Beware of new drilling methods

Beware of new drilling methods

Natural-gas drilling opera- tors have been aggressively pursuing landowners in northeastern Ohio, as well as the rest of the state, to quickly get them to sign leases to drill using well fracturing technology, also known as “fracking” or “fracing.” The oil and gas industry is quick to assure landowners that this is a safe drilling method that has little impact on the environment. This same industry has lobbied so heavily that it is virtually exempt from all basic environmental laws to protect the public. If they’ve spent millions to exempt themselves from regulations that are meant to protect us, do you think they have something to hide? There are no long-term, independent studies to show the effect this type of drilling has on our environment; however, mountains of evidence exist to show that people in hundreds of rural areas have had their water tables permanently contaminated, their health destroyed, and their properties have become worthless.

Well fracturing requires the injection of millions of gallons of fresh water, sand and toxic chemicals. The water is taken from nearby underground aquifers or trucked in. The toxic waste fluid left behind is injected back into injection wells and capped. Common sense dictates that eventually this toxic waste will permanently contaminate our underground water sources. The toxic fluids left underground during the drilling process (estimated at 20 percent of the fluids) have nowhere to go but into the nearest water source. During the actual drilling process, heavy truck traffic increases exponentially on neighborhood roads, as well as light and noise. County taxpayers end up bearing the burden of paying for road repairs.

In addition, in some states lending institutions are no longer financing new mortgages on properties that are under lease. Signing a lease could potentially prevent a future sale or second mortgage of your home. (See “Houses for Shale” published June 3, 2010, Pike County Courier)

Natural-gas well fracturing is a huge public health issue that is in the hands of a few property owners.

Don’t let the lure of cash cloud your judgment. By allowing gas “fracking” we will leave a legacy of death and destruction of our environment, our wildlife and our way of life. Please stop the mad dash for gas.

Lori Babbey, Newton Falls