Dateline: 1 March 2012
One of the most amazing claims made by those in favor of hydrofracking is that the process does not poison groundwater aquifers and water wells.
Advocates of hydrofracking claim that the drilling is down so deep underground that it just can't do any harm to aquifers that are closer to the surface.
Advocates of hydrofracking claim that the drilling is down so deep underground that it just can't do any harm to aquifers that are closer to the surface.
Well, someone needs to explain that to Bradford County, Pennsylvania, Commissioner, Mark Smith. Here are a couple excerpts from a letter sent by Smith to PA Governor Tom Corbett in 2011.
“Well water contamination in Bradford County is a real and serious issue that is affecting residents’ quality of life, livelihoods, families, and property values. Water Buffalos, temporary water storage tanks, now lay claim to people’s front yards as a stark reminder of the extreme negative impact that natural gas development is having on our local communities."
"I have heard politicians in complete favor of the gas industry use the phrase, “We don’t want to kill the “Golden Goose.” I would like to state, for the record, that the “Golden Goose” does not exist. It is no more part of reality than the Tooth Fairy, Santa Claus, or the Easter Bunny."
Water wells, streams and ponds have been, and are being, poisoned as a result of hydrofrcking activity. This has not just happened in Pennsylvania. It has happened wherever hydrofracking is done.
I would not want my water well poisoned with chemicals as a result of gas drilling near me. And I'm sure nobody in Sempronius wants such a thing. That would be a nightmare.
It is precisely because there are so many reports of hydrofrack-poisoning of water wells that I believe our town needs to enact a moratorium. We need to put a sure hold on any forward progress towards hydrofracking in our town. We need time to better understand just what we would be getting here if hydrofracking is allowed.
It is precisely because there are so many reports of hydrofrack-poisoning of water wells that I believe our town needs to enact a moratorium. We need to put a sure hold on any forward progress towards hydrofracking in our town. We need time to better understand just what we would be getting here if hydrofracking is allowed.
Better safe than sorry.