PRESS STATEMENT

Sacramento, California

South African Environmentalist honored in California

 
Leader of Treasure Karoo Action Group and Goldman Environmental prize recipient, Jonathan Deal was received by the California State Senate in Sacramento on May 6. The visit to California comes at the end of a five-week US tour during which Deal visited communities across the country that have experienced shale gas drilling.

Deal’s written address about fracking, to the State of California, where shale oil and shale gas drilling is currently under debate, was distributed to the Senate members as part of a formal appearance and introduction on the Senate Floor, where the South African flag was raised for the occasion.

In the statement, Deal said that his focus had been on learning firsthand about shale gas and shale oil fracking through the eyes of Americans and that he had met with politicians, scientists, legal professionals, industry consultants and the man on the street, both for and against. Citing this experience, he said that he could find no good reason to support this controversial technology and its reliance on an unsustainable resource.

Describing the resource itself as rapidly depleting, he said that “fracking carries with it significant environmental risk, far-reaching secondary costs to tax payers, and locks economies - both developing and developed - into a further dependence on fossil fuels.”

Turning to alternatives, he added that fracking firmly delays the emergence of renewable technologies, and that the world would have to rely on renewable energy at some point in the future.

The written address concluded with a plea to the California Senate to fully consider the net negative effect of embracing the model propagated by the oil and gas industry – a model that Deal said “will see the future prosperity of young Americans traded for short-term gains.” He expressed a hope that the people of California would encourage and support the Senate to choose sustainability over the false promise of a solution to the energy and jobs conundrum that faces governments the world over.

Deal will be returning to America in coming months to further international ties that have been established during this visit.

 

/ENDS



For further information contact Jonathan Deal

US Mobile number 607-33 99 780

jdeal@telkomsa.net

View the video >>

FRACKING ACTIVIST WINS INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PRIZE

South African environmental campaigner Jonathan Deal was today awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize for his work in the fight against hydraulic fracturing in the Karoo.

Each year, the Goldman Environmental Foundation selects grassroots activists from around the world to honour them for their work. With an individual cash prize of $150 000 (close on R1.5m), it is the largest award for grassroots environmental activism in the world.

Deal received the Prize at an awards ceremony in San Francisco on Monday 15 April, 2013. He is one of six recipients of the award for 2013. Other winners were honoured for their work in marshland restoration, solid waste management, marble mining, and coal plant emissions.

Deal is the second South African to be recognized with the Goldman Prize. Bobby Peek was awarded the Prize in 1998 for his fight against industrial pollution in the South Durban region.

“This award coincided with the end of an especially difficult year in the hard fought campaign against fracking,” said Deal.

“Even though I have had to keep the news to myself since November, it has been an enormous inspiration. I have done nothing in this campaign for my personal benefit, however, the recognition from people on the other side of the world has been a great encouragement. The value of the prize has already manifested itself in our organisation, Treasure Karoo Action Group (TKAG), because I have been able to pay salaries to staff that have worked for two years without, and commit to other expenses that have assisted us in reaching out to rural communities.”

Deal and the TKAG have received a number of awards in recent months for their campaigning, including the WESSA Special Environmental Award in 2011, winning the NPO category for 2012 at the Mail & Guardian Greening the Future Awards, the Habitat Council’s Annual Environmental Award for 2012, and being selected as a finalist for Enviropaedia’s Eco Warrior Award.

“We fought for – and secured – a moratorium on fracking in South Africa but this was lifted in September 2012. Licences can now be issued at any time, but we will be ready to appeal the issuing of any licences,” said Deal.

The moratorium was lifted following the recommendations of a government appointed task team, whose report suggested that exploration proceed without allowing for horizontal drilling or hydraulic fracturing, while laws are amended and a monitoring committee is established.

“Due to the fatal flaws in the applicants' environmental management plans and other considerations, TKAG will be opposing any licences that may be granted,” said Deal.

Fracking is a technique used to extract natural gas from shale rock layers deep within the earth. Environmental groups and many scientists believe this technique degrades the land, pollutes ground water and fouls the air.

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS:

-     The GOLDMAN ENVIRONMENTAL PRIZE now in its 24th year, is awarded annually to environmental heroes from each of the world’s six inhabited continental regions. With an individual cash prize of $150,000, it is the largest award for grassroots environmental activism. The Prize was established in 1989 by late San Francisco civic leaders and philanthropists Richard and Rhoda Goldman. Prize winners are selected by an international jury from confidential nominations submitted by a worldwide network of environmental organizations and individuals. For additional information about the Prize and previous winners visit www.goldmanprize.org

-     TREASURE KAROO ACTION GROUP (TKAG) opposes the introduction and licensing of shale gas extraction through fracking in South Africa in the face of known impacts and the absence of scientific consensus and proof that shale gas is a responsible and sustainable answer to energy, climate and employment challenges in SA. For additional information, visit www.treasurethekaroo.co.za

-     High resolution file photographs of Mr Deal are available on request. Images from the prize giving ceremony in the USA will also be made available. To access the pressroom, go to www.goldmanprize.org/pressroom/2013 and enter the following credentials: Login: press & password: goldman2013.

Issued by HWB Communications (Pty) Ltd on behalf of the Goldman Environmental Foundation.

For information, please contact:

-     Erin Smith-Cheng                         Jonathan Deal

goldmanprize@allisonpr.com                           chairman@treasurethekaroo.co.za

Tel: 00 1 415 875 3056              00 1 415 635 1304 (US mobile)

00 1 (650) 224-2463 (mobile)

 

-     Jenny Park

jenny@goldmanprize.org

Tel: 00 1 415 249 8500

00 1 (415) 867 1166 (mobile)

 

-     Jeanie Le Roux                     

research@treasurethekaroo.co.za    

072 959 1818 (mobile)

Reacting to reports of meetings held in Karoo towns by Shell, TKAG chairman, Jonathan Deal said today that TKAG were aware of the recent tactics employed by Shell – referring to the meetings as underhanded. Deal cited an example of a meeting that took place in Murraysburg in February,well attended by people apparently informed in advance by a local municipal official. It is noteworthy, he commented, that there was no advance notice of the meeting in any public place, and that it appeared that only certain people were selected as the audience. In fact, five farmers from the Murraysburg area who did perchance find out about the meeting and attend, had no more than an hour or two of notice.

