The New York Times Trifecta of gas drilling

RDA salutes the *New York Times* and journalist Ian Urbina for a series of 3
articles on the lax regulation, wastewater treatment, and political
ramifications surrounding the gas industry and the technology known as
hydrofracing. The first story, published on Feb. 27, discussed the toxic and
radioactive wastewater produced by the drilling process. On March 2nd,
Urbina took a look at the recycling of this water by the industry. Two days
later, the third *NYT* story focused on the deep division among federal
regulators* *that has led to limited enforcement and narrowed research.

The 3 articles, interactive maps, previously secret documents, and a wealth
of research materials are all available online at:
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/us/series/drilling_down/index.html
 RDA President Responds to Sun Gazette Letter

A letter to the *Sun Gazette* on Saturday, March 5th, was titled “Research
Needed” and read as follows:

*I urge everyone who is so worried about fracing to do some research on it.
There has never been one documented case of groundwater contamination. If
you do not believe it, I challenge you to find one. All this misinformation
by the media and the enviros is feeding mass hysteria. Undoubtedly you have
new neighbors who are gas workers - go meet and ask them. What do you really
know about fracing?*
*Shannon Rutherford*
*Williamsport*

In his rebuttal, RDA President Ralph Kisberg invites Ms. Rutherford to widen
the lens through which she views the gas industry’s activities:

*Like many environmentalists, Shannon Rutherford overemphasizes a connection
between a fracing operation and groundwater contamination (SG 3/5/11) in
assessing the environmental impacts of gas development.*

*There are other components of fracing to be concerned about. Even the chief
operating officer of a Williamsport gas industry waste water treatment
facility was quoted nationally last week saying, “No one wants to admit it,
but at some point, even with reuse of this water, you have to confront the
disposal question...there still needs to be a candid discussion, and there
needs to be accountability about where even the recycled wastewater is
going,” (NY Times 2/27/11).*

*So far, there are no legal verdicts proving a frac procedure has caused
groundwater contamination. However, the EPA is currently investigating
well-water contamination in a heavily drilled area of Wyoming, has ordered a
well developer to provide clean drinking water to residents above a
contaminated aquifer in Texas, and in nearby Penn Township, in a 12/30/11
letter regarding an XTO Marquart well pad release of industrial wastewater,
the DEP commented, “Groundwater has been documented to have been impacted by
the sampling results of the spring discharge.”*

*Anyone paying attention to our local news the past few years knows gas
industry waste fluid dumping, spills, and accidents have happened here, and
are unacceptable. If, in the research she recommends, Ms. Rutherford would
include the work of Temple University Professor, Engineer and Hydrologist,
Dr. Micheal Boufadel, she would learn why it might be years until
fracing-related contaminants are detected in an aquifer. ** *

*The gas industry’s legal and public relations arms utilize language very
carefully. If we all stop pushing our agendas and begin warily examining
what is going on, we can work together toward better outcomes from this
welcome or unwelcome invasion we are all experiencing.***

*March in Harrisburg on March 9th***

This Wednesday, March 9th, PA citizens will join Clean Water Action and the
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) in a march to the offices of
the Marcellus Shale Coalition, the group that serves as the mouthpiece of
the gas drilling industry. All interested persons are encouraged to attend.
Marchers will gather at 1:30 pm outside the Capitol Forum at the S.E. corner
of the Capitol Complex on Walnut Street between Commonwealth Avenue and 7th
Street.

Clean Water Action provides this statement regarding the purpose of the
march:

“Gas drilling companies like Exxon Mobil are making billions of dollars in
profit, but not paying their fair share.  That’s why Governor Corbett is
preparing to cut essential services– slashing things that people rely on
like schools, care for seniors and veterans, environmental programs that
protect our water, public transportation, roads & bridges, and more. The
budget crisis was borne from corporate greed and Wall Street scam-artists.
Join us to push for a *fair* budget, where vital services and environmental
programs are protected because drilling companies pay their fair share!”
If you would like to join an RDA carpool to the event, send your request
to: i...@responsibledrillingalliance.org

Why the cold bike ride to Harrisburg?

One of the marchers on Wednesday will arrive by bicycle. Peter Buckland is
riding from his home near State College to join with others in Harrisburg.

