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‘Fracking’ to take place at 11 Pittsburgh Catholic cemeteries?

CWN - August 22, 2011

In 2008, the Catholic Cemeteries Association of the Diocese of Pittsburgh signed a five-year lease permitting an energy company to drill for natural gas using the controversial procedure known as hydraulic fracturing (or “fracking”).

Some are expressing reservations about the arrangement. “Those are sacred grounds," said Allegheny County Council Vice President Charles Martoni.

The cemetery association’s executive director, Annabelle McGannon, said that the association “is in complete control over the location of any such activity, which would never be permitted within the developed sections of any cemetery.”

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  • Posted by: ebierer1724 - Aug. 22, 2011 7:29 PM ET USA

    Fracking is the most irresponsible form of drilling for natural gas that has ever been devised by the human race. It is sad that the Diocese of Pittsburgh is likely so in need of revenue that they are openly allowing the rape and destruction of the land, river ways, watersheds and aquifers connected to the leased land. The drilling may not effect the deceased in the cemeteries, but the chemicals used in the drilling process will pollute the water and air all around the cemetery. Watch "Gasland".

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