According to reports, when local farmer Chris Barr asked Shell about the purpose of the meeting, Shell responded that the meeting was to inform and update local communities. Shell was then asked, if that [to inform local communities] was the purpose, why was there no advance notice to the community about the meeting? After what was described by some as a presentation with no new information and no answers, the audience was treated to lunch courtesy of Shell. When presented with various opportunities in 2012, to present to an informed audience with TKAG present, Shell has declined to appear. The company has also cancelled scheduled meetings with national environmental organisations on learning that TKAG would be present.

“Our problem with this underhanded strategy is exactly the same issue we have had with Shell throughout their campaign to sell shale gas mining to South Africans – it is not open, honest and transparent to hold meetings in a town about an issue that affects everyone and only invite certain people,” he added. “What is more, in our [TKAG] experience Shell deliberately overstates benefits and downplays risk, just as they did again in Murraysburg – crucial questions relating to water-sourcing, transport and other issues were answered unsatisfactorily.” Deal said that it was very difficult for a non-profit organisation to compete with the well-funded propaganda machine of Shell and appealed to the public to report any similar activity by Shell or any other oil and gas company.

Meanwhile TKAG have confirmed that their legal team is briefed and ready to respond to any formal move by the government to issue exploration licences for shale gas mining. “A review of international media reports will show that there is a growing public awareness of and resistance to shale gas mining. We believe that Shell is trying to push the technology into South Africa, before the community fully appreciates the risk that fracking poses to the prosperity of this country.”

ENDS/

For more information please contact:
Jonathan Deal
Chairman - Treasure Karoo Action Group
cell: 076  838 5150 – alternate 023-358-9902
e-mail: chairman@treasurethekaroo.co.za
www.treasurethekaroo.co.za <http://www.treasurethekaroo.co.za>
 

TKAG chairman, Jonathan Deal today announced that Afriforum and TKAG have joined forces to oppose shale gas exploration and mining in South Africa. “The last two years, during which TKAG has campaigned against shale gas mining in SA have been very challenging for us because of our extremely limited resources. We are very pleased to partner with an organisation that shares our vision of sustainable development for South Africa. The unequivocal support of Afriforum will change things dramatically, and TKAG can now concentrate on the almost certain legal battle which lies ahead.”

Deal added that Afriforum and TKAG will be working together at senior level, and that the legal campaign will be managed by the law firm appointed by TKAG - Cullinan & Associates.

 

ENDS/


For more information please contact:
Jonathan Deal
Chairman - Treasure Karoo Action Group
cell: 076  838 5150
e-mail: natcoordinator@treasurethekaroo.co.za">natcoordinator@treasurethekaroo.co.za
www.treasurethekaroo.co.za <http://www.treasurethekaroo.co.za>

Speaking at the Southern Africa Oil & Gas Summit in Cape Town, TKAG Chair, Jonathan Deal cautioned delegates not to rush into investment decisions around shale gas mining in South Africa. In an address that included what he described as a sample of the hurdles facing the proponents of shale gas mining in SA, Deal said that in the view of TKAG, the technology was wholly inappropriate for South African conditions and that the applicants and the government would be challenged in the courts.

“Organised industry often accuses environmentalists of standing in the way of development and progress. But our view is that groups like TKAG perform a very valuable function in calling a check on what would otherwise be a headlong rush - into an irreversible decision - by governments eager to appease voters at any cost. I am not convinced that the economics of shale gas mining stack up in favour of the development - in fact I believe that the proponents of fracking have roundly failed to prove their case - and that in contrast to the stated result of helping SA, exploring for shale gas in the Karoo will add little of value compared to the risks of exposing SA unnecessarily to the same hazards and costs that the country would face in production.“

The ‘hurdles’ presented to the conference by TKAG included:

The task team report provided to the SA Cabinet by the Department of Minerals (DMR) as the basis for the Cabinet decision to lift the moratorium on shale gas mining, omits formal comment from South African specialists in, amongst others, the departments of Tourism, Rural Development, Agriculture, Nature Conservation groups, Transport, South African Revenue Services and Health department. “In the absence of scientific evaluation of and comment on these aspects, by South African specialists, in the South African context, the document is a flawed model on which to base a decision on whether or not shale gas mining should be introduced to this country”.

The SA government has an established inability to monitor mining operations, enforce standards of safety and technical compliance, and prosecute offending operators who can and do hire the best international defense with the comparatively vast funds at their disposal. “In 2011/2012, the Departments of Water Affairs and Minerals respectively, acknowledged that there were 53 mines in SA operating without water licenses and more than 5800 abandoned mines which would have to be rehabilitated at the expense of the SA taxpayer. The bill to address an acid mine drainage problem in the town of Carolina has been budgeted at R200 million – again for the SA taxpayer.”

Credible physicians and scientists in the United States have published reports relating to a variety of health concerns for communities and workers close to fracking operations and to those situated within reach of airborne and waterborne pollution. “There has been no formal acknowledgement of these reports by our government, or by any of the current applicants who wait for their exploration licenses.”

