Is anybody else thinking what I am thinking?
Our wonderful neighbor has decided to let Titan use his property to store equipment for drilling at other Titan pad sites like Lewisville?
Welcome to Flower Mound and Have a Nice Day!!!!
Friday, December 31, 2010
IMPORTANT: Natural Gas Leak at Bob Smith #2
A near explosion from the Bob Smith Williams site. Residents said it sounded like a loud jet engine. From the Flower Mound Website:
At 7:45 p.m. on Thursday, December 30, 2010, the Flower Mound Fire Department responded to a natural gas leak from a valve at the Dr. Bob Smith #2 well located at 4000 Shiloh Road. A resident reported a loud noise coming from the well pad site. The FMFD responded within three minutes of notification and confirmed the noise as well as a vapor plume coming from the equipment area housing the dehydration units. Air monitoring began immediately to detect any gas plume and two additional fire units, from Stations #1 and # 4, responded to provide additional air monitoring equipment. Police assistance was requested to briefly shut down FM 1171 and Shiloh Road to allow for monitoring to verify no hazard existed downwind.
The Williams Company, operators of the well site, were notified and arrived to close the valves to stop flow. It was determined the leak was a result of a deteriorated valve located on the well side of the equipment before it reaches dehydration/sedimentation separation. Sand and fine grit contained in the gas moving through the pipe created friction causing wear. The valve remains closed and will require maintenance to bring the production back on-line. A Williams Petroleum Engineer inspected the site to be certain no other issues were present. The Town’s Gas Inspector is working with the Williams Safety Division to begin documentation of the incident. Based on additional analysis, and as the Town was unable to verify at the time the amount of gas released, the incident was reported to TCEQ. Additional information should be available early next week.
Posted 12/31/2010.
Click here for press release.
Click here for air quality report around the time of the leak.
At 7:45 p.m. on Thursday, December 30, 2010, the Flower Mound Fire Department responded to a natural gas leak from a valve at the Dr. Bob Smith #2 well located at 4000 Shiloh Road. A resident reported a loud noise coming from the well pad site. The FMFD responded within three minutes of notification and confirmed the noise as well as a vapor plume coming from the equipment area housing the dehydration units. Air monitoring began immediately to detect any gas plume and two additional fire units, from Stations #1 and # 4, responded to provide additional air monitoring equipment. Police assistance was requested to briefly shut down FM 1171 and Shiloh Road to allow for monitoring to verify no hazard existed downwind.
The Williams Company, operators of the well site, were notified and arrived to close the valves to stop flow. It was determined the leak was a result of a deteriorated valve located on the well side of the equipment before it reaches dehydration/sedimentation separation. Sand and fine grit contained in the gas moving through the pipe created friction causing wear. The valve remains closed and will require maintenance to bring the production back on-line. A Williams Petroleum Engineer inspected the site to be certain no other issues were present. The Town’s Gas Inspector is working with the Williams Safety Division to begin documentation of the incident. Based on additional analysis, and as the Town was unable to verify at the time the amount of gas released, the incident was reported to TCEQ. Additional information should be available early next week.
Posted 12/31/2010.
Click here for press release.
Click here for air quality report around the time of the leak.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Substandard pipe steel pipe used for U.S. pipeline companies
Pipe mills produced substandard steel pipe during 2007 and 2009 for some United States pipeline companies. Some question whether or not all that defective pipe has been found. Here is a paragraph in a report from plainsjustice.org
Even though the documents released show that certain pipe mills provided most of the defective pipe, none of the documents describe any systematic approach to defining the scope of this problem or identify the final disposition of pipe provided by these mills during this time period. Thus, it is not clear that PHMSA has tracked down all of the potentially defective pipe joints and confirmed that they have been tested and, where necessary, replaced. Accordingly, this report provides recommended actions, accomplishment of which would assure the public that PHMSA has responded fully to the threat created by low-strength steel.
Click here for a report from plainsjustice.org
In the late spring of 2009, the government issued a warning about the defective pipe.
Click here and here to read a report on the warning.
In Shale Country, miles and miles of pipeline is used at high pressure. It is frightening to think that some of the pipes may not have been tracked down.
Even though the documents released show that certain pipe mills provided most of the defective pipe, none of the documents describe any systematic approach to defining the scope of this problem or identify the final disposition of pipe provided by these mills during this time period. Thus, it is not clear that PHMSA has tracked down all of the potentially defective pipe joints and confirmed that they have been tested and, where necessary, replaced. Accordingly, this report provides recommended actions, accomplishment of which would assure the public that PHMSA has responded fully to the threat created by low-strength steel.
Click here for a report from plainsjustice.org
In the late spring of 2009, the government issued a warning about the defective pipe.
Click here and here to read a report on the warning.
In Shale Country, miles and miles of pipeline is used at high pressure. It is frightening to think that some of the pipes may not have been tracked down.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Flower Mound Oil & Gas Board of Appeals Deny All Variances
Last night, or should we say this morning, the Flower Mound Oil & Gas Board of Appeals denied all variance requests for the Titan/Powell pad site and the Keystone/Smith pad site.
One of the issues was the proximity of the Titan/Powell pad site to the Oncor Sub-Station and property line. Just over 105 feet. There were other concerns at this site.
On the Keystone/Smith pad site, 7 variances were needed. This pad site would sit very close to Lake Grapevine, a drinking water source for many DFW municipalities including Grapevine and Dallas. Variances for environmentally sensitive areas were requested and denied as well.
Many citizens spoke in opposition for both pad sites. Some coming from the City of Dallas Council. The organized opposition presentations were well thought out and delivered in a very professional manner.
The Titan/Keystone attorney came out of the gate threatening the board members with personal law suits. Apparently the board stuck to the criteria and did not let the intimidation sway their decision.
On a sad note, a Flower Mound mother spoke about receiving blood test results right before the meeting. These tests showed 3 different chemicals that may be linked to local drilling sites in her daughter's blood.
Click here for a brief news article about the meeting
One of the issues was the proximity of the Titan/Powell pad site to the Oncor Sub-Station and property line. Just over 105 feet. There were other concerns at this site.
On the Keystone/Smith pad site, 7 variances were needed. This pad site would sit very close to Lake Grapevine, a drinking water source for many DFW municipalities including Grapevine and Dallas. Variances for environmentally sensitive areas were requested and denied as well.
Many citizens spoke in opposition for both pad sites. Some coming from the City of Dallas Council. The organized opposition presentations were well thought out and delivered in a very professional manner.
The Titan/Keystone attorney came out of the gate threatening the board members with personal law suits. Apparently the board stuck to the criteria and did not let the intimidation sway their decision.
On a sad note, a Flower Mound mother spoke about receiving blood test results right before the meeting. These tests showed 3 different chemicals that may be linked to local drilling sites in her daughter's blood.
Click here for a brief news article about the meeting
Monday, December 13, 2010
487 measurable earthquakes near Guy, Arkansas since September 20th!
Arkansas State Geological Survey is investigating whether there is a connection between the earthquakes and the half of dozen salt water injection wells in the area. Since September 2oth, there have been 487 measurable earthquakes near the town of Guy, Arkansas. Last year at this time there were only 39 earthquakes in the whole state!!!
Click here to read the article from cnn.com
Remember DFW had earthquakes and a SMU study pointed to salt water injection wells.
Click here for more info on earthquakes and salt water injection wells.
Click here to read the article from cnn.com
Remember DFW had earthquakes and a SMU study pointed to salt water injection wells.
Click here for more info on earthquakes and salt water injection wells.
Flower Mound and Surrounding Communities...Important Meeting Wednesday, December 15th
The Flower Mound Oil and Gas Board of Appeals Meeting will be held Wednesday night, December 15th, at 6:30pm.
The meeting will be held at Flower Mound Town Hall, 2121 Cross Timbers Road, Flower Mound, Texas 75028.
This meeting is extremely important because the board will hear requests for two different pad sites. One is for the Keystone/Patty Smith property which is located very near Lake Grapevine and Flower Mound neighborhoods. Lake Grapevine is the main drinking water source for the City of Grapevine and the City of Highland Park. These communities have to be concerned. There are numerous variances being requested.
The other pad site is the Titan/Powell. This one is extremely close to Shadow Ridge Middle School and Bluebonnet Elementary. Closer than the Titan/Hilliard site. This site will require variances as well.
Click here for the agenda.
For more detailed info about requested variances, click here for agenda packet.
The meeting will be held at Flower Mound Town Hall, 2121 Cross Timbers Road, Flower Mound, Texas 75028.
This meeting is extremely important because the board will hear requests for two different pad sites. One is for the Keystone/Patty Smith property which is located very near Lake Grapevine and Flower Mound neighborhoods. Lake Grapevine is the main drinking water source for the City of Grapevine and the City of Highland Park. These communities have to be concerned. There are numerous variances being requested.
The other pad site is the Titan/Powell. This one is extremely close to Shadow Ridge Middle School and Bluebonnet Elementary. Closer than the Titan/Hilliard site. This site will require variances as well.
Click here for the agenda.
For more detailed info about requested variances, click here for agenda packet.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
TCEQ launches 24 hour monitoring station in Flower Mound
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality launched a web page providing information related to the Automated Gas Chromatograph (AutoGC) monitoring station that the agency recently installed at 4401 Shiloh Road in Flower Mound. The equipment will generate hourly air quality monitoring results, which are accessible from the site web page by clicking “current measurements” and “generate report.”
There are some important chemicals not included in the testing like, methane, sulfides and formaldehyde, but something is better than nothing.
Click here for the TCEQ Shiloh web page.
To view the site and info click here.
There are some important chemicals not included in the testing like, methane, sulfides and formaldehyde, but something is better than nothing.
Click here for the TCEQ Shiloh web page.
To view the site and info click here.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Austin....We have a problem
Yes we have a big problem. The agency that is trusted with the job of protecting all Texans from breathing toxic air isn't doing their job. This letter from Melanie Sattler, Ph.D., P.E. and Associate Professor at the University of Arlington tells it like it is.
She conducted air quality studies of 3 large compressor sites in Tarrant and Denton County and found that all of them had esl's that exceeded the TCEQ standards for a number of chemicals and toxins .
Sunset Committee members please take note. You must do something to change this. We can't let these problems go another 10 to 12 years until the next Sunset Review!!
Click here to read the letter.
Click here for all the info on the Sunset Review.
She conducted air quality studies of 3 large compressor sites in Tarrant and Denton County and found that all of them had esl's that exceeded the TCEQ standards for a number of chemicals and toxins .
Sunset Committee members please take note. You must do something to change this. We can't let these problems go another 10 to 12 years until the next Sunset Review!!
Click here to read the letter.
Click here for all the info on the Sunset Review.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Bartonville Mayor Letter to Senator Nelson
It is nice to see our neighbors take a stand and demand our State Senators and Representatives earn their keep this legislative session.
Bartonville asks Senator Nelson to help.
Click here for letter.
We need to remind them that they are representing the Barnett Shale. Any fallout down the road from the lack of regulations and best practices will land on their shoulders. We have begged them to protect us. Let's hope they do.
Bartonville asks Senator Nelson to help.
Click here for letter.
We need to remind them that they are representing the Barnett Shale. Any fallout down the road from the lack of regulations and best practices will land on their shoulders. We have begged them to protect us. Let's hope they do.
Uh Oh...Some banks not loaning money on leased properties
Didn't we say this may be a good reason for not leasing but some did not listen!!!!
Here are a few paragraphs from the article that appeared in The Pike County Courier.
Rudalavage has been told that Wells Fargo would not be inclined to fund a property with a gas lease. In a memo, a top executive at the bank writes it would be “very difficult to obtain financing due to the potential hazard.” The memo continues, “Also if the Gas Leasing is new to the area there are too many unknowns.” One of the unknowns, according to the executive, is what the lease would do to “the marketability of a property.”
