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Shale expert to speak on hydrofracking Tuesday

Dr. Anthony Ingraffea, a shale expert and Professor of Engineering at Cornell University, will speak about High-Volume Hydraulic Fracturing (fracking) at the Cornell University Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory, 6592 West Main Road (Route 20), Portland on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The talk is co-sponsored by the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, the SUNY Fredonia Academic Community Engagement Center and the Environmental Justice ministry of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Northern Chautauqua. Admission is free, and the public is welcome.

Ingraffea’s talk will explore the myths and realities concerning large-scale development of the unconventional natural gas resource in shale deposits. Locally, these concern the geology of the area and the development and use of directional drilling; high-volume, slickwater, hydraulic fracturing; multi-well clustered pad arrangements; the impacts of these technologies on waste production and disposal; and possible contamination of water supplies. On a global scale, Ingraffea will also explore the cumulative impact on the atmosphere of greenhouse gases from unconventional gas development.

The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy is a non-profit charitable organization located in Chautauqua County. With a focus on land conservation and watershed education since 1990, the CWC is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the water quality, scenic beauty and ecological health of the lakes, streams and watersheds of the Chautauqua region. More information about CWC can be found at www.chautauquawatershed.org or www.facebook.com/chautauquawatershed.

The SUNY Fredonia Academic Community Engagement center promotes campus and community collaboration in the areas of civic engagement, sustainability, service learning and community-based research. Information can be found at www.fredonia.edu/face.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Northern Chautauqua is a liberal religious community that promotes individual spiritual development, providing companionship of life’s sacred journey and working toward peace, liberty and justice in the local and global communities. Worship services are held each Sunday at 11 a.m. in the Fredonia Grange Hall, 58 West Main Street in Fredonia. Call 679-7944 or visit www.uucnc.org or www.facebook.com/uucnc for information.

Environmental Justice is the focus of one of four Social Action Ministries of UUCNC. The quality of water in the local region is this year’s focus. Fracking is a particular concern because of its potential to impact the purity of the local water sources. The other Social Action Ministries include economic justice, peace and LBGTQ issues.

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