A significant cost to the American taxpayer is the repair, upgrading, and maintenance of state roads as a result of the additional volume of heavy vehicles associated with shale gas mining. A group of six counties in Texas

budgeted $500million for the period 2011 to 2016. “South African roads are already in a marked state of disrepair and barely manage to cope with existing traffic volumes. Law enforcement on SA roads cannot be counted as a strength of the Department of Transport, and even in the US, where the law enforcement agencies are better trained, better equipped and better paid, that country is battling to manage the additional enforcement challenges presented by traffic from shale gas mining.”

Consultation with the South African public from the three applicants and from the SA government has been and is inadequate. “The sequence of events in which Minister Shabangu promised in August 2011 to consult with all of the people before reaching any decision on Shale gas mining, and then lifting the moratorium a year later, with a concurrent promise that the government would ‘now consult with the public’ - does not constitute consultation, or participation – it is a fact that the government has decided to authorize exploration and the promise of consultation is empty.”

“Successful exploration will automatically result in the conversion of licenses to full scale production.

There is no precedent for the DMR halting the conversion of an exploration license to production.”

The Shell-commissioned report from Econometrix is a one sided, over-optimistic extrapolation of US industry furnished data, which ignores significant and readily available figures on state expenditure such as transport costs, health services, the development, training, equipping and maintenance of teams of environmental inspectors, traffic officers, scientists and prosecutors.

There is no discussion of who will pay to build the pipelines and infrastructure to transport gas across SA.

The applicants and our government have failed to acknowledge the bans, moratoria, and restrictions on

Shale gas mining in other places and countries. “This situation cannot simply be dismissed as originating from a handful of hysterical and emotional environmentalists and having no bearing on the SA decision.”

South Africa does not have fracking specific legislation. American regulations based on American laws cannot be imported into SA courts.

The economic model commissioned, paid for and propagated by Shell and apparently endorsed by the government, fails to address even one cost. Shale gas is measured in decades. Sustainable activities, which, on the face of it, in a direct short-term comparison with shale gas, are less impressive, ought to be measured for their long term, renewable potential. The jobs, production revenue and food security value of vegetables, meat, wool, tourism, wine, olives, honey and even the value of fresh drinking water should be calculated in much longer periods than decades. A comparison on this basis may introduce much needed perspective. “The present model is akin to planning a new business by calculating only the profit on sales, and ignoring input costs.”

“In summary of these facts, it is my position that there are no quick fixes for South Africa. For our government to license exploration in the light of these unresolved issues, knowing and planning that it will open the door to full scale production, is ill-considered and irresponsibly risks the sustainability of future generations.”

Addressing the pillars on which our government's view appeared to rest, Deal observed that the economics had not been adequately or even independently researched. He argued that the figures forwarded thus far, even though cleverly reduced to a fraction of the assumed gas reserves, were useless in the absence of a comparison against real costs, and the economic losses associated with the disruption - actual or potential - of sustainable economic activity.

Commenting on the industry propagated theory that ‘cleaner-burning’ shale gas would solve much of SA’s emissions problems, he cited a November 2012 report from Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) that shows that global carbon emissions need to fall by 5.1% PA, and that shale gas can at best achieve 3%. PWC also stated that there is a clear indication that the pursuit of shale gas is going to delay the onset of renewable energy and green technologies, and lock developing nations into a dependence on fossil fuels.

   Press statement

   Monday, September 10, 2012

              World joins South Africans in fight against fracking

 

International groups opposed to fracking, in the USA, Europe and Australia, have rallied in support of the Treasure Karoo Action Group (TKAG) in their fight to prevent the government from giving fracking in South Africa the green light.

 

“The support we have received locally and internationally since the government lifted the moratorium on fracking in South Africa on Friday (September 7) has been overwhelming,” said Jonathan Deal, Chairman of TKAG.

 

“It is clear that there is widespread abhorrence to this environmentally harmful, potentially polluting form of mining,” he added.

 

“The harm done by fracking is potentially irreversible - having a negative impact on the environment, affects the health of local communities, and does not deliver sustainably on the promises of job creation, community upliftment and energy provision as claimed by mining companies, such as Royal Dutch Shell, who despite their overt concern with ‘what is good for SA’, are only keen on growing profit,” he said.

 

International groups which have promised their support to TKAG include Food & Water Watch, FrackAction, Waterdefense, Attac International and Attac France, Artists Against Fracking USA, anti-fracking activists Mark Ruffalo and Josh Fox – producer of the film, Gasland, Fracking Ireland and Lock-the-Gate in Australia. Locally, TKAG is part of a strategic alliance of established NGO’s, including KZN based African Conservation Trust. Deal confirmed that TKAG had significantly also received a vote of support from the Southern Cape Land Committee (SCLC). “The SCLC is a local organisation representing the interests of rural communities. They have been independently outspoken about their opposition to fracking in South Africa.” Fracking opponents in SA are planning a national demonstration in front of Parliament on Saturday September 22nd – Global Anti-Fracking Day.

 

 

Fracking has been banned or restricted in 155 jurisdictions throughout the world.

 

The South African Cabinet announced on Friday that it had decided to lift the moratorium on fracking in the Karoo. The moratorium was endorsed by the SA cabinet in April 2011, followed by the appointment of a task team by minister Shabangu with the purpose of investigating fracking. She announced that the task team would focus, in particular, on the feasibility of fracking as well as its likely impact on the environment.

 

Since that time the task team has met in total secrecy and consistently refused to make it's composition or findings public. On Friday, September 7th, Cabinet also apparently requested the mineral resources minister to “hold a series of public consultations with interested and affected stakeholders to provide further details”.

 

Meanwhile, the Treasure Karoo Action Group has pledged to take the fight to oppose fracking in South Africa to the constitutional court.

 

 “Our research, as well as a legal-scientific review of the environmental management plans (EMP’s) of the three current applicants (Royal Dutch Shell, Bundu and Falcon) has revealed fatal flaws.”  

 

 “These flaws mean that the plans of the applicants are at odds with various  South African laws and regulations as well as the Constitution of the country.