Rudalavage has been told by First Place Bank that it would pass on financing a gas-leased property. She says Citizen’s Savings & Loan has recently changed its policy from a “no deal” to a “maybe,” explaining that for a fee of 350 dollars, its attorney would review the lease and make a determination. This makes Rudalavage worry.
“I do believe a lot of people signed leases without knowing it could hurt future selling or financing of the property.” She hopes a uniform policy will be adopted in the financial banking industry.
Click here to read article.
Here are a few paragraphs from the article that appeared in The Pike County Courier.
Rudalavage has been told that Wells Fargo would not be inclined to fund a property with a gas lease. In a memo, a top executive at the bank writes it would be “very difficult to obtain financing due to the potential hazard.” The memo continues, “Also if the Gas Leasing is new to the area there are too many unknowns.” One of the unknowns, according to the executive, is what the lease would do to “the marketability of a property.”
Rudalavage has been told by First Place Bank that it would pass on financing a gas-leased property. She says Citizen’s Savings & Loan has recently changed its policy from a “no deal” to a “maybe,” explaining that for a fee of 350 dollars, its attorney would review the lease and make a determination. This makes Rudalavage worry.
“I do believe a lot of people signed leases without knowing it could hurt future selling or financing of the property.” She hopes a uniform policy will be adopted in the financial banking industry.
Click here to read article.
Monday, November 15, 2010
60 Minutes on Gas Drilling
Last night, 60 Minutes did a segment on gas drilling called "Shaleionaires". They opened with Aubrey McClendon, CEO of Chesapeake, and two gentlemen who received large amounts of money for leasing their land in Louisiana.
For those of us living on the shale, we know that the majority of the lease holders have not and will not ever see that kind of money. Only those with large pieces of land that lease their minerals and surface will see that type of check. Or in the case of Tim and Christine Ruggiero, the person that owned their land before them kept the minerals, made a ton of money off the suffering of others.
Mr McClendon tried to downplay the dangers by saying accidents happen because human error. Fracking is safe but I wouldn't drink the frack fluid.
Really? But it is okay to inject it into the ground with the chance of cement casings failing and human error so it can contaminate some residents drinking water.
Then we hear the greatest excuse ever for gas drilling....Our country needs the energy and it is our "patriot" duty to help get us off foreign oil and gas.
Really? But it is okay to sell stakes in US shale to foreign countries like China.
Why not invest in something that is truly abundant like the sun and the wind?
Clean water is really the only thing we as humans need and depend on to live. Tell your senators and representatives to support the Frac Act.
Click here for info.
Click here to see the 60 Minutes episode
For those of us living on the shale, we know that the majority of the lease holders have not and will not ever see that kind of money. Only those with large pieces of land that lease their minerals and surface will see that type of check. Or in the case of Tim and Christine Ruggiero, the person that owned their land before them kept the minerals, made a ton of money off the suffering of others.
Mr McClendon tried to downplay the dangers by saying accidents happen because human error. Fracking is safe but I wouldn't drink the frack fluid.
Really? But it is okay to inject it into the ground with the chance of cement casings failing and human error so it can contaminate some residents drinking water.
Then we hear the greatest excuse ever for gas drilling....Our country needs the energy and it is our "patriot" duty to help get us off foreign oil and gas.
Really? But it is okay to sell stakes in US shale to foreign countries like China.
Why not invest in something that is truly abundant like the sun and the wind?
Clean water is really the only thing we as humans need and depend on to live. Tell your senators and representatives to support the Frac Act.
Click here for info.
Click here to see the 60 Minutes episode
Friday, November 12, 2010
Important Public Hearing: Energy Resources Committee
There will be a public hearing for the Energy Resources Committee. Speculation is this is the beginning of an attempt to take authority away from municipalities to determine how gas drilling is done in their towns.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
COMMITTEE:
Energy Resources
TIME & DATE:
9:00 AM, Thursday, November 18, 2010
PLACE:
Fort Worth, TX City Hall - 1000 Throckmorton St.
CHAIR:
Rep. Jim Keffer
The Energy Resources Committee will meet to discuss interim charge #1:
Survey current local ordinances governing surface use of property in oil
and gas development. Recommend changes, if any, to the authority of the
Railroad Commission to regulate the operation of oil and gas industries in
urban areas of the state, particularly the Barnett Shale.
The Committee will hear both invited and public testimony.
For questions regarding the hearing, please contact Bernice
Espinosa-Torres or Ky Ash at (512)463-0656.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
COMMITTEE:
Energy Resources
TIME & DATE:
9:00 AM, Thursday, November 18, 2010
PLACE:
Fort Worth, TX City Hall - 1000 Throckmorton St.
CHAIR:
Rep. Jim Keffer
The Energy Resources Committee will meet to discuss interim charge #1:
Survey current local ordinances governing surface use of property in oil
and gas development. Recommend changes, if any, to the authority of the
Railroad Commission to regulate the operation of oil and gas industries in
urban areas of the state, particularly the Barnett Shale.
The Committee will hear both invited and public testimony.
For questions regarding the hearing, please contact Bernice
Espinosa-Torres or Ky Ash at (512)463-0656.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
UPDATE: 60 Minutes will air the story of Tim and Christine Ruggiero
On Sunday, November 14th, Tim and Christine Ruggiero's story will air on 60 minutes with Lesley Stahl. They will also air the story of "Shaleionaires" in the Haynesville Shale. Louisiana residents who have made money on leasing their minerals.
From the 60 Minutes website:
SHALEIONAIRES - While some complain that extracting natural gas from shale rock formations is tainting their water supply, others who have allowed drilling on their property are getting wealthy and becoming "shaleionaires." Lesley Stahl reports. Shachar Bar-On and Meghan Frank are the producers
I can't wait to see how they will tell both stories since Tim and Christine suffered at the hands of a mineral owner and a gas company.
If you don't know about their plight, click here.
From the 60 Minutes website:
SHALEIONAIRES - While some complain that extracting natural gas from shale rock formations is tainting their water supply, others who have allowed drilling on their property are getting wealthy and becoming "shaleionaires." Lesley Stahl reports. Shachar Bar-On and Meghan Frank are the producers
I can't wait to see how they will tell both stories since Tim and Christine suffered at the hands of a mineral owner and a gas company.
If you don't know about their plight, click here.
Colleyville Approves Stronger Gas Rules In Spite of Threats of Lawsuits
Threats and intimidation by the gas companies didn't seem to work in Colleyville.
Mayor pro tem Jon Ayers said:
The city's tightened rules on drilling and pipeline construction is an effort to balance rights: "The right of the producer to get the resource out of the ground. The right of the citizens to recoup the royalty interest. But also the rights of the city to have a safe and environmentally sound city."
Ayers described the rights of gas pipeline companies as "pretty broad." He suggested the council leave the pipeline provisions in the revised ordinance. "If we can't enforce them, then the gas pipeline [companies] need to take us to court and tell us that we can't," he said.
Councilman Mike Taylors thoughts on this matter:
Taylor said sometimes ordinances will be challenged, but it is best to pass the entire gas ordinance as a "safety net," since not all of it might be struck down. "We don't knowingly or wantingly want to sit here and make stupid laws, a law that would get us into legal battles that cost the taxpayers money," he said.
Remember, Flower Mound Oil & Gas Ordinance already stood up in court when Red Oak Gas challenged the denials of numerous variances for the River Walk location back in 2008. The case was dismissed in August 2009.
Click here to read entire article in the Colleyville Courier
Mayor pro tem Jon Ayers said:
The city's tightened rules on drilling and pipeline construction is an effort to balance rights: "The right of the producer to get the resource out of the ground. The right of the citizens to recoup the royalty interest. But also the rights of the city to have a safe and environmentally sound city."
Ayers described the rights of gas pipeline companies as "pretty broad." He suggested the council leave the pipeline provisions in the revised ordinance. "If we can't enforce them, then the gas pipeline [companies] need to take us to court and tell us that we can't," he said.
Councilman Mike Taylors thoughts on this matter:
Taylor said sometimes ordinances will be challenged, but it is best to pass the entire gas ordinance as a "safety net," since not all of it might be struck down. "We don't knowingly or wantingly want to sit here and make stupid laws, a law that would get us into legal battles that cost the taxpayers money," he said.
Remember, Flower Mound Oil & Gas Ordinance already stood up in court when Red Oak Gas challenged the denials of numerous variances for the River Walk location back in 2008. The case was dismissed in August 2009.
Click here to read entire article in the Colleyville Courier
Off the chart emissions reported at Sam Wilson Scenic Site in Flower Mound
This Flir video is of the Sam Wilson Gas Production Site off Scenic Rd. in Flower Mound.
Numerous odor and health issue complaints have been made about this production facility. The most recent was made last night. TXSharon reports the following:
By the time TCEQ arrived, the odor was much less but they still registered 1.62 ppm on their Toxic Vapor Analyzer TVA. Remember that toxics are usually measured in ppm so let's do that math.
1.62 ppm = 1620 ppb
Metroplex avg = 35 ppb
1620 / 35 = 46 times the Metroplex average
Also remember that you are being exposed if you can smell it.
This site is a repeat offender!
EPA Press Release on mandatory reporting of methane
Press Release
Finalizes Greenhouse Gas Reporting Requirements for Petroleum and Natural Gas Industry
Reporting targets methane, a potent greenhouse gas and valuable fuel WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting requirements for the petroleum and natural gas industries as part of the mandatory reporting program. The petroleum and natural gas industries emit methane, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, and are one of the largest human related sources of methane in the United States. Annual methane emissions from intentional venting and equipment leaks from these industries are comparable to annual emissions from more than 40 million passenger cars.
The data collected through the reporting program will provide important information about GHG emissions from petroleum and natural gas facilities. While methane is a potent greenhouse gas, trapping more than 20 times as much heat as carbon dioxide, it is also the primary component of natural gas, a valuable fuel. The data collected by the companies will help identify cost effective ways to minimize the loss of methane.
Beginning in 2011, petroleum and natural gas facilities that emit more than 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent a year are required to monitor and report all greenhouse gas emissions to EPA. Data collection for petroleum and natural gas sources will begin January 1, 2011, with first annual reports due to EPA March 31, 2012. EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, launched in October 2009, requires the reporting of GHG emissions data from large emission sources and fuel suppliers across a range of industry sectors. The data will help guide the development of programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
For more information on this rulemaking: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/subpart/w.html
For more information on the GHG Reporting Program: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ghgrulemaking.html
Rob Lawrence
Senior Policy Advisor - Energy Issues
lawrence.rob@epa.gov
214.665.6580 (Desk)
214.665.7263 (FAX)
Finalizes Greenhouse Gas Reporting Requirements for Petroleum and Natural Gas Industry
Reporting targets methane, a potent greenhouse gas and valuable fuel WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting requirements for the petroleum and natural gas industries as part of the mandatory reporting program. The petroleum and natural gas industries emit methane, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, and are one of the largest human related sources of methane in the United States. Annual methane emissions from intentional venting and equipment leaks from these industries are comparable to annual emissions from more than 40 million passenger cars.
The data collected through the reporting program will provide important information about GHG emissions from petroleum and natural gas facilities. While methane is a potent greenhouse gas, trapping more than 20 times as much heat as carbon dioxide, it is also the primary component of natural gas, a valuable fuel. The data collected by the companies will help identify cost effective ways to minimize the loss of methane.
Beginning in 2011, petroleum and natural gas facilities that emit more than 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent a year are required to monitor and report all greenhouse gas emissions to EPA. Data collection for petroleum and natural gas sources will begin January 1, 2011, with first annual reports due to EPA March 31, 2012. EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, launched in October 2009, requires the reporting of GHG emissions data from large emission sources and fuel suppliers across a range of industry sectors. The data will help guide the development of programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
For more information on this rulemaking: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/subpart/w.html
For more information on the GHG Reporting Program: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ghgrulemaking.html
Rob Lawrence
Senior Policy Advisor - Energy Issues
lawrence.rob@epa.gov
214.665.6580 (Desk)
214.665.7263 (FAX)
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Important: Sunset Town Hall
Sorry for the late notice. This is a very important Town Hall Meeting.
