Hazardous chemicals cited in drilling spill
What exactly does it take to make the people with denial-syndrome see the hazards of this not-ready-for-prime-time drilling method?
How could an intelligent person talk about there being no danger in the face of such overwhelming evidence?
Here’s some more evidence - a new article on the Dimock spill from the Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin:
Hazardous chemicals cited in drilling spill
Pa. officials monitoring creek; test results expected next week
By Tom Wilber
DIMOCK Pa. — Drilling fluids that spilled into the headwaters of
Stevens Creek contain a class of hazardous chemicals called volatile
organic compounds, according to the latest information from
environmental officials.
Read the whole article here.
Amazing Reaction
Following text is from:
LAKE VIEW, NY (09/18/2009)(readMedia)– The following press statement
was issued by Brad Gill, Executive Director of the Independent Oil and
Gas Association of New York (IOGA-NY) on September 18, 2009.
“On behalf of members the Independent Oil and Gas Association of New
York, we are deeply concerned with the incident that occurred, in
Dimock, Pennsylvania yesterday (September 17, 2009). It is our
understanding that the spill resulted from a decoupling of a water
line, which contained “slick water”. Slick water is comprised of 99.5
percent water and sand and is not considered a toxic substance. The
Pennsylvania DEP has been on hand and is satisfied with the
remediation being completed.
May I interrupt, Brad? “Slick water?” I mean, I know you are concerned, because this may affect your livelihood. I’d believe that you gave a crap about what your company has done to the environment if you weren’t so mealy-mouthed about your contrition.
The incident in Dimock is indeed regrettable and unfortunate. It is
important to note that this circumstance should not be viewed as
representative of members’ work and experience day-to-day. Such
incidents as the spill in Dimock are quiet rare, and natural gas
exploration has been conducted safely and in an environmentally sound
manner for decades in New York. Our companies have worked very, very
hard to work in conscientious concern for the environment – due in
large measure to very rigorous oversight by NYSDEC – and we will
continue to do so. We live and work in New York too.
Yeah, Chernobyl was “unfortunate,” too. By trying to “spin” this, you are basically telling us we shouldn’t worry, because it’s “under control.” Sure it is. You guys f**ked up, but hey, it’s none of our business, right? Why should we trust you not to f**k up bigger next time, when your main reaction seems to be, “sorry, but it’s no big deal. Nothing to worry about here, folks.”
Sorry, but if your company was working hard in concern for the environment, you wouldn’t be raping it.
Rigorous oversight by the DEC? Are you kidding? Are you the only person who doesn’t know that they are overworked and underfunded, just the way your industry likes them?
We stand steadfast in our conviction that natural gas exploration can
be facilitated in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. In days
to come, IOGA of NY is looking forward to the Department of
Environmental Conservation’s issuance of a generic environmental
impact statement that will guide Marcellus development. And as we have
done in the past, our companies will comply with all regulations and
permit requirements.”
Of course you’re steadfast. You won’t entertain the thought that it’s environmentally friendly, no matter how much VOCs you spill. In this case, “steadfast” and “intentionally and stubbornly ignorant” are the same. Why not? It serves your bottom line.
I’m sure you’re looking forward to the DEC’s issuance, because your industry has lobbied for it’s own interests regardless of the health of the environment or the effect on the population. You’ll comply with the regulations and requirements, because they will be inadequate and lax. Just the way your industry likes them.
IOGA of NY is a trade association founded in 1980 to protect, foster
and advance the common interests of oil and gas producers,
professionals and related industries in the State of New York.
Where does the public or the environment fit in that mix?
Gill’s statement is not an apology – it’s not a formula for eliminating the problem – it’s a bunch of self-serving excuses.
This just in:
Crew spills gas-well lubricant into Pa. wetland
Associated Press – September 18, 2009 6:05 PM ET
DIMOCK, Pa. (AP) -
Cabot spokesman Ken Komoroski says the substance is “relatively innocuous,” but may cause eye, skin and breathing irritations.
You gonna drink that “relatively innocuous” brew, Ken?
As long as companies and their official flunkies behave like this, we have no reason to trust them.
Don’t collaborate. Resist. Write letters. Sign petitions.
No responses yet
