1/21/14 - Residents and officials will have a chance next month to view both the governmental and environmental sides of hydraulic fracturing. More commonly referred to as âfrackingâ, the process involves injecting a mixture of sand, water and chemicals at high-pressure deep underground to release trapped oil and natural gas. Itâs been controversial because of concern over the long-term effects of the chemical agents being used and the potential danger they pose to groundwater. That has prompted several local municipalities to examine their options in regulating the process. Leading the way is Conway Township, which is the site of Livingston County's first fracking test well that was drilled last year. The township has teamed up with a Traverse City environmental organization known as FLOW, or For Love Of Water, to host a public gathering on Thursday, February 6th at the Alverson Performing Arts Auditorium in Fowlerville. No RSVP is required. The educational presentation will start at 6:30pm and examine the environmental issues involved with fracking. That will be followed by an event which will look at the governmental perspective of hydraulic fracturing. The Livingston County Planning Department Brown Bag Lunch gathering, set for Wednesday, February 12th at Cleary Universityâs Johnson Center, will feature Adam Wyagant of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. To RSVP for that event, e-mail; kathleenk@co.livingston.mi.us
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