The province's environmental review board has handed over its report on shale gas to the Quebec government.
What's not yet known is whether the review board, known as the Bureau d'audiences publiques sur l'environnement (BAPE), will recommend a moratorium on development.
Opponents say it's clearer than ever that Quebec needs to take a time out.
Many residents are concerned about potential water contamination, excessive water use and threat to the local agricultural economy and its picturesque vistas.
The gas is extracted by blasting chemicals, sand and water into deep, underground wells. The process is called hydraulic fracturing -- or fracking.
About 28 wells have been opened since exploratory drilling began largely unnoticed in 2008.
"It's dangerous," said Serge Fortier of the Ste-Marie-de-Blandford Citizens Committee.
"We think it's dangerous for us."
Environmental groups contend it's time to slow down and let the research catch up.
Environment Minister Pierre Arcand, who ordered the shale gas review in the fall, has up to 60 days to study the BAPE report before announcing the government's game plan.
