Investigation Confirms Widespread Fears about Fracking

[unhappycamper]

http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2014/01/06-4



Despite roadblocks by industry and state officials, well water contamination found in four states

Investigation Confirms Widespread Fears about Fracking
- Sarah Lazare, staff writer
Published on Monday, January 6, 2014 by Common Dreams

The Associated Press has confirmed what residents have long known and the oil and gas industries have sought to hide: the controversial process of hydraulic fracturing, as well as conventional oil and gas drilling, is polluting and contaminating well drinking water supplies.

~snip~

Begos reports that his investigation was impeded by a lack of transparency at state levels. He writes:

The Associated Press requested data on drilling-related complaints in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Texas and found major differences in how the states report such problems. Texas provided the most detail, while the other states provided only general outlines. And while the confirmed problems represent only a tiny portion of the thousands of oil and gas wells drilled each year in the U.S., the lack of detail in some state reports could help fuel public confusion and mistrust.

In some cases, this amounted to state attempts to prevent the media from obtaining information. Begos explains, "For example, starting in 2011, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection aggressively fought efforts by the AP and other news organizations to obtain information about complaints related to drilling. The department has argued in court filings that it does not count how many contamination 'determination letters' it issues or track where they are kept in its files."

[Vilis Veritas]

1. A couple people I know are Geologists

here for a major oil company. They assured me that Fracking is not at all anything to be concerned about and that statements being made are blown way out of proportion.

I just told them that I absolutely do not believe anything that I am told by an insider whose paycheck is on the line.

[Champion Jack]

2. tell them to go to some of the states in the Sacrifice Zone

and tell the people who have had their water poisoned and have seen their property values plummet that it's all blown out of proportion.