In addition to this, the internationally critical reputation of fracking, and the rejection of the destructive polluting technology by tens of millions of people in other countries has never been dealt with by our government (despite formal notification of these facts to our cabinet by TKAG) nor by any of the applicants to mine for shale gas in SA”, said Deal.

 

“It is our conviction that there are other less harmful and more sustainable means – including solar – to create jobs, generate energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A sensible approach now will pay dividends for the future children of this country and enable them to meet their needs.” said Deal.

 



“We do not have to sacrifice our heath, well being and environment in the short term to line the pockets of foreign oil companies.”

 

“We simply cannot allow this threat to our water resources, our environment and the health of our communities to be carried out and we will take this fight to the highest court.”

 

ends/

 

Issued by HWB Communications on Behalf of the Treasure Action Karoo Group

for more information please call:

TKAG Chairman: Jonathan Deal: 076 838 5150

HWB: Communications: Evelyn Holtzhausen: 082 658 6007

 

 

Tuesday 31 July 2012

 

Press Release

 

Anti-fracking lobby announces new legal campaign to fight government over shale gas mining

 

The Treasure Karoo Action Group (TKAG) has refocused its legal strategy in preparation for an all out confrontation with the South African Government to prevent fracking in the Karoo.

 

In addition the group has concluded agreements with like-minded opposition groups to form a broad alliance in opposition to fracking and will be making an announcement on this during the week.

 

"We have engaged the well established firm of Cullinan & Associates who will bring fresh thinking and decades of experience to our approach at this critical time in our campaign", said Jonathan Deal, Chairman of the Treasure Karoo Action Group.

Last year South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) imposed a moratorium on fracking with the aim of implementing a study into the environmental impact of the controversial form of shale gas extraction, which has been banned, or is under moratorium or restriction in at least 150 jurisdictions around the world.

 

It is anticipated that DMR technical report will be presented to the Cabinet early in August 2012 after which cabinet will make its decision on whether or not to lift the moratorium and allow exploratory drilling.

 

Companies that have applied to use the environmentally damaging process, include Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. and Bundu Oil & Gas (Pty) Ltd.

 

Fear that the licenses would be granted were raised when Energy Minister Peters noted during a recent departmental meeting that: "It would be wrong for us to not use the resources that God left us with. This is a blessing that God gives us, and we need to exploit for the benefit of the people" before noting that 
the people of the Karoo were "going hungry."


 

"We have been preparing for the moratorium to be lifted for a long time," said Deal.

 

"Now in the run up to the decision by government we are refocusing our efforts to present a high powered, well prepared legal campaign which we believe will halt the minster in her tracks.

 

"For this we have selected the best legal minds that we can get to assist us to take this matter to the constitutional court if needs be."

 

"And we believe we have the support of right thinking South Africans as we move forward.”  

 

"We are not deterred by the fact that a number of people may have been influenced by Shell's relentless pro fracking propaganda regarding the size of the gas deposit to the number of jobs that could be created." said Deal. "We also know that Shell has been less than open with the truth about the irreversible damage to the environment that fracking causes and the figures surrounding jobs.”

 

"The Government’s dramatic reversal over e-tolling in Gauteng after massive public outcry earlier this year has shown that ordinary people are sick and tired of government riding rough-shod over the will of the people whose lives are most impacted upon by their often ill-considered decisions."

 

Our message to government is; "if you rule in favour of fracking, under the current circumstances, prepare for a long and costly legal battle as the people who will be most affected fight back ".

 

ends

 

Issued by TREASURE KAROO ACTION GROUP

Jonathan Deal natcoordinator@treasurethekaroo.co.za

076-838-5150 or 023-358-9902

 

 

 

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE SOUTH AFRICAN CABINET

and all elected officials in South Africa

and to Shell South Africa

 
July 3rd 2012

ATTENTION: Honourable Members of the Cabinet

  SHELL SOUTH AFRICA ARE DECEIVING SOUTH AFRICANS

Dear fellow South African. While our country is under the protection of a moratorium on shale gas mining – imposed by yourselves – Shell South Africa continues to doggedly market their plans directly to the elected officials who are subordinate to your authority. It is significant too, that this marketing campaign by Shell is underpinned by duplicity and deceipt.

Treasure Karoo Action Group (TKAG) are in receipt of an email from an employee in a Karoo municipality, which apart from having the name removed to ensure anonymity, is verbatim:

"[I] work for the ***** Municipality in a senior position, and am finding that as much as I would like to participate in the anti-fracking movement, it places me in a bit of a predicament at work, as Shell has gone out of its way to gain our Council's support and with all their promises of socio-economic development, they have also made an impression on the masses. I had one of Shell's people in my office yesterday and they are now going to target Ward Committee members and NGOs. This whole thing makes me sick.

"Unfortunately the marginalized communities are being promised jobs ~ lots of them ~ and all sorts of other wonderful social and economic benefits. Community leaders and local organizations are being targeted and I can guarantee you, they will be influenced to support fracking, no matter at what cost. The whole thing has been politicized and it will be driven at that level.”

As a key stakeholder in the debate surrounding shale gas mining in South Africa, it is our responsibility and our privilege to bring to your attention that the so-called facts about fracking and Shell’s own operations – as put out by Shell, are peppered with material untruths. Specifically, the areas of job creation, water contamination, pollution and environmental damage are misrepresented to you and the elected officials who serve our country. Any person who has been exposed to the Shell campaign in our country is at risk of regarding fracking as a harmless process that has nothing but great benefits for SA. 

We are in possession of evidence, which we are ready to provide in any forum, which will show that Shell SA has been untruthful with South Africa.

We appeal to you to apply great caution in your imminent decision on whether or not to grant Shell and others licences to explore for shale gas in this country, at least until there has been far more detailed investigation and meaningful public consultation.

