MDE and DNR to sponsor meeting at Garrett County Health Department and MDE
3-6pm, Public Comment from 4:45-6pm
- Garrett County: The Garrett County Health Department, 1025 Memorial Drive, Oakland, MD 21550, or
- Baltimore City: Terra Conference Room at the Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230
The Governor has announced that regulations will be written to permit fracking in Western Maryland. The risks to public health and welfare have been documented in a number of studies done by the Departments and independently over the last three years.
The final report written by Maryland Departments of Environment and Natural Resources clearly shows concern for public health and safety and the environment:
It is the judgment of the Department of the Environment and the Department of Natural Resources that provided all the recommended best practices are followed and the State is able to rigorously monitor and enforce compliance, the risks of Marcellus Shale development can be managed to an acceptable level. Some of the proposed best management practices have not been tested, and although we are confident that they will reduce the risks, some risks will remain, as is the case with all industrial activities. Best practices and rigorous monitoring, inspection and enforcement can reduce the risks to acceptable levels, but can not completely eliminate all the risks. Because knowledge and technology are continuously advancing, it will be necessary to adaptively manage shale gas development by requiring additional newly developed best management practices that provide improved protection for public health and the environment.
The Best Management Practices, referred to in the above statement, are not adequate because they are not based in science.
Risks to public health
1. Extended setbacks. The proposed Best Practices call for 2000 foot setbacks, yet science shows that a one kilometer (3280 ft) setbacks significantly decreases the exposure to toxins from this industrial activity. (more here)
2. Disclosure of chemicals. Knowing the chemicals and chemical compounds being used is important for treating exposure symptoms. Our volunteer emergency responders and medical personnel at hospitals and clinics must have training to address over-exposure to workers and communities, and agriculture in the event of accidents and spills.
3. Proper waste disposal. The introduced chemicals and naturally occurring radioactive materials in produced water or flowback waste may not be treated in existing waste treatment facilities in Maryland. Maryland must not accept the federal exemptions on transporting and disposing of these waste products.
4. Traffic safety. As identified by the studies performed this year, truck traffic will be one of the greatest risks to workers and to our communities. Roads will suffer damage. Air quality will be greatly diminished by particulates and diesel fumes, and traffic accidents in the proximity of drilling will increase significantly.
Risks to our economy
1. The tourism economy. Tourism relies heavily on the safety and beauty of this region. Tourism businesses may suffer and jobs may be lost as the industry moves into western Maryland.
1. Property values. The value of real estate decreases in the proximity of fracking. Garrett County relies on property taxes to support county programs.
3. Other Real Estate impacts. Lending institutions will not loan on properties with gas leases, or on properties adjoining leased lands. Insurance companies do not insure for all industrial damages. Property rights are being violated by this activity.
Regulations are only as good the enforcement. Monitoring and enforcement are not guaranteed.
Attend the meeting. Ask how MDE will protect YOU!
Please attend this meeting and respond the the Final Report presentation during public comment 4:45-6pm.
Thank you for participating,
