Seismic equipment vandalized

Seismic recording equipment that is used to detect natural gas washit by vandals in central New Brunswick.

RCMP Sgt. Ren Bernard said the vandalism happened over the weekend.

However, Bernard said he cannot say how many people were involved, or whether any weapons were used.

"It's one of those cases where it's out in the middle of the woods, and it is a bit challenging," Bernard said.

Bernard said he believes there are people in the community who know who is responsible and the police are asking those people to call with information on the vandalism.

The seismic equipment was being used by a company associated with the contentious process of hyrdo-fracking.

Hydro-fracking, a method of mining shale gas, has proved to be an extremely controversial practice because many people are concerned the process can damage wells and water tables.

Hydro-fracking is atechnique where companies pump a mixture of water, sand and chemicals into the ground, creating cracks in shale rock formations.

That allows companies to extract natural gas from areas that would otherwise go untapped.

Last month, theprovincial government introduced stricter regulations for shale gas mining companies.

Among the new regulations, companies must conduct baseline water testing near potential oil or gas drilling sites, they must disclose all fluids and chemicals that will be used in the process and must set up a fund to protect property owners in case there is a future accident.