Yours sincerely,

Jonathan Deal

Chairman

 

 

“National Planning Commission advice to President Zuma is flawed”

These were the words of Treasure Karoo Action Group chairman, Jonathan Deal in response to a reported statement by the NPC last Friday in which that body advised President Zuma to allow shale gas exploration. “TKAG has met with the NPC and we have a good idea on the information on which their advice to President Zuma is based. It has not been established, in any country in the world, that turning to shale gas as an energy source will reduce greenhouse gas emissions to anywhere near the extent claimed by the oil and gas industry. Nor has the NPC, or any other body in SA moved towards conducting a proper cost-benefit analysis of shale gas within the social, environmental, economic and scientific spectrum,” said Deal.

He argued that “In our view it is bordering on irresponsible, for a body with the clout enjoyed by the NPC to make statements on such an important decision without having fully researched all of the issues. To simply extrapolate the potential energy figures from US estimates and focus on job creation and revenue, based on reports commissioned and paid for by Royal Dutch Shell is short-sighted. There is no answer by Shell or our government, as to why, in more than 146 locations around the world, tens of millions of people - many of whom have experienced the effects of fracking - do not want shale gas mining where they get their drinking water, grow their crops, raise animals, and send their children to school.”

“Moreover”, added Deal, “Recent groundbreaking research by well known geo-hydrologist, Professor Gerrit van Tonder of the Institute of Groundwater Studies, University of the Free State, claims that owing to the unique geology of the Karoo basin, it is a given that pollution of shallow drinking water aquifers will occur over a given period of time. To even obliquely consider exploration – which would realistically lead to full scale fracking - in these unresolved circumstances is to completely ignore the legal requirement, as stipulated in SA’s National Environmental Management Act, of applying the precautionary principle, to decisions where environmental damage can result.”

“Southern Africa has seen a remarkable increase in proven off-shore natural gas reserves and has some of the best solar irradiation on the planet. These two energy sources can also create jobs and generate energy without the risk of polluting the scarce water reserves of SA, damaging the growing tourism industry, and displacing food production from the Karoo and other rural areas – all in pursuit of what is ultimately an unsustainable process. There appears to be a perception that the fantastic figures promised by Shell will solve our problems immediately – but no one is telling the SA public that it would take at least ten to twelve years for the so-called benefits to work their way into the SA economy – and by that time other energy sources could be well up and running, he concluded.

/ends

The moratorium on shale gas mining in the Karoo ought to be extended pending a rigorous national strategic assessment of the technology and it's implications for South Africa.
 
This was the consensus at a debate yesterday (November 22) in Port Elizabeth titled, Strategic Conversations - Fracking in the Karoo.
 
The event, hosted by the business school of Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) was the first of its kind in the country, effectively juxtaposing environmental lobby group Treasure Karoo Action Group (TKAG) against Royal Dutch Shell, with qualified contribution from NMMU Prof Maarten De Witt and Mr. Andrew Muir, Chair of Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber and CEO of the Wilderness Foundation.
 
Jonathan Deal, chairman of TKAG, De Witt and Muir in their opening statements, voiced their belief that the technology of fracking and any applications to mine shale gas must remain on ice for an extended period on the basis of the unknown implications of fracking in South Africa. 
 
"This controversial technology requires multiple and independent lines of scientific analysis, a meaningful public awareness campaign by government and an inclusive national strategic debate facilitated by an independent government task team. 
 
"Taking into account the current state of misinformation and the refusal of the DMR to cooperate with requests for information, we are of the view that it would be unlawful for the minister to issue an exploration licence," said Deal.
 
Prof. De Witt, a geo-hydrologist, called for a minimum extension to the moratorium of two to three years and suggested that the oil and gas companies should not be involved in any phase of the evaluation of the technology during the moratorium. 
 
De Witt added that if and when the process of exploration began, the companies would need to be independently supervised by experts because they could not be trusted to police their own operations.
 
He concluded by saying that an area which had thus far been absent from this debate was the 'absolutely enormous impact' on social services that would result from 'not thousands, but hundreds of thousands of trucks' running through the Karoo, which presented social challenges and opportunities.
 
There was focus during the debate on Royal Dutch Shell and their persistence in denying that the company is not aware of even one instance of pollution of groundwater from fracking. 
 
Speaking directly to Jan-Willem Eggink, Shell Upstream manager for Africa, Deal said "It is time for Shell to stop hiding behind the trite industry claim of 1 million wells over sixty years and not one problem.”
 
"I put it to you that no one can do any mechanical operation over 60 years, a million times in a row without making even one error." 
 
"There are many documented instances of pollution from fracking, and for Shell to continue to deny this does little to alleviate our distrust of the oil and gas industry." 
 
Deal said "the statistic of 1 million wells does not belong to Shell alone, with the biggest single driller in the US - Chesapeake having done only 4100 wells in which horizontal fracking was applied."
 
The debate was moderated by Prof Piet Naude and attended by members of the  public and the academic fraternity, including the Vice Chancellor of NMMU, Prof Derrick Swartz, the head of the business school, Prof. Burgess and Prof. Paul Poisat.
 
For more information please contact:
Jonathan Deal
Chairman - Treasure Karoo Action Group
cell: 076  838 5150
e-mail: natcoordinator@treasurethekaroo.co.za
www.treasurethekaroo.co.za

“The statements by the National Planning Commission in connection with shale gas mining are premature, unfortunate, and enter the completely unsettled debate from a weak position.” This is the view of Treasure Karoo Action Group, TKAG chairman Jonathan Deal, who added that it borders on irresponsibility by the NPC team to make sweeping pronouncements on a technology on which ‘the jury is still out’ around the world.