SUNSET TOWN HALL
A public dialogue regarding the Sunset of two critical agencies that affect environmental regulation: the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Railroad Commission.
DATE: Monday, November 8
TIME: Registration: 6:30 pm Town Hall: 7:00 pm
PLACE: Sheraton Arlington at 1500 Convention Center Rd. (next to the> Ballpark)
CONFIRMED PANELISTS:
Senator John Carona
Representative Lon Burnam
Representative Carol Kent
Representative Allen Vaught
Former TCEQ Commissioner Larry Soward
WHAT: Two important agencies, the TCEQ that oversees land, air, and water quality issues and the Texas Railroad Commission which oversees oil and gas drilling are the focus of this public policy event.
Citizens can learn more about these agencies and how to participate in the Sunset review process. Voicing comments, questions, and concerns to local state officials regarding possible agency reforms in the upcoming legislature. Sunset review only happens once a decade...this is a rare opportunity to have a meaningful dialogue with your officials before they vote on these agencies' futures.
SPONSORS: ACT, a coalition of statewide and local DFW environmental groups, Dallas Sierra Club, Ft. Worth Sierra Club, Public Citizen, Texas Campaign for the Environment, Interfaith Environmental Alliance, Physicians for Social Responsibility, the Dallas League of Women Voters, League of Women Voters - Richardson, and the Arlington League of Women Voters.
CONTACTS: Call Rita Beving, at 214.557.2271, email rita.beving@gmail.com or email Peter Wilson at peter.wilson@sierraclub.org for more info.
SUNSET TOWN HALL
A public dialogue regarding the Sunset of two critical agencies that affect environmental regulation: the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Railroad Commission.
DATE: Monday, November 8
TIME: Registration: 6:30 pm Town Hall: 7:00 pm
PLACE: Sheraton Arlington at 1500 Convention Center Rd. (next to the> Ballpark)
CONFIRMED PANELISTS:
Senator John Carona
Representative Lon Burnam
Representative Carol Kent
Representative Allen Vaught
Former TCEQ Commissioner Larry Soward
WHAT: Two important agencies, the TCEQ that oversees land, air, and water quality issues and the Texas Railroad Commission which oversees oil and gas drilling are the focus of this public policy event.
Citizens can learn more about these agencies and how to participate in the Sunset review process. Voicing comments, questions, and concerns to local state officials regarding possible agency reforms in the upcoming legislature. Sunset review only happens once a decade...this is a rare opportunity to have a meaningful dialogue with your officials before they vote on these agencies' futures.
SPONSORS: ACT, a coalition of statewide and local DFW environmental groups, Dallas Sierra Club, Ft. Worth Sierra Club, Public Citizen, Texas Campaign for the Environment, Interfaith Environmental Alliance, Physicians for Social Responsibility, the Dallas League of Women Voters, League of Women Voters - Richardson, and the Arlington League of Women Voters.
CONTACTS: Call Rita Beving, at 214.557.2271, email rita.beving@gmail.com or email Peter Wilson at peter.wilson@sierraclub.org for more info.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Saturday Protest Against Drilling practices in Flower Mound
Join in protesting unsafe drilling practices in Flower Mound, TX, every Saturday morning from 10:00 am - 11:00 am. The event will be on FM 2499 across from the Titan/Hilliard site, which is next to Bluebonnet Elementary and Shadow Ridge Middle School. Park on Lake Flower (about half a mile south of Flower Mound/3040 Rd.). Signs and supplies for making your own signs will be on hand, or bring your own. Suggestions if you want to make signs: Vapor Recovery, No Variances, No Fracking, No Drilling near Schools etc.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Shadow Ridge Middle School Gets A New Neighbor
This is the new view from Shadow Ridge Middle School's parking lot.
How long this view lasts depends on whether LISD and more residents sign leases. Keep this video in mind when Mr. Landman comes knocking at your door.
"Toxic Soup" in Colorado and New Mexico
This press release states residents in Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico are breathing a toxic soup near their homes and schools.
Could this happen here? You betcha!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood 1
It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood video.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
First World Day of Protest Against Shale Gas Fracking
Here are a few pictures from today's.
First World Day of Protest Against Shale Gas Fracking.
Click here for video.
The protest was just getting started and more people were showing up as we were filming. The protest will go on till 7:00 pm tonight.
Citizens are protesting in Pittsburgh, PA; the Dallas, TX metro area; and Little Rock, Arkansas. Protests are also being planned in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Bad Blood or Sour Grapes?
This article appeared in Fort Worth Weekly today. Some people just aren't good losers.
It is a good read. There were too many statements made by Ms. Levenick to dispute and frankly not worth the precious time it would take to do so.
This may be my favorite quote:
“This isn’t about sour grapes — this is about the fact that I can’t even keep up with what’s going on in town right now,” said Levenick
Not about sour grapes? Yeah right!
click here to read the article
It is a good read. There were too many statements made by Ms. Levenick to dispute and frankly not worth the precious time it would take to do so.
This may be my favorite quote:
“This isn’t about sour grapes — this is about the fact that I can’t even keep up with what’s going on in town right now,” said Levenick
Not about sour grapes? Yeah right!
click here to read the article
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Gas Glut. Where does all that "abundant" gas go?
We are experiencing a "Natural Gas Glut" here in the United States. Demand for natural gas has dropped and so have the prices. Do you ever wonder where all that extra gas is stored?
Most of the natural gas extracted is stored underground. This U.S. Government report is from 2007. It shows all the gas storage facilities by region. Very interesting info. Since this report came out, many new underground facilities have popped up.
Click here for more info on gas storage.
If you are interested in how the gas is moved across the United States, or just looking for a place to move to get away from this, click here for a map of compressor stations and here for a map of shales.
Most of the natural gas extracted is stored underground. This U.S. Government report is from 2007. It shows all the gas storage facilities by region. Very interesting info. Since this report came out, many new underground facilities have popped up.
Click here for more info on gas storage.
If you are interested in how the gas is moved across the United States, or just looking for a place to move to get away from this, click here for a map of compressor stations and here for a map of shales.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Gasland The Movie is coming to Flower Mound October 27th
"GasLand" Screening at Celebrations Event Center , Highland Village , TX
Where: Celebrations 2380 FM 407, Highland Village, TX 75077 (behind the Chase Bank building at the Morriss Road intersection)
When: Wednesday, 10/27 6:30 PM
Flower Mound Shares/FMDF and ShaleTest are thrilled to host Josh Fox for a screening of "Gasland" on October 27, 2010 at Celebrations, 2380 FM 407, Highland Village, TX.
Suggested donations are:
General Admission $15, Students $7, and $50 for the after party.
A reception, with a cash bar and live music, starts at 6:30 PM, this is open to everyone. The screening begins at 7 PM, followed by an after party for those who make a $50.00 donation. Josh Fox, DISH Mayor, Calvin Tillman and grass roots leaders from the area will be at this special after party.
Proceeds will benefit ShaleTest, a new non - profit that provides environmental testing to low income families, and the Flower Mound Defense Fund, dedicated to protecting the residential character of the Town and supporting the continuous improvement of oil and gas drilling regulations to better protect our health, safety and quality of life.
The after - party donation includes admission, light Hors D'oeuvres and coffee/tea. Suggested donation is $50 per person.
Please RSVP to Cathy Weiskopf - asiu@msn.com or Ginger Simonson - simodog97@yahoo.com by Oct 26 if you wish to attend the after party reception (so we can provide an accurate headcount for food).
Donations can be made by cash or check (to Flower Mound Defense Fund) at the door.
To order tickets online using PayPal - click here and follow the link "GasLand tickets".
Please print and bring your PayPal Receipt to the event.
Directions
Celebrations is on the NW corner behind the Chase Bank building at the Morriss Road intersection.2380 FM 407 ( Justin Road )Highland Village, TX 75077
Click here for directions. (click on the map for door to door directions)
Click here for flyer.
Where: Celebrations 2380 FM 407, Highland Village, TX 75077 (behind the Chase Bank building at the Morriss Road intersection)
When: Wednesday, 10/27 6:30 PM
Flower Mound Shares/FMDF and ShaleTest are thrilled to host Josh Fox for a screening of "Gasland" on October 27, 2010 at Celebrations, 2380 FM 407, Highland Village, TX.
Suggested donations are:
General Admission $15, Students $7, and $50 for the after party.
A reception, with a cash bar and live music, starts at 6:30 PM, this is open to everyone. The screening begins at 7 PM, followed by an after party for those who make a $50.00 donation. Josh Fox, DISH Mayor, Calvin Tillman and grass roots leaders from the area will be at this special after party.
Proceeds will benefit ShaleTest, a new non - profit that provides environmental testing to low income families, and the Flower Mound Defense Fund, dedicated to protecting the residential character of the Town and supporting the continuous improvement of oil and gas drilling regulations to better protect our health, safety and quality of life.
The after - party donation includes admission, light Hors D'oeuvres and coffee/tea. Suggested donation is $50 per person.
Please RSVP to Cathy Weiskopf - asiu@msn.com or Ginger Simonson - simodog97@yahoo.com by Oct 26 if you wish to attend the after party reception (so we can provide an accurate headcount for food).
Donations can be made by cash or check (to Flower Mound Defense Fund) at the door.
To order tickets online using PayPal - click here and follow the link "GasLand tickets".
Please print and bring your PayPal Receipt to the event.
Directions
Celebrations is on the NW corner behind the Chase Bank building at the Morriss Road intersection.2380 FM 407 ( Justin Road )Highland Village, TX 75077
Click here for directions. (click on the map for door to door directions)
Click here for flyer.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Schools and Gas Drilling
Argyle residents are in the midst of every parents nightmare....What if the health and safety of your child was being threatened everyday and no one was listening?
In this post from TXSharon, it focuses on the odor and health complaints of students attending Argyle schools that are close to drilling. The schools vary in distance from the drilling. But what is most alarming is that even students attending a school a half of mile away, or a little over 2600 feet, are experiencing health issues and can smell offensive odors.
Here in Flower Mound, a pad site sits just over 1000 feet from Liberty Elementary. In the past 3 years, there has been an increase in child leukemia and breast cancer in this area. The Titan Hilliard site will be a little over 1700 feet from Shadow Ridge Middle School.
Many are concerned that the air quality in this area could be a factor. Last year an EPA analysis of Denton County's air quality, showed a 25% higher risk for cancer and respiratory diseases than the national average. In this study done by the Environmental Defense Fund, it links air pollutants with Barnett Shale Gas Production.
It is the right of every American to be educated no matter what their economic situation is. That is what the public school system is all about. It is also the right of every American to be educated in a safe and healthy environment.
So why, all across America, do school districts continue to sign mineral leases with the gas and oil industry? They claim it is free money, it helps fund programs, balance the budget etc. Argyle school district has received $680,681.25 in revenue from the leases, including royalty and bonus payments.
In a recent Denton Records Chronicle article, Susan Knoll stated it would most likely not cover the cost of treating one child with leukemia. Child leukemia is one of the most expensive types of cancer to treat.
A few years ago Lewisville Independent School District signed mineral leases for all their properties. Almost all of those leases have expired or LISD was released. It is rumored that they are once again being courted by gas drilling companies.
Gas drilling is heavy industry. It has no place next to schools and homes.
We must continue to put pressure on our school districts to not sign leases!! Let your voices be heard before it is too late. We have listed the emails for the LISD Board of Trustees.
royj@lisd.net
kyerc@lisd.net
greggv@lisd.net
fultona@lisd.net
fergusont@lisd.net
knappjeff@lisd.net
lathamb@lisd.net
In this post from TXSharon, it focuses on the odor and health complaints of students attending Argyle schools that are close to drilling. The schools vary in distance from the drilling. But what is most alarming is that even students attending a school a half of mile away, or a little over 2600 feet, are experiencing health issues and can smell offensive odors.
