What the frack?

Public Eye: Artists for Animals will present a multi-media performance, "Not A Drop To Drink," to raise awareness about the controversial fracking process, used to extract natural gas from ground formations like those covering large areas of Pennsylvania woodlands, from 1-3 p.m. May 15 at the Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St. in West Philadelphia.

The kid-centric event, featuring puppetry, animation, film clips, and live music, will be followed by a parade featuring the performers, local activists and large-scale puppets. Kids are encouraged to come to the show dressed as their favorite animals.

Tickets ($5 children, $10 adults) can be purchased at the door; reservations at 215-620-2130 or lisa@publiceyephilly.org. More information at www.publiceyephilly.org.

According to Public Eye, the process of shale gas extraction known as hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," blasts a combination of chemicals, sand and water through rock to free trapped gas. Fracking is exempt from regulation under the U.S. Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Clean Air Act, Superfund Law and waste treatment laws.

Fracking may result in toxic chemicals leaching into the water to impact wildlife, the ecosystem and drinking water, critics say. Current plans for drilling in public land in northeastern Pennsylvania could impact
the Schuylkill and Delaware river watersheds.

City Council recently passed a resolution opposing fracking that affects the Philadelphia watershed. The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC), which issues fracking permits, will determine whether or not an
environmental impact study must be completed before issuing any fracking permits at their next meeting in July.