Hydraulic fracturing, (fracking) is presently under a full moratorium in South Africa, as well as in four other countries and at least 80 other locations around the world. The specialist task team convened by Minister Shabangu on the instructions of our full Cabinet, is yet to report back to the minister who only then may approach Cabinet for a decision on fracking. “In other words, this process is far from over, requiring in our view, an independent scientific investigation of at least the time frame involved in the US – which is four years,” said Deal.

For a presidentially sanctioned body of highly regarded thought leaders in our country to have released the statements that they have, at this time, creates the impression that our government has already made up its mind to issue licences to frack the country. “We are sure that this was not their intention. Of particular concern are the gas reserve figures on which these statements are based. We are receiving information, on a regular basis of the over estimation of gas reserves by the USGS and agencies in the UK. Estimated reserves in Pennsylvania have recently been reduced from 410tcf (trillion cubic feet) to 84tcf – an 80% reduction.”

In closing Deal referred to a few of the many unanswered questions surrounding ‘fracking’ – such as sourcing and pollution of fresh water, disposal of toxic wastewater, a dearth of mining law, lack of enforcement capability and the above-ground disruption to farming and tourism. “The NPC has failed to address any of these questions – which are absolutely fundamental to the issue at hand. We trust that this will not exacerbate an already delicate situation, in which TKAG has been forced to sue the Minister of Mineral Resources over her department’s refusal to share information on the activities of the task team).


/ends
 
[ABOUT TKAG: Treasure the Karoo Action Group represents a broad range of stakeholders who are concerned with the plans of Oil and Mining companies to extract shale gas from the Karoo basin. Popular support can be followed and joined on Facebook and at www.treasurethekaroo.co.za

“Shell’s credibility questioned again”

A lobby group has accused Shell of having no credibility when making promises to South African communities about plans for hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”).

This follows reports this week about farmers in Pennsylvania (USA) blaming Shell for the contamination of their groundwater. (“Alarm bells sound for Karoo residents after US farmer’s water supply ruined,” http://www.peherald.com/news/article/2974)

Treasure Karoo Action Group chairman Jonathan Deal says Shell spokespersons have been talking to local farmers and making promises about the safety of fracking while they were aware of the incident in Pennsylvania.

“Shell staff members have told us there was not even one incident of pollution from fracking, anywhere in the world, that can be attributed to them. They made no mention of this incident in the US, in April.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has formally placed Shell on notice that it (Shell) is in breach of provisions of the Oil & Gas Act in the US.

“Of particular interest to TKAG is the claim by two South African farmers that Shell attempted to purposefully divert them away from this incident site during a visit to the United States. In any event, the truth has emerged and we sincerely hope that our government is taking note of the conduct of Shell - the most visible of all applicants to frack this country,” said Deal.

Meanwhile TKAG has welcomed the decision by Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu to cancel mining rights for the Central Rand Gold Mine on the basis of non-compliance with agreed conditions.

“It is heartening to see that Minister Shabangu is enforcing a no-nonsense approach in applying the law. This sends a very necessary message to big business that standards and values in South Africa are not for sale.”

Lobby group Treasure Karoo Action Group (TKAG) will tonight (SUBS: Thursday) be honoured for its work in creating awareness about the potential dangers of hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) in the Karoo.

The award comes from the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), and is awarded in the Group Category. The award will be presented to TKAG at WESSA’s 85th birthday celebration.

TKAG chairman Jonathan Deal welcomed the award. “It is a very welcome endorsement of the work we do every day, to create awareness about the potential dangers of fracking as a technology for South Africa,” he said. “We are deeply honoured to receive this award from a well respected organization such as WESSA.”

WESSA is a non-government organization, working to ensure environmental sustainability for current and future South African generations.

The award ceremony takes place at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town, at 6pm on Thursday August 18, 2011. For information on WESSA visit www.wessa.org.za or call Catherine 082 321 2794.

The Treasure Karoo Action Group (TKAG) has invoked the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to obtain information about government’s fracking task team and its report to Cabinet.  

Requests for access to information have been submitted to the Council for Geosciences, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Mineral Resources, the Department of Science and Technology, and the Petroleum Agency of South Africa.
 
“We have repeatedly asked Minister Shabangu to take the public into her confidence and share information about the fracking task team with TKAG and all other interested and affected South Africans, but our requests have fallen on deaf ears,” said Jonathan Deal, chairman of TKAG.

“Consequently, we have now been forced to formally request this information under the provisions of PAIA.”
 
The department of Mineral Resources announced earlier this year that a multi disciplinary task team would be investigating the merits of fracking, and report back to Cabinet. Since then, very little has been made public about the task team or its report.
 
In its requests, the TKAG asks for, amongst other things:
Terms of reference and/or instructions relating to the research to be conducted by the multi-disciplinary task team on hydraulic fracturing;
The identities and qualifications of the individual task team members;
Minutes of all task team meetings;
A copy of the most recent version of the task team’s report;
All research documents that relate to hydraulic fracturing and which have been, or may be, used by the task team.
 
“There are so many unanswered questions about this ‘mystery’ task team which has been conducting its affairs behind closed doors.  It is time the Minister told us what is going on,” said Deal.

Meanwhile, in a radio debate on SAFM today (Monday), Shell’s Bonang Mohale stated that Shell was in constant contact with government and kept them informed. “Who is Shell speaking to? Who do others not have the same access,” asked Deal.
 
Under PAIA, the recipients of TKAG's requests have 30 days within which to respond

An American task team found that gas companies run the risk of causing serious environmental damage from hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”). This was welcomed by the Treasure Karoo Action Group (TKAG).
 
The team was appointed by US Energy Secretary Steven Chu, and found that the increased use of fracking, which forces water and chemicals into rock, raised the potential for a “serious problem”. (See Bloomberg report, copied below email signature.)
 
TKAG chairman Jonathan Deal said it was significant to note the task team consisted of predominantly oil and gas industry executives – no community representatives were included – yet the team’s report was critical of its own industry and their own technology.
 
