Doctor calls for fracking company to pay for well tests

A Blacklion doctor opposed to hydraulic fracturing is calling on the regulators to insist on an extensive water testing survey before any drilling takes place in a bid to monitor future pollution. Dr Carroll O'Dolan vehemently opposes the prospect of fracking in the Lough Allen Carboniferous Basin. He fears that the pace of technological advances in the field of hydraulic fracturing will leave our regulatory bodies behind. Dr O'Dolan insists that if the use of the technique is permitted, the Petroleum Affairs Division (PAD) of the Department for Communications Energy and Natural Resources (CENR) must require an independent testing of wells and water sources in the frack zones - and the companies should foot the bill. Full story in this week's Anglo-Celt.