Fracking is a method of extracting natural gas and oil from deep underground bands to porous rock. Fracking operations consume and contaminate enormous quantities of water. This process combines water with hazardous chemicals that pose an enormous health risk.

Storage of the waste water has become an issue in Connecticut. Towns such as Washington, Portland, Coventry, Andover, Mansfield, Windham, and Willimantic have passed ordinances banning the storage of fracking waste water. It behooves Branford residents to be proactive and pass an ordinance banning the storage of hazardous fracking waste water. The ban would be to prevent storage, disposal handling, treatment, and the processing fracking waste water. Without the ban, the storage of hazardous waste water poses risks of spills, accidents, and trucks, intentionally and unintentionally, leaking hazardous waste water. This causes the contamination of surface ground water.

When do we pay attention to that which maintains life? We are allowing the deterioration of the earth. This prognostication is real as we see the effect of ignoring the impact of our choices have on the environment. I believe it is our duty to prevent further damage to the environment.

Joan Bogan

Branford