“Another point to keep in mind is the matter of safety and environmental performance. The US report said this must be enhanced by means of better regulations.  We don’t have fracking-specific regulations in South Africa, a fact that has been confirmed by the very companies that are applying for shale gas exploration licenses in South Africa."  
 
“How can we possibly approve fracking in South Africa when the US panel, which apparently includes a representative from Shell, is calling for improved regulation of the industry and warning of serious environmental risks. Even if we had fracking-specific laws, the next important question is whether or not we would have an appropriate degree of governmental oversight and adequate enforcement capabilities,” said Deal.

He said, “South Africa still had a long way to go in terms of a thorough investigation, before we can even consider licensing shale gas mining.”
 
“Lastly, it is also worth noting that this panel of experts was not convinced that fracking is safe” said Deal.

Treasure Karoo Action Group (TKAG) has described the task team investigating fracking as “a sham”, after the Minister of Mineral Resources revealed in parliament yesterday that the departments of Water Affairs and Agriculture were not represented on the team.

And from her reply it is clear that the task team would not be interviewing farmers or businesses or tourism bodies in the Karoo, before making their decision.

The Minister was replying to a written question from Democratic Alliance MP Gareth Morgan. (The reply to question number 1409 is available on request.)
 
“The constitution of the team and the exclusive nature of its mandate renders any report from it worthless in the debate on fracking,” said Jonathan Deal, chairman of TKAG.
 
Deal said that TKAG was specifically concerned about the fact that the department of Mineral Resources awarded complete autonomy to the task team in terms of the date on which the moratorium will be lifted, as well as the terms upon which applications and proposed operations shall be assessed.
 
“The fact that the task team excludes every other ministry and role player in this country with the exception of Departments of Trade & Industry, Science & Technology and Minerals is for TKAG, a clear indicator of the decision that can be expected from the team – fracking will be given the green light,” he said.
 
TKAG added that even the working group established by the team comprises only representatives from the Petroleum Association of South Africa, the Council for Geosciences and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.
 
“This is not the way a democratic government should be behaving”, said Deal. “One would expect the task team, which is dealing with such an important issue, to represent all interested parties.  

"Fracking has damaged water supplies in a number of American States – and yet there is not a member of the Department of Water Affairs on the task team. Farmers’ land will be disturbed – yet there is no representative of any farmers.  There are no environmental NGO’s.”

Deal pointed out that according to the Minister herself, the moratorium was imposed as there were "very serious environmental implications (and) then "we as a cabinet took the decision to put in place a moratorium until we got the answers to that."  

"How can the Cabinet expect to find answers to their environmental concerns if the Department of the Environment and the Department of Water are not involved?

"Any answers that the Task Team puts forward will not be the product of taking Cabinet's primary concerns into account, and thus they will be worthless to Cabinet and the interested and affected parties (IAPs) who are relying on Cabinet to make an informed decision", said Deal.

"It was surely a material condition of Cabinet’s call for a moratorium, that the full implications of fracking must be researched - the Task Team will certainly have failed in that respect if they do not take in concerns about the environment and water.

"The manner in which the Task Team has seemingly exercised their powers is so unreasonable that no reasonable person in an administrative position would have conducted themselves in a similar fashion,” said Deal.
 
In her reply in Parliament, the Minister of Mineral Resources claimed that the public had already had their opportunity to comment on the applications of various companies who wish to mine shale gas, and that there would be no further opportunity for public involvement. No member of civil society will be involved in any way with the team.

"This is totally unacceptable," said Deal. "It is reasonable under the circumstances to be suspicious of bias."

According to Lewis Pugh, the internationally renowned cold water
swimmer, and a member of TKAG, no answers have been forthcoming to questions from the public for more than three months.

"Now we find out that all interested parties will not be consulted.  Nor do we know the qualifications of the members of the team.

"In a democracy one would expect  the process to be open and transparent.  Nothing should be done behind closed doors.

"The fact that this has not occurred leads one to conclude that the decision to frack has been given the go-ahead – and this “Task Team” is simply rubber stamping the decision,” said Pugh.
 
According to Deal, “this parliamentary reply explains the Minister’s baffling behaviour since April, where she refused to communicate with TKAG and other stakeholders.

"The actions of her department effectively marginalized all of the interest groups and affected parties in South Africa. We’re appalled that key ministries such as Water and Environment, Tourism, Transport, Agriculture and others are excluded from the team.
 
“Any report from this team which may give the go ahead to fracking will expose the Minister of Mineral Resources to international ridicule and pave the way for a legal opposition from concerned South Africans,” said Deal.

Oil companies were today (Tuesday) asked to drop their plans to use hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) to extract shale gas from the Karoo and other areas in South Africa.

Speaking at the Shale Gas Conference in Johannesburg, chairman of Treasure Karoo Action Group (TKAG) Jonathan Deal said there was not enough evidence at hand that the potential benefits of fracturing could outweigh the attached risks.

"At this juncture of our history, with climate warming on the increase and increased threats to water supplies it would make corporate and social sense to invest research and development funds in seeking renewable energy alternatives, rather than pursuing finite fossil fuels," said Deal.

Deal was attending the 2011 Africa Gas and LNG Summit at the Hyatt Hotel in Rosebank, Johannesburg.

“TKAG respects due process and the current Cabinet moratorium on fracking. But this should not prevent oil and gas companies, such as Royal Dutch Shell, from changing their minds about fracking,” said Deal.

Deal also said there was not enough transparency about the departmental task team appointed to investigate the merits of fracking. “In the interest of playing open cards, we call on Energy Minister Dipuo Peters to disband this group. Repeated calls on her for clarity about the task team, and its terms of reference, have fallen on deaf ears.”