Here in Flower Mound, a pad site sits just over 1000 feet from Liberty Elementary. In the past 3 years, there has been an increase in child leukemia and breast cancer in this area. The Titan Hilliard site will be a little over 1700 feet from Shadow Ridge Middle School.
Many are concerned that the air quality in this area could be a factor. Last year an EPA analysis of Denton County's air quality, showed a 25% higher risk for cancer and respiratory diseases than the national average. In this study done by the Environmental Defense Fund, it links air pollutants with Barnett Shale Gas Production.
It is the right of every American to be educated no matter what their economic situation is. That is what the public school system is all about. It is also the right of every American to be educated in a safe and healthy environment.
So why, all across America, do school districts continue to sign mineral leases with the gas and oil industry? They claim it is free money, it helps fund programs, balance the budget etc. Argyle school district has received $680,681.25 in revenue from the leases, including royalty and bonus payments.
In a recent Denton Records Chronicle article, Susan Knoll stated it would most likely not cover the cost of treating one child with leukemia. Child leukemia is one of the most expensive types of cancer to treat.
A few years ago Lewisville Independent School District signed mineral leases for all their properties. Almost all of those leases have expired or LISD was released. It is rumored that they are once again being courted by gas drilling companies.
Gas drilling is heavy industry. It has no place next to schools and homes.
We must continue to put pressure on our school districts to not sign leases!! Let your voices be heard before it is too late. We have listed the emails for the LISD Board of Trustees.
royj@lisd.net
kyerc@lisd.net
greggv@lisd.net
fultona@lisd.net
fergusont@lisd.net
knappjeff@lisd.net
lathamb@lisd.net
Saturday, October 23, 2010
The Big Boys in Tulsa
We will let the video speak for itself.
Click here
No...... We do not know who made this video. It was sent to us. This is purely for entertainment purposes.
Click here
No...... We do not know who made this video. It was sent to us. This is purely for entertainment purposes.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Williams Scenic Site Emissions
Flower Mound residents are complaining of odors and health issues near the Williams Scenic Site in West Flower Mound. Everything from nose bleeds, burning eyes, sore throats, and respiratory problems.
This video was taken a little over 4 weeks ago at the Williams Scenic site. The camera is a Flir and is designed to show emissions that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Around the same time, residents affected by the odors and health issues, called TCEQ. When TCEQ arrived, they got a reading of 53ppm with their TVA gun. The TVA or Toxic Vapor Analyzer is used to monitor hydrocarbons. Anything over 5ppm requires the TCEQ to do a canister test. This site was over 10 times what TCEQ considers dangerous!!! Yet, already some industry people are trying to discredit this video.
High levels of methane were detected at the Scenic site earlier this year when California based Picarro did mapping in the area.
In a previous post from March 5th, some residents complained of odors coming from this a few days before the methane mapping was conducted. In fact, the TCEQ has received odor and health complaints at this site 7 times between January 2010 and June 2010. The total number of complaints for Williams production sites here in Flower Mound is 16 from January 2010 to June 2010. Canister samples were taken 10 times, which means the TVA got an unacceptable reading. There is a serious problem with emissions here and it needs to be addressed.
Williams has had problems with compressor sites in other areas before. Click here.
This little paragraph is from the Williams Barnett Site.
Williams says:
This video was taken a little over 4 weeks ago at the Williams Scenic site. The camera is a Flir and is designed to show emissions that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Around the same time, residents affected by the odors and health issues, called TCEQ. When TCEQ arrived, they got a reading of 53ppm with their TVA gun. The TVA or Toxic Vapor Analyzer is used to monitor hydrocarbons. Anything over 5ppm requires the TCEQ to do a canister test. This site was over 10 times what TCEQ considers dangerous!!! Yet, already some industry people are trying to discredit this video.
High levels of methane were detected at the Scenic site earlier this year when California based Picarro did mapping in the area.
In a previous post from March 5th, some residents complained of odors coming from this a few days before the methane mapping was conducted. In fact, the TCEQ has received odor and health complaints at this site 7 times between January 2010 and June 2010. The total number of complaints for Williams production sites here in Flower Mound is 16 from January 2010 to June 2010. Canister samples were taken 10 times, which means the TVA got an unacceptable reading. There is a serious problem with emissions here and it needs to be addressed.
Williams has had problems with compressor sites in other areas before. Click here.
This little paragraph is from the Williams Barnett Site.
Williams says:
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Notification Letters for 2nd Titan Rule 37 have been sent out
On Tuesday, October 19th, notification letters were sent out to residents affected by the 2nd Titan Rule 37 application.
For those affected, you have every right to protest this. Do not let anyone tell you that it is a "done" deal. If fact, the burden of proof will fall on Titan.
Last week we gave a brief description of what a Rule 37 is.
Click here to see permit. If you scroll down to the applications, you will find many informative forms to click on and read.
Click here to see if your name is on the public posted list.
We have a lot of information on Rule 37. How to fill out protest letter, what to expect after you file for a protest, etc.
Contact us at http://www.fmcaudgroup@yahoo.com/
For those affected, you have every right to protest this. Do not let anyone tell you that it is a "done" deal. If fact, the burden of proof will fall on Titan.
Last week we gave a brief description of what a Rule 37 is.
Click here to see permit. If you scroll down to the applications, you will find many informative forms to click on and read.
Click here to see if your name is on the public posted list.
We have a lot of information on Rule 37. How to fill out protest letter, what to expect after you file for a protest, etc.
Contact us at http://www.fmcaudgroup@yahoo.com/
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Just another day in Paradise. Titan is building sound wall
Titan has started building the sound wall at Hilliard Field.
It is looking more and more like an industrial zone everyday.
Click here to see a short video.
It is looking more and more like an industrial zone everyday.
Click here to see a short video.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Concerned about the proposed Aberdeen/School Crossing Titan/Hilliard Traffic Route?
The proposed traffic route for the Titan/Hilliard site is to build a continuation of Aberdeen through to FM 2499. This is an entrance to neighborhoods, school crossing and also a walkway that leads to Shadow Ridge.
Right now, they want to use the portion of Aberdeen that runs by Shadow Ridge as an emergency route. A road is being build as we speak. Hmm... makes you wonder why they are going through the expense and trouble if it isn't going to be used? The proposed emergency route would be the FM 2499 entrance to Hilliard Field.
Many residents are questioning why all the truck traffic is being shifted to the South end of Hilliard Field. Closer to the schools and near the entrance of a densely populated neighborhood. Away from the property and lease holder's home.
Good question!
We encourage you to write TXDot, LISD and the Town of Flower Mound to voice your concerns.
What are the other options?
Use Mr. Hilliard's street Sheri Lane as the main access road. When trucks are servicing the site, they have to sit and park waiting for access. This would take this idle truck traffic off of FM 2499 and put it on Sheri Ln. In late 2007, a traffic study was done on the portion of FM 2499 between FM 3040 and Spinks. This stretch saw over 40,000 cars and trucks a day. The new Lewisville Lake Bridge on FM 2499 will open soon. This will bring even more traffic through this area. Trucks parked along FM 2499 waiting for access could be a disaster.
The FM 2499 entrance to Hilliard could be used as a emergency route and allow better access to the site in case of an accident or explosion.
Town of Flower Mound
mailto:Moundmayor/towncouncil@flower-mound.com
harlan.jefferson@flower-mound.com
edith.marvin@flower-mound.com
robert.pegg@flower-mound.com
matthew.woods@flower-mound.com
LISD
royj@lisd.net
mailto:lisd.netbuckb@lisd.net
kyerc@lisd.net
fultona@lisd.net
fergusont@lisd.net
knappjeff@lisd.net
lathamb@lisd.net
foughtyj@lisd.net
TXDoT GBailey@dot.state.tx.us
Right now, they want to use the portion of Aberdeen that runs by Shadow Ridge as an emergency route. A road is being build as we speak. Hmm... makes you wonder why they are going through the expense and trouble if it isn't going to be used? The proposed emergency route would be the FM 2499 entrance to Hilliard Field.
Many residents are questioning why all the truck traffic is being shifted to the South end of Hilliard Field. Closer to the schools and near the entrance of a densely populated neighborhood. Away from the property and lease holder's home.
Good question!
We encourage you to write TXDot, LISD and the Town of Flower Mound to voice your concerns.
What are the other options?
Use Mr. Hilliard's street Sheri Lane as the main access road. When trucks are servicing the site, they have to sit and park waiting for access. This would take this idle truck traffic off of FM 2499 and put it on Sheri Ln. In late 2007, a traffic study was done on the portion of FM 2499 between FM 3040 and Spinks. This stretch saw over 40,000 cars and trucks a day. The new Lewisville Lake Bridge on FM 2499 will open soon. This will bring even more traffic through this area. Trucks parked along FM 2499 waiting for access could be a disaster.
The FM 2499 entrance to Hilliard could be used as a emergency route and allow better access to the site in case of an accident or explosion.
Town of Flower Mound
mailto:Moundmayor/towncouncil@flower-mound.com
harlan.jefferson@flower-mound.com
edith.marvin@flower-mound.com
robert.pegg@flower-mound.com
matthew.woods@flower-mound.com
LISD
royj@lisd.net
mailto:lisd.netbuckb@lisd.net
kyerc@lisd.net
fultona@lisd.net
fergusont@lisd.net
knappjeff@lisd.net
lathamb@lisd.net
foughtyj@lisd.net
TXDoT GBailey@dot.state.tx.us
Information Meeting Announcing The Formation of ShaleTest Non-Profit Environmental Testing
For Immediate Release:
Information Meeting Announcing The Formation of ShaleTestNon-Profit Environmental TestingFort Worth Texas-- Josh Fox, producer of the award winning documentary Gasland will join the Board of Directors for the announcement of ShaleTest, a non-profit organization that will provide environmental testing on water, soil and air for lower income families. ShaleTest was formed by DISH, TX Mayor Calvin Tillman, and Wise County property owner Tim Ruggierro. Other founding board members include founder of the BlueDaze website and Texas Oil and Gas Accountability Project community organizer Sharon Wilson, Susan Knoll, of Bartonville TX and Cora Bell of Corinth TX.
ShaleTest.org is a new national group that has a mission: “To provide lower income and compromised individuals with environmental testing of their drinking water, air and soil that might have been impacted by natural gas development. Our testing involves analyzing and measuring these elements for the presence of natural gas development fluids or associated chemicals and compounds. We also provide the public with educational awareness to the dangers associated with natural gas development." Currently, ShaleTest has testing volunteers in Texas, Pennsylvania and Arkansas, and is recruiting in other states.
DISH mayor Calvin Tillman says that " I have seen a real weakness in the availability of quality environmental testing across the United States to all families, especially in lower income areas. Therefore, citizens must rely on poorly equipped and understaffed state agencies to protect them, ShaleTest will level the playing field for these people".
Co-founder Tim Ruggiero says "I have seen first hand what negative impacts natural gas development has had on our air, water, soil and even our property values. I have also seen the unwillingness to address these issues and the political game playing and foot dragging from our local and federal level politicians and protection agencies to assist any of us.We cannot allow our quest for energy to outweigh our need for clean air and water. Mayor Tillman and I formed this non-profit group to do what the very same agencies that have sworn to protect us simply refuse to do."
"Currently, it is up to citizens to prove harm rather than industry to prove lack of harm and it is now clear that state regulations do not protect public health." said Sharon Wilson, Organizer for Texas Oil and Gas Accountability Project. "With enough data we can shift that burden back to those who profit and hold them accountable for their irresponsible operations."
When: October 26, 2010, 12:30 PM
Where: Tandy Lecture Hall inside of the Fort Worth Library, located at 500 West 3rd Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102
For More Information
Contacts*
Calvin Tillman, Mayor, DISH, TX
(940) 453-3640, tillman4council@aol.com.
