitality NL’s belief that comprehensive analysis of the unique environment of western Newfoundland and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the importance of existing resource-based industries such as tourism, and the presence of Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will provide evidence of the need for the protection of Gros Morne National Park and its outer boundaries as a legislated priority. Ensuring the protection extends to the outer boundaries would prevent developments from impeding the park’s World Heritage Site status, natural beauty, brand and reputation and ensuring its continued enjoyment and benefit for years to come.

In collaboration with area stakeholders, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador strongly urges for a hold on slick-water hydraulic fracturing in the province until a comprehensive analysis of the long-term impacts of the proposed hydraulic fracturing projects is completed.  Furthermore, Hospitality NL has requested that federal and provincial governments support the establishment of an oil exploration/exploitation free zone (buffer/protected zone) around Gros Morne National Park.

In November 2013, the provincial government announced a temporary moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in Newfoundland and Labrador pending further review.

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