Deal said that fracking technology needs a rigorous evaluation that takes into account a number of technical, environmental, social, cultural and economic considerations.

He said that if Shell and other oil and gas companies were granted licences to explore or to produce without a comprehensive cost versus benefit evaluation of fracking's affect, the Karoo could face a social and environmental disaster that would devastate the area and its people.

A hip hop music video about the dangers of fracking in the Karoo, was today launched in Cape Town.

Treasure Karoo Action Group (TKAG) produced the animated video, along with the vocalist and writer Jitsvinger (a.k.a. Quintin Goliath) as part of their campaign to create awareness about why hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) should not be allowed in South Africa.

TKAG is opposed to the hasty introduction of this technology into South Africa, without due processes being followed and proper research being completed.

“Our drive against fracking has many elements – such as a legal challenge, a challenge to the regulating authority PASA, and community engagements. This music video will become part of our strategy, as we campaign against fracking in South Africa in general and the Karoo in particular,” said Jonathan Deal, chairman of TKAG.

The music video shows a male character walking across a vibrant Karoo landscape, which gradually changes into a barren landscape due to the effects of fracking activities. The Afrikaans lyrics explain the risks involved and supports the images on screen.

The images are accompanied by a hip hop music track, with vocals by Jitsvinger. The video can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlcNX0XxGhk. The lyrics are printed below, followed by an English translation. Screen grabs of the music video are available upon request, from martin@hwb.co.za 

“We hope this video will help us spread the message about the potential risks involved with the use of fracking. If fracking is allowed to be implemented without careful research and planning, it is the entire country that will be directly or indirectly affected.

“We are talking to the youth because they are the ones who will be most affected by the potential social, economic and ecological damage caused through this mining technique,” said Deal.

/ends

[ABOUT TKAG – Treasure the Karoo Action group has emerged as the co-ordinating body, representative of a broad range of stakeholders who are concerned with the plans of oil and gas companies to extract shale gas from the Karoo basin. Popular support can be followed and joined on Facebook and at www.treasurethekaroo.blogspot.com]

[ABOUT JITSVINGER - Jitsvinger (Quintin Goliath) is an Afrikaaps (Afrikaans with local Cape Town dialect) vernacular and Kyknet Fiestas award winning performer who combines poetry, self-composed music and theatre. He started his assent into the music arena in the mid-90s eventually releasing his self-written debut album Skeletsleutel in 2006. He is currently working on various theatre and music projects, and his follow-up album.]

Afrikaans lyrics

FRACKATTACK!!
Deur JITSVINGER

EERSTE VERS:
HET JY GEHOOR VANNIE NUWE GEVAAR
WAT ELECTRIC VERSKAF SUPPLY MAAR VERNIETIG
SODRA DIT MET DIE WATER CONNECT BROE’?
OLIE COMPANIES PLOEG ‘n DISASTER
BEKEND AS “FRACKING”

‘n HYDRAULIC GEDRIL KRAAK ROTSE
4 KILOMETERS ONDERGROND
INNIE KAROO ISSIE NATUURLIKE GAS GROOT
SOWEL ASSIE SKELM MANIERE VANNIE VULTURES

WATCH OUT!

MOEDERNATUUR HET BESKIKBAAR GESTEL
WAT BEDOEL IS VIR MENS EN DIE AARDE SAAM
HOE KAN JY SO IETS VOLMAAK CORRUPT VIR GELD?
FRACKING VAT DIE HELE PLAN TO HELL

DINK ‘n BIETJIE

CHORUS (X1):
FRACKING!
KAMMA OM WERK TE VERSKAF
HECTIC!
VAT DAAI FLOP TECHNIQUE, VERKAS
FRACKING!
WAT VANNIE MENSE VANNIE LAND?
DIE HABITAT IS KLAAR INTACT
CHECK UIT DIE CULTURE

TWEEDE VERS:
DIT MAAK DIE ECOSYSTEM TOXIC
MULTI-MILLIONS GE-PROFIT
MET SCAMS VAN JOBS GEE
HAIBO! FIGHT DIE SILENCE
HAIKHONA! VIR DAAI POISON
WAT VERSPREI WORD DEUR DIE KRANE, JOE!

ONS BETER YTSTIEK EN EN OPSKUD
VOOR’IE KINDERS BYRIE HUIS SIEK EN VROT SIT
VAN’IE BENZENE, FORMALDEHYDE EN DIESMEER
WEGGESTIEK INNIE WATER SUPPLY DEUR’IE POMPE

DOM IS DAAI METHOD WAT VI ONS GAAN TREF
‘n ALTERNATIVE IS WAT ONS MOET AAN WERK
ORGANIZE TIPS, MAXIMISE EN TRY DIT
VIR SURVIVAL, STIEKYT MET JOU RIGHT TO FIGHT

EK Se!

CHORUS (X2)

English translation

FRACKATTACK!!
By JITSVINGER

Have you heard of the new danger that supplies electricity but will destroy as soon as it connects with water, brother? 

Oil companies plough a disaster known as fracking: hydraulic drilling fractures rocks 4 kilos underground
in the Karoo the natural gas is plentiful, along with the sly tricks of the vultures.

Watch out!
Mother nature provided what was intended for man and earth together. How can you corrupt something so pure for money?
Fracking takes this whole plan to hell

Think about it

Fracking! Apparently to create jobs
Hectic! Take that failed technique and hit the road
What about the people of our country?

The habitat is already intact, check out the culture

It makes the whole ecosystem toxic
Multi-millions profited with scams of job creation
Haibo! Fight the silence
Haikona for that poison that spreads through the taps

We better stand up and shake our heads before our children are sick at home from benzene, formaldehyde and more, hidden in the water supply by the pumps :
That method is stupid that's going to hit us. We must look for an alternative, organise tips, maximise and try that for survival, stand up and use you're right to fight!