Tim Ruggiero(917) 763-8901, trruggiero@gmail.com
Sharon Wilson(940) 389-1622, sharson@gmail.com
Links:
www.shaletest.org
www.gaslandthemovie.com
Calvin Tillman
Mayor, DISH, TX
(940) 453-3640
"Those who say it can not be done, should get out of the way of those that are doing it" ~Calvin Tillman
Information Meeting Announcing The Formation of ShaleTestNon-Profit Environmental TestingFort Worth Texas-- Josh Fox, producer of the award winning documentary Gasland will join the Board of Directors for the announcement of ShaleTest, a non-profit organization that will provide environmental testing on water, soil and air for lower income families. ShaleTest was formed by DISH, TX Mayor Calvin Tillman, and Wise County property owner Tim Ruggierro. Other founding board members include founder of the BlueDaze website and Texas Oil and Gas Accountability Project community organizer Sharon Wilson, Susan Knoll, of Bartonville TX and Cora Bell of Corinth TX.
ShaleTest.org is a new national group that has a mission: “To provide lower income and compromised individuals with environmental testing of their drinking water, air and soil that might have been impacted by natural gas development. Our testing involves analyzing and measuring these elements for the presence of natural gas development fluids or associated chemicals and compounds. We also provide the public with educational awareness to the dangers associated with natural gas development." Currently, ShaleTest has testing volunteers in Texas, Pennsylvania and Arkansas, and is recruiting in other states.
DISH mayor Calvin Tillman says that " I have seen a real weakness in the availability of quality environmental testing across the United States to all families, especially in lower income areas. Therefore, citizens must rely on poorly equipped and understaffed state agencies to protect them, ShaleTest will level the playing field for these people".
Co-founder Tim Ruggiero says "I have seen first hand what negative impacts natural gas development has had on our air, water, soil and even our property values. I have also seen the unwillingness to address these issues and the political game playing and foot dragging from our local and federal level politicians and protection agencies to assist any of us.We cannot allow our quest for energy to outweigh our need for clean air and water. Mayor Tillman and I formed this non-profit group to do what the very same agencies that have sworn to protect us simply refuse to do."
"Currently, it is up to citizens to prove harm rather than industry to prove lack of harm and it is now clear that state regulations do not protect public health." said Sharon Wilson, Organizer for Texas Oil and Gas Accountability Project. "With enough data we can shift that burden back to those who profit and hold them accountable for their irresponsible operations."
When: October 26, 2010, 12:30 PM
Where: Tandy Lecture Hall inside of the Fort Worth Library, located at 500 West 3rd Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102
For More Information
Contacts*
Calvin Tillman, Mayor, DISH, TX
(940) 453-3640, tillman4council@aol.com.
Tim Ruggiero(917) 763-8901, trruggiero@gmail.com
Sharon Wilson(940) 389-1622, sharson@gmail.com
Links:
www.shaletest.org
www.gaslandthemovie.com
Calvin Tillman
Mayor, DISH, TX
(940) 453-3640
"Those who say it can not be done, should get out of the way of those that are doing it" ~Calvin Tillman
Thursday, October 14, 2010
MARK YOUR CALENDARS. GASLAND the movie is coming to Flower Mound
Gasland The Movie is coming to the Flower Mound area.
October 27th
7:00 pm
More info to follow in the next few days.
October 27th
7:00 pm
More info to follow in the next few days.
Concerned about the proposed Aberdeen/School Crossing Titan/Hilliard Traffic Route?
Attend the LISD board meeting Monday, October 18th and voice your concerns. The meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. and anyone wishing to speak should plan to arrive in advance of this time so that they have ample time to fill out and submit a request to speak during public participation, otherwise they will not be allowed to speak.
This is an opportunity for residents/parents to share their thoughts about the school crossing at Aberdeen and 2499. The walkway on the school property that the students use to go to and from Shadow Ridge and Bluebonnet is located here.
It is also an opportunity to speak about the potential impacts to the use of the vacant, publicly-owned school property intended for the ninth grade campus. The tanker trucks would have to cross through a portion of this LISD land to to access the intersection.
There are other options for the route. Sherri Lane, the street that the surface and mineral lease holder Mr. Hilliard's home is located on, was considered at one time.
Please show up and let LISD know your concerns.
LISD Board Meeting Location
Board Room
William T. Bolin Administrative Center
1565 W. Main St.
7:00 pm
The agenda will be posted 72 hours before the meeting.
Click here for more information.
This is an opportunity for residents/parents to share their thoughts about the school crossing at Aberdeen and 2499. The walkway on the school property that the students use to go to and from Shadow Ridge and Bluebonnet is located here.
It is also an opportunity to speak about the potential impacts to the use of the vacant, publicly-owned school property intended for the ninth grade campus. The tanker trucks would have to cross through a portion of this LISD land to to access the intersection.
There are other options for the route. Sherri Lane, the street that the surface and mineral lease holder Mr. Hilliard's home is located on, was considered at one time.
Please show up and let LISD know your concerns.
LISD Board Meeting Location
Board Room
William T. Bolin Administrative Center
1565 W. Main St.
7:00 pm
The agenda will be posted 72 hours before the meeting.
Click here for more information.
TCEQ Odor Complaint System Meeting
About 50 people showed up in Dish last night to share their stories and comment on the TCEQ 12 Hour Odor Response System.
Representatives from the EPA and the TCEQ were present. It appears that neither agency can really do enough in the immediate future to help. TCEQ and EPA tried to answer questions but it is clear that each agency has their hands tied in some way. The system set up here in Texas allows too many holes when it comes to enforcement and action needed to remedy the problems and health issues we face here in the Barnett Shale.
The TCEQ and the Texas Railroad Commission do not work well together. Each agency oversees different issues that are connected in so many ways. This allows these complaints, health issues, and problems to fall through the cracks.
Many residents living near natural gas production sites, from Rural and Urban areas of Wise County, Denton County and Tarrant County, are experiencing health issues. These health issues include, numerous cancers, child leukemia, nose bleeds, respiratory issues, headaches, chemicals in their blood and organs etc. The list goes on.
Change needs to be made on the State and Federal level. Unfortunately, it may not happen soon enough to save some of the Citizens of the Shale.
Click here for a great report from TXSharon.
Representatives from the EPA and the TCEQ were present. It appears that neither agency can really do enough in the immediate future to help. TCEQ and EPA tried to answer questions but it is clear that each agency has their hands tied in some way. The system set up here in Texas allows too many holes when it comes to enforcement and action needed to remedy the problems and health issues we face here in the Barnett Shale.
The TCEQ and the Texas Railroad Commission do not work well together. Each agency oversees different issues that are connected in so many ways. This allows these complaints, health issues, and problems to fall through the cracks.
Many residents living near natural gas production sites, from Rural and Urban areas of Wise County, Denton County and Tarrant County, are experiencing health issues. These health issues include, numerous cancers, child leukemia, nose bleeds, respiratory issues, headaches, chemicals in their blood and organs etc. The list goes on.
Change needs to be made on the State and Federal level. Unfortunately, it may not happen soon enough to save some of the Citizens of the Shale.
Click here for a great report from TXSharon.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Titan/Hilliard preparing emergency route
This morning Titan Operating began preparing the original emergency route for the Hilliard Field. This route will be the only access road in and out of Shadow Ridge Middle School.
In case of an accident that requires evacuation, the buses needed to evacuate students and staff from Shadow Ridge Middle School would share the access road with emergency response equipment.
Click here to view video 1
Click here to view video 2
In case of an accident that requires evacuation, the buses needed to evacuate students and staff from Shadow Ridge Middle School would share the access road with emergency response equipment.
Click here to view video 1
Click here to view video 2
Monday, October 11, 2010
TXOGAP Public Meeting: State Officials Snub Angry Residents' Town Hall Meeting
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 11, 2010
Records Show Texas Takes No Action on 99% of Barnett Shale Complaints
State Officials Snub Angry Residents’ Town Hall Meeting
DISH, Texas, Oct. 11 –State inspectors cited no violations in response to almost 99 percent of citizen complaints about natural gas drilling and hydrofracking operations in the Barnett Shale region in the first seven months of 2010, according to documents obtained through the Texas Public Information Act.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) records show 256 complaints – more than one a day – about odor and health effects from January 1 to July 23 in Tarrant, Denton, Wise and other counties in the Barnett Shale formation. Yet only three violations were found, all at the same site in Wise County.
Further details of the documents obtained by EARTHWORKS’ Texas Oil & Gas Accountability Project will be released Wednesday, Oct. 13 at a town hall meeting in Dish, Denton County. The meeting is at 7 p.m. at the Dish Town Hall, 5413 Tim Donald Road.
The meeting was called to discuss TCEQ’s complaint response system, seven months after it was instituted in response to a community health survey that found hundreds of residents are suffering from headaches, nausea, breathing problems and other symptoms associated with exposure to the chemicals used in drilling and fracking. Dr. Wilma Subra – a Louisiana chemist and recipient of a MacArthur “genius” award – will discuss her analysis of the TCEQ documents.
TCEQ will be notably absent.
Executive Director Mark Vickerey was repeatedly asked to attend or to send a representative to hear residents’ concerns. He declined, even though the agency is holding its own “open house” in Arlington – 43 miles away – on Sunday, Oct. 16, to show off the equipment it is using to monitor the air in the Barnett Shale Region. There’ll be an empty chair at the town hall meeting in case anyone from TCEQ shows up – and to remind residents of the agency’s lack of response to complaints.
“I’m not sure what good the equipment does when their response to a complaint from a real person is to take no action,” says Sharon Wilson of the Texas Oil & Gas Accountability Project. “Not showing up to the meeting is in keeping with their lack of response to the problems we have documented.”
One of the complaints received by TCEQ reads: "The odor was so strong my 7-year old was vomiting." Another says: "We were surrounded by horrible odors that caused headaches and heart palpitations. We had to leave home for the night." In both cases, the state’s investigation found no violation.
“Such a small number of citations and violations when compared to the more than 250 complaints, odor complaints and health impacts are unacceptable,” says Subra’s analysis of the complaints. “A mechanism needs to be devised to reduce and address the human health impacts associated with the operations of the Barnett shale gas.“
Click here for flyer.
Records Show Texas Takes No Action on 99% of Barnett Shale Complaints
State Officials Snub Angry Residents’ Town Hall Meeting
DISH, Texas, Oct. 11 –State inspectors cited no violations in response to almost 99 percent of citizen complaints about natural gas drilling and hydrofracking operations in the Barnett Shale region in the first seven months of 2010, according to documents obtained through the Texas Public Information Act.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) records show 256 complaints – more than one a day – about odor and health effects from January 1 to July 23 in Tarrant, Denton, Wise and other counties in the Barnett Shale formation. Yet only three violations were found, all at the same site in Wise County.
Further details of the documents obtained by EARTHWORKS’ Texas Oil & Gas Accountability Project will be released Wednesday, Oct. 13 at a town hall meeting in Dish, Denton County. The meeting is at 7 p.m. at the Dish Town Hall, 5413 Tim Donald Road.
The meeting was called to discuss TCEQ’s complaint response system, seven months after it was instituted in response to a community health survey that found hundreds of residents are suffering from headaches, nausea, breathing problems and other symptoms associated with exposure to the chemicals used in drilling and fracking. Dr. Wilma Subra – a Louisiana chemist and recipient of a MacArthur “genius” award – will discuss her analysis of the TCEQ documents.
TCEQ will be notably absent.
Executive Director Mark Vickerey was repeatedly asked to attend or to send a representative to hear residents’ concerns. He declined, even though the agency is holding its own “open house” in Arlington – 43 miles away – on Sunday, Oct. 16, to show off the equipment it is using to monitor the air in the Barnett Shale Region. There’ll be an empty chair at the town hall meeting in case anyone from TCEQ shows up – and to remind residents of the agency’s lack of response to complaints.