* I will be riding my bike 110 miles to Harrisburg from my house in Pine
Grove Mills to do my own small part to stand up to Corbett and the gas
companies. It just seems like the right thing to do.

The Corbett administration's actions for the gas industry are out of
control. Two recent decisions pushed me to this point. The first was to yank
DCNR's ability to assess potential impacts on state forest and parkland and
the second was gutting DEP's ability to monitor air quality from drilling
sites. For me this is* *very personal because I love the forest. Every year
I spend hundreds of hours in Rothrock, Bald Eagle, Moshannon, Tioga, Forbes,
and Sprowl on my mountain bike, on hikes, and camping. Many of you have your
own stories with our state forests.

It is also about the quality of our water and air and my hopes and fears as
a father. Who wants to wake up and have your daughter bleeding from her nose
because of toxic chemicals in the water? Who wants to breathe evaporating
benzene? Not me.

I am riding my bike to Harrisburg because it is better for the forest, for
the person, for water, for air, for noise, for the climate, and for all of
us than gas trucks, well-pads, natural gas, and frack water. I am riding my
bike because it means something better and brings me in touch with life and
living. As a citizen of this commonwealth, the government should help me and
my fellow common people to reach the common good.

When I called the governor's office and asked to speak with Corbett, I was
told that all requests have to be submitted in writing. I could not talk to
him on the phone or just arrange a meeting no matter my concerns. I
understand. You can't let just any yahoo in. Okay.*

*My letter will be delivered in writing. I invite you to come with me as I
deliver this request following the planned march on Wednesday.  I am doing
this instead of using the faceless email or fax system. The point is to put
another real face to this gas-drilling invasion. I am tired of this. I am
worried. I am afraid. I am seeing and hearing too many angry and unheard
people. I am also very motivated and believe that we must demand a better
way for us, for the water, for the forests. Letters aren't working. Protests
keep failing. I write to my representative, Scott Conklin, and I get very
short replies back and no solid action. My state senator, Jake Corman, is
doing the gas industry's bidding.*

*We can’t match the industry’s hundreds of thousands of dollars to buy
access to the governor. He HAS to talk with us. He is OUR governor. I have
to do what I have to do. I invite you to attend the march and join me
afterwards. It would be an honor to be accompanied by good people who
deserve better. I suggest you also bring letters requesting to meet with
Corbett. Even if we have to walk away at the end of the day in limbo,
waiting for replies to our requests, at least we will have tried and started
something new. Perhaps it will become something more. Or, maybe I'll end up
looking like a complete fool. I don't know. I just know that something must
be done differently.

It is a modest goal. Please join me if you can. RSVP to:
peter.evol...@gmail.com
With great hope,
Peter Buckland*

*Advocacy workshop on Marcellus Shale development***

You are invited to attend a strategy session on drilling for natural gas in
the Marcellus Shale to be held on Saturday, March 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
at Lycoming College’s Jane Schultz Room (700 College Place in Williamsport).
The free event, sponsored by PennFuture, Clean Water Action,
PennEnvironment, Pennsylvania Sierra Club, Responsible Drilling Alliance and
EARTHWORKS, will focus on avenues and opportunities that are ripe for action
in 2011.

During the 3-hour event, you will:

   - Hear from top environmental advocates about the political landscape in
   2011
   - Review the legislative avenues for action at the state and federal
   levels
   - Learn more about drilling on state lands, the severance fee, setbacks
   from water resources, bonding, enforcement and other issues confronting
   Pennsylvania
   - Learn more about wastewater treatment, compressor stations, municipal
   zoning authority, and the issues facing your local community
   - Find out how to be involved in local citizen monitoring and visual
   assessment efforts

The event is free, but pre registration is required. Register today at:
http://my.pennfuture.org/site/Calendar?id=107381&view=Detail&JServSes...

*GASLAND**2:30 pm Sunday, March 20**TH** *

*United Methodist Church*
*1319 Eighth Street Drive, Watsontown*

ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE
*Admission is FREE*
*Donations to WRRRD gratefully accepted*
[image: GASLAND Poster]

*Sponsored by: Warrior Run Residents For Responsible Development (WRRRD)*