11/15/13 - After looking into the issue of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, Marion Township officials have decided it is not practical for them to ban the practice. Clerk Tammy Beal tells WHMI Marion residents have been asking about the controversial process where water, sand, and chemicals are pumped at very high pressure deep underground to break apart rocks and recover the oil and natural gas trapped inside. The practice is controversial, largely because the chemicals used in the process are left underground after the well is capped and the danger to groundwater is still not clear. An exploratory effort to determine if hydraulic fracturing would be feasible recently began in Conway Township, causing a negative reaction among residents. The Traverse City-based organization For Love of Water, or FLOW, is pushing for legislation against fracking in Michigan municipalities and provided information to Marion Township as it researched the issue. Beal says it became evident that a complete ban on fracking in the township would be superseded by state laws. However, it is not clear how a temporary moratorium would impact the practice, and she is continuing to look into that option. According to FLOW, three townships in Michigan have implemented moratoriums on fracking. Officials with GeoSouthern Energy, which is conducting the operation, say an analysis will determine whether or not there is sufficient energy in the formation to warrant further investment. But they insist no decision about the potential use of hydraulic fracturing has been made at this point. (JK)
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