“I’m not sure what good the equipment does when their response to a complaint from a real person is to take no action,” says Sharon Wilson of the Texas Oil & Gas Accountability Project. “Not showing up to the meeting is in keeping with their lack of response to the problems we have documented.”
One of the complaints received by TCEQ reads: "The odor was so strong my 7-year old was vomiting." Another says: "We were surrounded by horrible odors that caused headaches and heart palpitations. We had to leave home for the night." In both cases, the state’s investigation found no violation.
“Such a small number of citations and violations when compared to the more than 250 complaints, odor complaints and health impacts are unacceptable,” says Subra’s analysis of the complaints. “A mechanism needs to be devised to reduce and address the human health impacts associated with the operations of the Barnett shale gas.“
Click here for flyer.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Titan Files An Application For Another Rule 37
On Tuesday, Titan filed another application for a Rule 37 for the Hilliard North Unit. This is the second one in a week. It does not appear that any notification letters have gone out yet on this one.
Last week we gave a brief description of what a Rule 37 is.
Click here to see permit. If you scroll down to the applications, you will find many informative forms to click on and read.
Click here to see if your name is on the public posted list.
For more information, contact us at www.fmcaudgroup@yahoo.com
Last week we gave a brief description of what a Rule 37 is.
Click here to see permit. If you scroll down to the applications, you will find many informative forms to click on and read.
Click here to see if your name is on the public posted list.
For more information, contact us at www.fmcaudgroup@yahoo.com
Titan...Keep your trucks out of our neighborhoods!!!
It has already started. Trucks bringing dirt and other supplies to the Hilliard field cut through Woodlake this morning. This was during the morning when children were walking to school and residents walking their dogs through the neighborhood. Our source watched these trucks go straight to Hilliard Field. Why are they not using 2499?
There is no need to go through our neighborhoods. Period!
Hilliard Field is in the middle of many neighborhoods. The safety, health, welfare, and quality of life of those residents should be the number one priority.
The eyes of Flower Mound are upon you Titan and Hilliard and we will hold you accountable!!!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
The Ugly Truth About The Economics Of Gas Drilling
It doesn't look pretty. It appears the gas drilling industry is being forced to sell future production at a lower cost than the current low cost of natural gas production just to stay afloat. Chesapeake, the second largest producer of natural gas just sold future Barnett Shale production to an affiliate of British Bank Barclays.
raising money to fund drilling and cut debt
Click here to see the Industrial Fuels and Power article about the future production.
How many companies will survive?
What about those like Titan Operating that depend on Venture Capital to run their company?
Remember the Internet Bubble and Private Equity Crash 2000 to 2003? Could this happen again with the natural gas industry? The selling of future production at very low prices can't be a good sign for the gas drilling company or those that are funding it.
March 2000 shook virtually the entire venture capital industry as valuations for start up technology companies collapsed. The values of the fund's investments were below the amount of capital invested
Definition of Venture Capital:
To put it simply, an investment firm will give money to a growing company. The growing company will then use this money to advertise, do research, build infrastructure, develop products etc. The investment firm is called a venture capital firm, and the money that it gives is called venture capital.
The venture capital firm makes money by owning a stake in the firm it invests in.
What if there is no money to be made? If the cost of gas stays where it is or goes lower?
What happens when a company can no longer continue production at a site because they ran out of money? Think about it long and hard and at the same time think Hilliard Field, near homes, schools, churches, and the gateway to Flower Mound.
raising money to fund drilling and cut debt
Click here to see the Industrial Fuels and Power article about the future production.
How many companies will survive?
What about those like Titan Operating that depend on Venture Capital to run their company?
Remember the Internet Bubble and Private Equity Crash 2000 to 2003? Could this happen again with the natural gas industry? The selling of future production at very low prices can't be a good sign for the gas drilling company or those that are funding it.
March 2000 shook virtually the entire venture capital industry as valuations for start up technology companies collapsed. The values of the fund's investments were below the amount of capital invested
Definition of Venture Capital:
To put it simply, an investment firm will give money to a growing company. The growing company will then use this money to advertise, do research, build infrastructure, develop products etc. The investment firm is called a venture capital firm, and the money that it gives is called venture capital.
The venture capital firm makes money by owning a stake in the firm it invests in.
What if there is no money to be made? If the cost of gas stays where it is or goes lower?
What happens when a company can no longer continue production at a site because they ran out of money? Think about it long and hard and at the same time think Hilliard Field, near homes, schools, churches, and the gateway to Flower Mound.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Public Meeting for TCEQ Odor Response System
Have you made an odor complaint to TCEQ and not been happy with the outcome?
Are you interested and learning more about the "Odor Complaint System" and how it can serve the citizens of the shale better?
You are invited to the Texas Oil and Gas Accountability Project's Help Fix the TCEQ's Stinky 12-hour Odor Response System public meeting where you will get to speak for 3 minutes about your experience with their response and give your suggestions for how to make it work better.
Where:
DISH, Texas Town Hall
5413 Tim Donald Road
DISH, Texas 76247 MAP
When:
October 13, 2010, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Panel:
Wilma Subra
TCEQ or their empty chair
EPA
Sharon Wilson
Click here for flyer.
Are you interested and learning more about the "Odor Complaint System" and how it can serve the citizens of the shale better?
You are invited to the Texas Oil and Gas Accountability Project's Help Fix the TCEQ's Stinky 12-hour Odor Response System public meeting where you will get to speak for 3 minutes about your experience with their response and give your suggestions for how to make it work better.
Where:
DISH, Texas Town Hall
5413 Tim Donald Road
DISH, Texas 76247 MAP
When:
October 13, 2010, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Panel:
Wilma Subra
TCEQ or their empty chair
EPA
Sharon Wilson
Click here for flyer.
Citizens of the Shale: Please document odors, health effects, possible water and soil contamination
Timelines and odor logs are considered evidence. If you want the EPA's ear please do the following:
- Keep timelines and daily logs of odors, health effects, water and soil contamination.
- Make odor complaints to the TCEQ (you may feel this is a waste of time but the data the TCEQ collects can be used to create the logs and timelines.)
- If you have health effects you believe are caused by natural gas extraction activity in your area, please get environmental testing. Click here for a list of Environmental Doctors in the area.
- Send documentation to Texas OGAP at texas.ogap@earthworksaction.org
Click here to read Pavillion Study.
Judge dismisses citizens lawsuit against the Town Flower Mound
Yesterday, State District Judge Margaret Barnes dismissed a lawsuit filed against the town by residents Virginia Simonson and Prakash Parameswaran.
At this time, there is very little information out there about the dismissal. The plaintiffs have 30 days to file an appeal.
Click here for the Town of Flower Mound's eblast.
Click here for the Dallas Morning News article.
Click here for the Flower Mound Leader article.
At this time, there is very little information out there about the dismissal. The plaintiffs have 30 days to file an appeal.
Click here for the Town of Flower Mound's eblast.
Click here for the Dallas Morning News article.
Click here for the Flower Mound Leader article.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Titan Files Rule 37 with the Texas Railroad Commission for Hilliard Site
Most people know that an operator cannot drill under their land without a lease, but do not understand what an application for Rule 37 exception is, nor what can happen if they receive notice and fail to protest. Unless a protest is filed per the deadline on the notice, the operator will be granted the Rule 37 exception. Upon the granting of the exception, the operator has the authority to drill the well and come as close as 1 foot of your property line.
Those of you that have not signed leases that are within 330 feet of the well bore path, have a right to file a protest. At least one person must file a protest for the exception not to be approved administratively. There must be a hearing if the Rule is protested.
For the Titan Rule 37 application, a protest notification must be received by 5:00 pm on October 21st.
The current Rule 37 filing only applies to the 1H South Unit
Looking at the 1H North Unit, Scroll down to the attachments, you can see the pool lists and it looks like they want to drill past many who have not signed as well. So there may be another Rule 37 application in the works.
Those of you that have not signed leases that are within 330 feet of the well bore path, have a right to file a protest. At least one person must file a protest for the exception not to be approved administratively. There must be a hearing if the Rule is protested.
For the Titan Rule 37 application, a protest notification must be received by 5:00 pm on October 21st.
The current Rule 37 filing only applies to the 1H South Unit
Looking at the 1H North Unit, Scroll down to the attachments, you can see the pool lists and it looks like they want to drill past many who have not signed as well. So there may be another Rule 37 application in the works.
Click here to go to the Form filed for the 1H South Unit with the TRRC. Then scroll down to the attachments. Click on "rrc service list" and "NOA-0267624.svc."
TXSharon has some more info on this too. click here
Please contact us via e-mail if you need more info.Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Hey Titan seismic testing contractor, it is a violation to seismic test on town right of way!!
Many residents living in the Hilliard area may have noticed some interesting contraptions sitting the side of the streets in their neighborhoods. They look like weed whackers with lots of cords, wires and a box.
This is a seismic testing device. The problem is they are sitting on the town's "Right of Way" and are in violation of the Town Ordinance.
Titan and the contractor they have hired to do the seismic testing should be cited and fined for this violation. Seismic testing was such a hot issue a year ago in Flower Mound and was all over the news. I guess we have to assume Titan and their contractor either lived under a rock when the town voted not to allow seismic testing on right of ways or did not read the rules and regulations for seismic testing.
In the future, if you see anything going on in your neighborhood or at the Hilliard site that appears to be a violation, please report it to the town immediately.
www.environmentalservices@flower-mound.com
972-874-6340
www.environmentalservices@flower-mound.com
972-874-6340
Saturday, September 25, 2010
TXOGAP hosting a Help fix the TCEQ's 12 hour odor response system public meeting
Have you made an odor complaint to TCEQ and not been happy with the outcome? Are you interested and learning more about the "Odor Complaint System" and how it can serve the citizens of the shale better?
You are invited to the Texas Oil and Gas Accountability Project's Help Fix the TCEQ's Stinky 12-hour Odor Response System public meeting where you will get to speak for 3 minutes about your experience with their response and give your suggestions for how to make it work better.
Where:
DISH, Texas Town Hall
5413 Tim Donald Road
DISH, Texas 76247 MAP
When:
October 13, 2010, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Who:
TCEQ - they said no but we think they might change their mind. Click here to read TXSharons post and read the letter sent to the TCEQ...
Wilma Subra - Confirmed
EPA - Probable
More information coming
You are invited to the Texas Oil and Gas Accountability Project's Help Fix the TCEQ's Stinky 12-hour Odor Response System public meeting where you will get to speak for 3 minutes about your experience with their response and give your suggestions for how to make it work better.
Where:
DISH, Texas Town Hall
5413 Tim Donald Road
DISH, Texas 76247 MAP
When:
October 13, 2010, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Who:
TCEQ - they said no but we think they might change their mind. Click here to read TXSharons post and read the letter sent to the TCEQ...
Wilma Subra - Confirmed
EPA - Probable
More information coming
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Why the Hilliard Permit be Withdrawn
Do you want to understand why the Hilliard drilling permit should be withdrawn?
Are you not sure what Tank Battery Variances are, when they're required, and how they should have been applied to Hilliard?
If you'd like to understand more, attend a 30 minute presentation tonight (Tuesday, September 21st) at 3104 Native Oak Dr. at 7pm.
Are you not sure what Tank Battery Variances are, when they're required, and how they should have been applied to Hilliard?
If you'd like to understand more, attend a 30 minute presentation tonight (Tuesday, September 21st) at 3104 Native Oak Dr. at 7pm.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Sunday's Protest at Cherokee Horn
I'm reminded of the Sesame Street song that had the line..."one of these things is not like the other...."
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Protest Tomorrow at Cherokee Horn Offices on 2499 and Surrey Drive
Cherokee Horn has announced that they're pulling out of Flower Mound and that tomorrow is the last day to sign a lease.
