2/3/14 - As a number of local municipalities and groups look to halt the process of hydraulic fracturing in communities, a local political group is planning a presentation and movie screening about the controversial process. Hartland-based RetakeOurGov will host a public showing of the documentary FrackNation at its monthly meeting on February 10th from 7 to 8:30pm at Memories Restaurant in Brighton. The feature aims to address what the filmmakers claim is misinformation about the process commonly referred to as âfrackingâ, which 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. The release from RetakeOurGov says a local project could be a financial benefit to the county. However, itâs prompted several local municipalities to examine their options in regulating the process. Leading the way is Conway Township, which is the site of Livingston Countyâs first fracking test well, which 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. It will examine the environmental issues involved with fracking. Another event on Wednesday, February 12th will examine the governmental perspective of hydraulic fracturing and feature a Michigan Department of Environmental Quality representative as part of the County Planning Departmentâs Brown Bag Lunch series. (JK)
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