IMPORTANT! Flower Mound Public Hearing Monday Night Nov. 2nd

This is just a reminder about the Public Hearing/Meeting on the seismic testing, waste water pipelines and "tank farms".

It is this Monday, November 2nd at 6:00pm at the FM Town Hall.

It is important that you show up and let the Town Council know how you feel.

If you want some info on these issues. You can view the Town's presentation from the previous meetings.
http://www.flower-mound.com/env_resources/pix/pdf/Oct%2015%20TC%20Work%20Session%20-%20Items%2023.pdf

http://www.flower-mound.com/env_resources/pix/pdf/Oct%2015%20TC%20Work%20Session%20-%20Item4.pdf

Here is some more info we have had sent to us.

First set of Town streets proposed for seismic testing
http://stopthedrilling.blogspot.com/2009/10/proposed-public-flower-mound-streets.html

Foundation problems
http://home-exteriors.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_avoid_foundation_repair
The Consequences of Seismic Testing
Unfortunately, seismic testing for oil or gas exploration can result in foundation damage in homes that are in the vicinity. Both the initial and the reflective jolts can damage a concrete slab. Too often municipal governments give permission for these tests without alerting residents.
Of course, legal proceedings can mandate that “big oil” pay for the residential foundation damage that they incur, but it's worth it to them if they hit pay dirt.
Sewer Systems, water well and septic problems

http://74.95.82.236:591/rconline/FMPro?-db=rconline.fp5&-format=record_detail.html&-lay=detail&-sortfield=currentrecordid&-sortorder=descend&TopStory=Y&IsCurrent=Y&-recid=12613502&-find=
There are still a lot of unknowns about the impact of seismic testing on private sewer systems. In Bradford County, it is so early in the process that there is no feedback yet of damage or suspected damage to sewer systems. However, Neiley says it will cost you between $6,000 to $20,000 to rehabilitate or replace a damaged sewer system. That could wipe out whatever you may have made from your gas lease.There are legal issues with seismic testing

http://www.thenewsconnection.com/article.cfm?articleID=31727
With the more widespread use of truck-mounted “thumper” and vibrating energy sources, the explosive dangers associated with dynamite charges are eliminated. The logistics of laying out long geophone lines can still cause negative impacts to properties as can the potential for physical damage caused by the use of heavy equipment in urban areas.
The mechanics of thumper trucks generally require that they not be used on paved surfaces because of the force of the impact which can break or disintegrate concrete or asphalt road surfaces. Crews laying out cables can crush landscape beds, break bushes or trees, or leave fences and gates open allowing pets or livestock to get out.
Shock waves emitted by the trucks can also panic or stress livestock and ribbon flags and trash left behind by seismic crews can harm livestock and native species through ingestion. Some reports of damages to foundations and buildings have been publicized when thumper trucks are used in close proximity to structures but setback restrictions incorporated in documents should minimize the possibility of such damages.

http://www.setexasrecord.com/news/204883-vidor-residents-sue-seismic-testing-company-for-home-damage
According to the plaintiffs' petition, Clifford and Rhonda Miller own a house at 115 Briarcliff Vidor. Wylie and Richard each live on the same block. "In late November 2005, defendants began seismic testing on Briarcliff with 'thumper trucks' sending strong sound waves into the earth to detect mineral reserves. Century retained Urban Specialists to monitor the testing. Testing took place on Briarcliff just several yards from the homes, the suit said. "As a result of the loud sound waves, pictures were shaken off the walls and their homes damaged." "Plaintiffs discovered their houses sustained serious losses and damages after the seismic testing," the suit said.

I actually spoke with the lawyer for the case above. He has handled others. Most settle out of court with the homeowner having to sign a confidentiality agreement.

I spoke with two other attorneys and they have handled cases with similar outcomes.

My insurance company said my home is not covered for any damage from seismic testing.
I urge you to call your insurance company.


Pipeline articles

http://www.timesleader.com/news/hottopics/shale/Texas_leads_way_in_water_issues_02-22-2009.html
The 2007 report lists 354 active cases caused by oil and gas operations, she said, though no producing oil or gas wells are listed as sources. “Pipeline releases, tank battery leakage, and releases from compressor stations, gas plants, booster stations, separators, dehydrators make up the majority of the cases,” she noted. “A few cases are due to blowouts that primarily occur during the drilling of an oil or gas well.”

http://wcmessenger.com/news/content/EkuAkuZpuukoyqDwIJ.php
"The pipe that runs across Mr. Mitchell's land developed a very small hole - a hole large enough to put a toothpick through," said Chip Minty, media relations manager with Devon Energy Corp. "Under pressure, enough gas leaked through from that size of hole to make itself obvious."Minty said the hole was caused by corrosion by bacteria. "Bacteria can settle in a pipe and create corrosion, so we're analyzing that bacteria so we can treat that pipeline and address that type of bacteria so we don't have that type of corrosion problem again," Minty said.

http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/dep_orders_driller_to_stop_all_hydraulic_fracturing_in_susquehanna_county
The Department of Environmental Protection has ordered Cabot Oil and Gas Corp. to stop all hydraulic fracturing of natural gas wells in Susquehanna County after failed pipe connections and a ruptured hose at a well site there caused three chemical spills in less than a week.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09156/975204-58.stm
A leaking waste water pipe from a Range Resources Marcellus shale gas well drilled in Washington County's Cross Creek Park has polluted an unnamed tributary of Cross Creek Lake, killing fish, salamanders, crayfish and aquatic insect life in approximately three-quarters of a mile of the stream.