Join with us as we remind folks that signing a lease will NOT make them rich! And also by not signing a lease, they may well be protecting the health and safety of residents, school children, church goers, and commuters near Hilliard.
Be at 2499 and Surrey Drive (just north of Spinks) anytime from noon till 3:00pm on Sunday afternoon (9/5/10).
Bring water, signs, your family/friends/kids, as we give CH the send off they deserve.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Another Williams Spill in Flower Mound
There has been another spill at the Cummings site in Flower Mound. According to the Cross Timbers Gazette, 40 barrels of drilling mud spilled at the Cummings site. That makes 3 spills since April of this year at this drilling site. Williams temporarily stopped drilling activity during the clean up.
This is another example of why natural gas drilling does not belong near homes and schools.
The Cummings site is very close to where Williams wants to put a Centralized Compression Facility which will be located just on the border of Flower Mound and Bartonville currently in a ETJ. Unfortunately this area falls under county regulation and not either of the towns ordinances. A day care center and homes are located across from the proposed site.
Click here to read about a family who are one of Williams' "neighbor".
Williams should not be allowed to put any production facility in until they become more responsible.
This is another example of why natural gas drilling does not belong near homes and schools.
The Cummings site is very close to where Williams wants to put a Centralized Compression Facility which will be located just on the border of Flower Mound and Bartonville currently in a ETJ. Unfortunately this area falls under county regulation and not either of the towns ordinances. A day care center and homes are located across from the proposed site.
Click here to read about a family who are one of Williams' "neighbor".
Williams should not be allowed to put any production facility in until they become more responsible.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Don't Want Drilling in Flower Mound? DON'T SIGN A LEASE !
As you know, the Town of Flower Mound recently approved Titan's application to drill two gas wells on the Hilliard property. There are only a handful of leaseholders for those two well units and they are ALL located in the immediate vicinity of Hilliard. THERE ARE NONE THAT ARE WEST OF 2499.
With that said, there are very aggressive efforts underway by Cherokee Horn to convince residents of Woodlake Estates, Lakeview Estates, and Northshore that drilling is a foregone conclusion and that residents that do not sign are foolish for throwing away the "$2,500 per acre" (translation just a bit over $500 for the average homeowner) signing bonus. Add in the less than a $1/day in royalties and you've got....PENNIES PER DAY!
Don't fall for their pushy sales pitch. For drilling to occur (other than the two wells at Hilliard, since Ronnie Hilliard unilaterally made his leasing decision which will impact thousands of residents, church goers, commuters, and school children that did nothing other than pick "75022" as their zip code), many more residents will need to sign leases.
You have the right to refuse to sign a lease. Remember that if you do not sign a lease, the driller is required, by law, to stay at least 330 feet away from your property. Also, they cannot go under it. (You theoretically own your property all the way to the center of the earth!) Your refusal to lease your property, combined with the hundreds of other residents that have not signed, (despite what Cherokee Horn may say), will limit the overall number of wells, the length of time Town residents are exposed to dangers that come during the drilling process, as well as the amount of rigs and supporting equipment that will soon be what welcomes people to Flower Mound.
Please don't sell your neighbors out for PENNIES PER DAY!
With that said, there are very aggressive efforts underway by Cherokee Horn to convince residents of Woodlake Estates, Lakeview Estates, and Northshore that drilling is a foregone conclusion and that residents that do not sign are foolish for throwing away the "$2,500 per acre" (translation just a bit over $500 for the average homeowner) signing bonus. Add in the less than a $1/day in royalties and you've got....PENNIES PER DAY!
Don't fall for their pushy sales pitch. For drilling to occur (other than the two wells at Hilliard, since Ronnie Hilliard unilaterally made his leasing decision which will impact thousands of residents, church goers, commuters, and school children that did nothing other than pick "75022" as their zip code), many more residents will need to sign leases.
You have the right to refuse to sign a lease. Remember that if you do not sign a lease, the driller is required, by law, to stay at least 330 feet away from your property. Also, they cannot go under it. (You theoretically own your property all the way to the center of the earth!) Your refusal to lease your property, combined with the hundreds of other residents that have not signed, (despite what Cherokee Horn may say), will limit the overall number of wells, the length of time Town residents are exposed to dangers that come during the drilling process, as well as the amount of rigs and supporting equipment that will soon be what welcomes people to Flower Mound.
Please don't sell your neighbors out for PENNIES PER DAY!
Friday, August 27, 2010
"We will now be defined by our actions..."
In a beautifully written acceptance speech delivered after his May 22, 2010 swearing in, newly elected Councilmember Steve Lyda said the following:
"What does this election mean in the future? Absolutely nothing. From this day forward, we will now be defined by our actions, by our record, and by what we do and do not do as a council. One thing is clear, if we don’t answer the mandate of the people…the people will be back to mandate who is on the council."
Truer words were never spoken.
"What does this election mean in the future? Absolutely nothing. From this day forward, we will now be defined by our actions, by our record, and by what we do and do not do as a council. One thing is clear, if we don’t answer the mandate of the people…the people will be back to mandate who is on the council."
Truer words were never spoken.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
OOPS Williams Did It Again
Yep. Good neighbor Williams had another spill in Flower Mound. This is the third one this year.
The first spill occurred in March. Then there was another in July and then again today.
The first spill occurred in March. Then there was another in July and then again today.
Hmmm. Makes you wonder how past many spills we didn't hear about. Unless, all of a sudden Williams is just having some bad luck.
It is estimated that 190 barrels (not gallons) of flowback water spilled from a faulty valve. It ran into the soil around the pad site and soil had to be removed. The Texas Railroad Commission has been notified and Williams will be fined by the town.
Click here to read the story in the Cross Timbers Gazette.Monday, August 16, 2010
Action Alert: Attend FM Council Meeting Tonight!!!
The Titan application for the Hilliard site is in the final stages of being approved. Drilling could start in the next few weeks. It is important that the residents demand our elected officials do everything in their power to protect us against the risks related to gas drilling. The current resident lawsuit is asking for the town to do that.
We know the Town can enter into a "stand-still agreement" with the plaintiffs (Ms. Simonson and Mr. Parameswaran), which could essentially put a legal hold on Titan’s application to begin drilling on Hilliard Field. There is ample legal precedent for a stand-still agreement, and it makes sense for them to do so. If the plaintiffs prevail in court, yet the Town has allowed Titan to drill before the case is heard by a judge, there is a probability that the permit would be declared invalid. In this case, all construction and drilling would have to be reversed, removed, or shut-down. And, although, Titan and Mr. Hilliard are undoubtedly aware of this lawsuit, they could conceivably blame (and sue) the Town for administratively approving a permit next week that is at risk of later being invalidated.
The town is worried about a lawsuit from Titan. But Titan has already filed suit against the Town due to the denials given to variances they requested from the Oil & Gas Board of Appeals. Titan alleges that those denials (backed strongly by a majority of residents) were arbitrary and capricious.
To make matters worse, we have heard that tonight at the Town Council meeting, our Town Council is planning to remove Jenny Rogers and Prakash Parameswaran from the Advisory Board for "perceived conflicts of interest". Even though Debra Medina and the other industry people will remain on board. These industry people have a direct financial stake in companies who stand to gain a lot of money if they help control the Advisory Board while reviewing the ordinances.
What can you do?
Share these fliers with your friends and neighbors. Click here and here to download.
Show up to the Town Council Meeting tonight at Town Hall, 6:00 pm. Since neither of the issues are on the agenda, your comments will be heard at beginning of the meeting during Public Participation.
Demand the Town Council to direct the Town staff to put a legal hold on approving the Titan application.
Demand that Jenny Rogers and Prakash Parameswaran be allowed to stay on the Oil & Gas Advisory Board.
Demand that our elected officials honor their campaign promises to stand up and fight for the residents of Flower Mound and not the gas drilling companies.
If you can't make it, please contact the Town Council via e-mail.
Mayor Melissa D. Northern mayor@flower-mound.com
Steve Dixon place1@flower-mound.com
Al Filidoro place2@flower-mound.com
Mike Wallace place3@flower-mound.com
Steve Lyda place4@flower-mound.com
Tom Hayden place5@flower-mound.com
We know the Town can enter into a "stand-still agreement" with the plaintiffs (Ms. Simonson and Mr. Parameswaran), which could essentially put a legal hold on Titan’s application to begin drilling on Hilliard Field. There is ample legal precedent for a stand-still agreement, and it makes sense for them to do so. If the plaintiffs prevail in court, yet the Town has allowed Titan to drill before the case is heard by a judge, there is a probability that the permit would be declared invalid. In this case, all construction and drilling would have to be reversed, removed, or shut-down. And, although, Titan and Mr. Hilliard are undoubtedly aware of this lawsuit, they could conceivably blame (and sue) the Town for administratively approving a permit next week that is at risk of later being invalidated.
The town is worried about a lawsuit from Titan. But Titan has already filed suit against the Town due to the denials given to variances they requested from the Oil & Gas Board of Appeals. Titan alleges that those denials (backed strongly by a majority of residents) were arbitrary and capricious.
To make matters worse, we have heard that tonight at the Town Council meeting, our Town Council is planning to remove Jenny Rogers and Prakash Parameswaran from the Advisory Board for "perceived conflicts of interest". Even though Debra Medina and the other industry people will remain on board. These industry people have a direct financial stake in companies who stand to gain a lot of money if they help control the Advisory Board while reviewing the ordinances.
What can you do?
Share these fliers with your friends and neighbors. Click here and here to download.
Show up to the Town Council Meeting tonight at Town Hall, 6:00 pm. Since neither of the issues are on the agenda, your comments will be heard at beginning of the meeting during Public Participation.
Demand the Town Council to direct the Town staff to put a legal hold on approving the Titan application.
Demand that Jenny Rogers and Prakash Parameswaran be allowed to stay on the Oil & Gas Advisory Board.
Demand that our elected officials honor their campaign promises to stand up and fight for the residents of Flower Mound and not the gas drilling companies.
If you can't make it, please contact the Town Council via e-mail.
Mayor Melissa D. Northern mayor@flower-mound.com
Steve Dixon place1@flower-mound.com
Al Filidoro place2@flower-mound.com
Mike Wallace place3@flower-mound.com
Steve Lyda place4@flower-mound.com
Tom Hayden place5@flower-mound.com
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
FLO MO GAS MYTH #6
FLO-MO MYTH #6 - We HAVE to get the gas from Hilliard now!!!
Wrong.
The gas has been there for thousands and thousands of years and its going nowhere. In addition, the price of natural gas is incredibly low. Why waste it? Did you know that Chesapeake has stopped drilling (unless someone else is paying for it or in order to keep leases from expiring) until gas prices rise.
The only ones in a hurry are Cherokee Horn, Titan, and Ron Hilliard.
Wrong.
The gas has been there for thousands and thousands of years and its going nowhere. In addition, the price of natural gas is incredibly low. Why waste it? Did you know that Chesapeake has stopped drilling (unless someone else is paying for it or in order to keep leases from expiring) until gas prices rise.
The only ones in a hurry are Cherokee Horn, Titan, and Ron Hilliard.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
FLO MO GAS MYTH #5
FLO-MO MYTH #5 – The Town cannot enter into a “stand-still” agreement with the plaintiffs.
Case law on declaratory judgment does NOT dictate that a 3rd party, such as Titan, must be brought in.
Dedicated residents have sacrificed time, energy, and money to file a lawsuit that opens the door for the Town to enter into a stand-still agreement, until a judge can determine the merits of this case.
Why does the Town always seem to try and make it easy for the gas companies and hard for the residents? Hundreds of residents devoted long hours to the CCF petition drive and 6,000 citizens signed the petition. The same group of people worked even harder to elect the NFL. The NFL campaign ran a platform based on representing the community and NOT the drilling companies.
The Town has a choice to make and this choice will impact Town elections going forward: They can choose to stand with the residents or they can choose to stand with the gas companies. If the Town chooses not to enter into a stand-still agreement with the plaintiffs by deciding on their own that the lawsuit does not have merit, instead of letting a judge decide, they are proactively choosing to side with the drilling companies.
Case law on declaratory judgment does NOT dictate that a 3rd party, such as Titan, must be brought in.
Dedicated residents have sacrificed time, energy, and money to file a lawsuit that opens the door for the Town to enter into a stand-still agreement, until a judge can determine the merits of this case.
Why does the Town always seem to try and make it easy for the gas companies and hard for the residents? Hundreds of residents devoted long hours to the CCF petition drive and 6,000 citizens signed the petition. The same group of people worked even harder to elect the NFL. The NFL campaign ran a platform based on representing the community and NOT the drilling companies.
The Town has a choice to make and this choice will impact Town elections going forward: They can choose to stand with the residents or they can choose to stand with the gas companies. If the Town chooses not to enter into a stand-still agreement with the plaintiffs by deciding on their own that the lawsuit does not have merit, instead of letting a judge decide, they are proactively choosing to side with the drilling companies.
Town Manager's Response to Request for "Stand Still" Agreement
Following is an excerpt from an email, sent late on August 6th from the Town Manager, in response to an emailed request that the Town enter into a stand still agreement with the plaintiffs until a judge decides the merits of the case.
In regards to your comments related to the Town entering into a stand-still agreement, this action is not feasible. Stand-still agreements are essentially an agreement between two parties not to take any actions until an issue is resolved. It is akin to calling a truce until some issue (or perhaps many issues) is/are resolved.
This does not take into account a third party that may be involved in the situation. No judge would agree to a stand-still agreement without the third party being involved in the litigation. Even if the two parties entered into an agreement without court approval, they would be sued by the third party because their rights are very clearly implicated by such action.
In regards to your comments related to the Town entering into a stand-still agreement, this action is not feasible. Stand-still agreements are essentially an agreement between two parties not to take any actions until an issue is resolved. It is akin to calling a truce until some issue (or perhaps many issues) is/are resolved.
This does not take into account a third party that may be involved in the situation. No judge would agree to a stand-still agreement without the third party being involved in the litigation. Even if the two parties entered into an agreement without court approval, they would be sued by the third party because their rights are very clearly implicated by such action.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
FLO MO GAS MYTH #4
FLO MO GAS MYTH #4: Gas drilling royalties will bring significant income to the residents surrounding Hilliard Field.
The average homeowner has a 1/4 acre lot. With the help of industry insiders, we calculated estimated royalties using nearby (Williams) production data, typical well spacings, a 15 year year life span,... a 22.5% royalty to the homeowner, and NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange) futures data .
The result? The average monthly payment (non-discounted) over the expected life span of the well, is approximately $22 before expenses. When taxes and expenses are deducted, the average homeowner would realize less than $15 per month.
Or said another way...less than 50 cents per day.
The average homeowner has a 1/4 acre lot. With the help of industry insiders, we calculated estimated royalties using nearby (Williams) production data, typical well spacings, a 15 year year life span,... a 22.5% royalty to the homeowner, and NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange) futures data .
The result? The average monthly payment (non-discounted) over the expected life span of the well, is approximately $22 before expenses. When taxes and expenses are deducted, the average homeowner would realize less than $15 per month.
Or said another way...less than 50 cents per day.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Flower Mound Call To Action!!!! UPDATED
Contact the Mayor, Town Council, and the Town Manager TODAY and let them know you do not want the Hilliard Permit Administratively approved!!!!
The Town can legally put a hold on any approval because of the pending litigation.
FLO-MO GAS MYTH #1 - Flower Mound has the strongest oil and gas ordinances in the State of Texas. (We've heard this over and over again.) We do have some of the largest setback requirements in the state, but do we really have the strongest ...ordinances? Let's look at Southlake.
They have all of our setback requirements and an added requirement that all operators must obtain a Special Use Permit (SUP) for each pad site. Why would Southlake require a SUP?
This allows better control on the size and placement of gas well pad sites, ensuring no pad sites show up in the center of Southlake and near densely populated areas.
FLO-MO GAS MYTH #2 - The Town's hands are tied and they cannot stop Hilliard. This is simply not true.
The town can enter into a "stand-still agreement" with those who filed suit, which would essentially put a legal hold on Titan's application to begin drilling on Hilliard Field. There is ample legal precedence for ...a stand-still agreement, and it makes sense for a couple of reasons.
First, if the plaintiffs prevail in court, yet the town has allowed Titan to drill before the case is heard by a judge, there is a probability that the permit would be declared invalid. In this case, all construction and drilling on Hilliard would come to a screeching halt. (Talk about some mad venture capitalists.)
Second, Titan and Mr. Hilliard are aware of the lawsuit, and they know that any administratively approved permit is at risk of later being invalidated.
FLO MO GAS MYTH #3 - We want to deny Ron Hilliard his mineral rights.
Did you know that Mr. Hilliard's gas can be extracted further south, in a less populated area of Flower Mound, away from homes and schools? Technology is being perfected that allows gas companies to drill from far away. Isn't is worth a legal hold ...to at least explore this option?
mayor@flower-mound.com
place1@flower-mound.com
place2@flower-mound.com
place3@flower-mound.com
place4@flower-mound.com
place5@flower-mound.com
harlan.jefferson@flower-mound.com
The Town can legally put a hold on any approval because of the pending litigation.
FLO-MO GAS MYTH #1 - Flower Mound has the strongest oil and gas ordinances in the State of Texas. (We've heard this over and over again.) We do have some of the largest setback requirements in the state, but do we really have the strongest ...ordinances? Let's look at Southlake.
They have all of our setback requirements and an added requirement that all operators must obtain a Special Use Permit (SUP) for each pad site. Why would Southlake require a SUP?
This allows better control on the size and placement of gas well pad sites, ensuring no pad sites show up in the center of Southlake and near densely populated areas.
FLO-MO GAS MYTH #2 - The Town's hands are tied and they cannot stop Hilliard. This is simply not true.
The town can enter into a "stand-still agreement" with those who filed suit, which would essentially put a legal hold on Titan's application to begin drilling on Hilliard Field. There is ample legal precedence for ...a stand-still agreement, and it makes sense for a couple of reasons.
First, if the plaintiffs prevail in court, yet the town has allowed Titan to drill before the case is heard by a judge, there is a probability that the permit would be declared invalid. In this case, all construction and drilling on Hilliard would come to a screeching halt. (Talk about some mad venture capitalists.)
Second, Titan and Mr. Hilliard are aware of the lawsuit, and they know that any administratively approved permit is at risk of later being invalidated.
FLO MO GAS MYTH #3 - We want to deny Ron Hilliard his mineral rights.
Did you know that Mr. Hilliard's gas can be extracted further south, in a less populated area of Flower Mound, away from homes and schools? Technology is being perfected that allows gas companies to drill from far away. Isn't is worth a legal hold ...to at least explore this option?
mayor@flower-mound.com
place1@flower-mound.com
place2@flower-mound.com
place3@flower-mound.com
place4@flower-mound.com
place5@flower-mound.com
harlan.jefferson@flower-mound.com
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Fort Worth League of Neighborhoods host Wilma Subra and Dr. Theo Colborn
This is a rare opportunity to see both of these incrediable woman in one place. Here are the details.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
6:30 p.m.Fort Worth Firefighters Hall
3855 Tulsa Way
Fort Worth,TX 76107
Ft. Worth League of Neighborhoods will be hosting a public meeting featuring Wilma Subra, a MacArthur Foundation "Genius" Award winning chemist and Dr. Theo Colborn, internationally known Environmental Scientist known for her work on the health effects of fracking chemicals.
Topics to be covered will include:
Air emissions and fracking chemicals and their potential health effects
Seating will be limited so come early.
Bio's in alphabetical order:
Dr. Theo Colborn
Environmental health analyst
B.S. in pharmacy from Rutgers University, M.A. in fresh water ecology from Western State College of Colorado, PhD in zoology, with distributed minors in epidemiology, toxicology, and water chemistry from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Field and laboratory research: mobilization of low levels of toxic trace metals in high altitude streams in Colorado.Fellowship from the US Congress, Office of Technology Assessment
Established and ran the Wildlife and Contaminants Program at World Wildlife Fund until 2002.
Served on the EPA Science Advisory Board and several EPA panels; on a Canada/US International Joint Commission Health Committee since 1989; advised Environment Canada, Health Canada, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the US Department of the Interior,the ATSDR.
Advised similar government agencies in Europe, the UK, and Japan. Published in scientific journals and books on the effects of low level and/or ambient exposure to toxic chemicals called endocrine disruptors which has triggered action at the state, national, and international level to improve the protocols for testing chemicals when determining their safety.
Wilma Subra
Environmental Scientist, Chemist
Served seven year term as Vice-Chair of the Environmental Protection Agency National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT)
National Advisory Committee of the U.S. Representative to the Commission for Environmental Cooperation
EPA National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) where she served as a member of the Cumulative Risk and Impacts Working Group of the NEJAC Council
Chaired the NEJAC Gulf Coast Hurricanes Work Group.
She is an EARTHWORKS board member and a Texas Oil & Gas Accountability Project Steering Committee member.
Mrs. Subra holds degrees in Microbiology/Chemistry from the University of Southwestern Louisiana.
Received the MacArthur Fellowship "Genius" Award from the MacArthur Foundation for helping ordinary citizens understand, cope with and combat environmental issues in their communities.
One of three finalists in the Environmental Category of the 2004 Volvo for Life Award.
The Barnett Shale Energy Council and Titan Engineering will also be on hand to speak about their recent air study.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
6:30 p.m.Fort Worth Firefighters Hall
3855 Tulsa Way
Fort Worth,TX 76107
Ft. Worth League of Neighborhoods will be hosting a public meeting featuring Wilma Subra, a MacArthur Foundation "Genius" Award winning chemist and Dr. Theo Colborn, internationally known Environmental Scientist known for her work on the health effects of fracking chemicals.
Topics to be covered will include:
Air emissions and fracking chemicals and their potential health effects
Seating will be limited so come early.
Bio's in alphabetical order:
Dr. Theo Colborn
Environmental health analyst
B.S. in pharmacy from Rutgers University, M.A. in fresh water ecology from Western State College of Colorado, PhD in zoology, with distributed minors in epidemiology, toxicology, and water chemistry from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Field and laboratory research: mobilization of low levels of toxic trace metals in high altitude streams in Colorado.Fellowship from the US Congress, Office of Technology Assessment
Established and ran the Wildlife and Contaminants Program at World Wildlife Fund until 2002.
Served on the EPA Science Advisory Board and several EPA panels; on a Canada/US International Joint Commission Health Committee since 1989; advised Environment Canada, Health Canada, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the US Department of the Interior,the ATSDR.
Advised similar government agencies in Europe, the UK, and Japan. Published in scientific journals and books on the effects of low level and/or ambient exposure to toxic chemicals called endocrine disruptors which has triggered action at the state, national, and international level to improve the protocols for testing chemicals when determining their safety.
Wilma Subra
Environmental Scientist, Chemist
Served seven year term as Vice-Chair of the Environmental Protection Agency National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT)
National Advisory Committee of the U.S. Representative to the Commission for Environmental Cooperation
EPA National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) where she served as a member of the Cumulative Risk and Impacts Working Group of the NEJAC Council
Chaired the NEJAC Gulf Coast Hurricanes Work Group.
She is an EARTHWORKS board member and a Texas Oil & Gas Accountability Project Steering Committee member.
Mrs. Subra holds degrees in Microbiology/Chemistry from the University of Southwestern Louisiana.
Received the MacArthur Fellowship "Genius" Award from the MacArthur Foundation for helping ordinary citizens understand, cope with and combat environmental issues in their communities.
One of three finalists in the Environmental Category of the 2004 Volvo for Life Award.
The Barnett Shale Energy Council and Titan Engineering will also be on hand to speak about their recent air study.
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