UNT Research center did a study to see how distance and royalties play a part in opposition to a gas well close to neighborhoods. The result isn't a surprise. The majority wouldn't want a gas well 500 to 200 feet from their homes even with getting royalties. Fifty two percent of the people posed with the question of 1000' or over favored a gas drilling operation. The conclusion is 78 percent don't want a gas well 200' from their home or in their backyard! Even with royalties. (FM ordinance states when a sign lease exists a variance can be granted for 300'.)
http://web3.unt.edu/news/story.cfm?story=11500
UNT center finds that opposition increases as gas wells get closer to neighborhoods
DENTON (UNT), Texas – A recent survey conducted by the University of North Texas' Survey Research Center shows that many North Texans have mixed feelings about the local natural gas industry: enjoying the royalties associated with drilling, but disliking the prospect of having wells near their home.
The survey, which was conducted by Dr. Paul Ruggiere, director of the center, found that when posed with a hypothetical gas well 1,000 feet from their neighborhood, a slight majority (52 percent) of citizens either strongly or somewhat favored a gas drilling operation that close. The favorable ratings increased to 65 percent if the respondent was told to rate the question as if they had mineral rights that could pay them royalties for some portion of the gas extracted.
However, when the hypothetical well is moved to within 500 feet the ratings shift toward majority opposition; 72 percent with no mention of royalties and 59 percent who were told they would receive royalties opposed drilling within 500 feet of their neighborhood.
At 200 feet, the opposition is much greater; 86 percent with no mention of royalties and 78 percent who believed they would receive royalties opposed drilling within 200 feet of their neighborhood.
"At 1000 feet, the prospect of receiving royalties appears to influence respondents' favorability rating. The strength of that influence dissipates as proposed gas wells get closer to respondents' neighborhoods," said Ruggiere.
Question Wording
Would you strongly favor, somewhat favor, somewhat oppose or strongly oppose gas drilling within 1,000 feet of your neighborhood? How about 500 feet? How about 200 feet?
If you had mineral rights that could pay you royalties for some portion of the gas extracted, would you strongly favor, somewhat favor, somewhat oppose or strongly oppose gas drilling within 1,000 feet of your neighborhood? How about 500 feet? How about 200 feet?
Ruggiere oversaw the survey, which was conducted by telephone at the Survey Research Center's Denton telephone facility. A total of 607 respondents, age 18 or older, were contacted and interviewed between Sept. 26 and Oct. 29, 2008.
The poll included residents of Tarrant and Denton counties. Respondents were randomly assigned to one of the two versions of the polling question.
For further information, contact Ruggiere at 940-367-8829 or paulr@unt.edu.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Another pipeline leak because of corrosion in Wise County
Another leak from a pipeline caused by corrosion. This time Devon acknowledges that the pipe leaked and fixed the problem. That hasn't always been the case.
http://www.wcmessenger.com/news/content/EkuAkuZpuukoyqDwIJ.php
"The pipe that runs across Mr. Mitchell's land developed a very small hole - a hole large enough to put a toothpick through," said Chip Minty, media relations manager with Devon Energy Corp. "Under pressure, enough gas leaked through from that size of hole to make itself obvious."Minty said the hole was caused by corrosion by bacteria.
"Bacteria can settle in a pipe and create corrosion, so we're analyzing that bacteria so we can treat that pipeline and address that type of bacteria so we don't have that type of corrosion problem again," Minty said.Along with replacing the pipe, Devon removed two barrels of liquid and replaced the contaminated soil.
"There were about two barrels of liquids - whether that was water or some other natural gas liquids, we're not sure. We dug up all of the soil that has been in contact with the liquids and carried it away from the site," Minty said. "We're going to analyze all of the soil and liquids to see if any remediation is necessary."
Mr. Mitchell grows trees on his land for business and since 2001, trees have been dying. Last year Devon came out and tested the soil and found the the soil had heavy condensate or weathered gasoline but claimed it couldn't be because of a spill or leak from their activity.
In 2007, Devon tested the soil and found that the "soil contains what appears to be a heavy condensate or weathered gasoline.""We did find an area in his property where there was evidence of hydrocarbons that had been spilled or leaked onto his land, but those weren't attributable to a natural gas pipeline based on what we found in working with the Texas Railroad Commission. That leak wouldn't have been caused by a pipeline," Minty said. "We take our relationships with our landowners seriously. We've been to his property a number of times. We haven't found any evidence that our operations would cause damage to his property. We haven't found anywhere where there's damage that we can attribute to our pipeline.
Really? How else would gasoline show up on his property? If Devon had taken responsibility the first time Mr Mitchell complained, the recent problem could of been avoided. It is time for gas drilling companies to be accountable and more honest about what chemicals they are using during drilling and fracking. Spend more time and some of that profit money researching how to do it right.
"Darin hired an independent company to test the soil in July 2008, and the company also found evidence of gas in the soil on his property. But Darin said that he has never dumped or had anything leak any kind of gas in the area.
The issue is a stressful one for Darin and his father, who have spent their careers in the nursery business. Both said they have never seen trees die like this before they began planting on this land. "It's frustrating," Darin said. "Why spend money to maintain a tree farm when everything keeps dying. It's disheartening, and I can't get any help."
http://www.wcmessenger.com/news/content/EkuAkuZpuukoyqDwIJ.php
"The pipe that runs across Mr. Mitchell's land developed a very small hole - a hole large enough to put a toothpick through," said Chip Minty, media relations manager with Devon Energy Corp. "Under pressure, enough gas leaked through from that size of hole to make itself obvious."Minty said the hole was caused by corrosion by bacteria.
"Bacteria can settle in a pipe and create corrosion, so we're analyzing that bacteria so we can treat that pipeline and address that type of bacteria so we don't have that type of corrosion problem again," Minty said.Along with replacing the pipe, Devon removed two barrels of liquid and replaced the contaminated soil.
"There were about two barrels of liquids - whether that was water or some other natural gas liquids, we're not sure. We dug up all of the soil that has been in contact with the liquids and carried it away from the site," Minty said. "We're going to analyze all of the soil and liquids to see if any remediation is necessary."
Mr. Mitchell grows trees on his land for business and since 2001, trees have been dying. Last year Devon came out and tested the soil and found the the soil had heavy condensate or weathered gasoline but claimed it couldn't be because of a spill or leak from their activity.
In 2007, Devon tested the soil and found that the "soil contains what appears to be a heavy condensate or weathered gasoline.""We did find an area in his property where there was evidence of hydrocarbons that had been spilled or leaked onto his land, but those weren't attributable to a natural gas pipeline based on what we found in working with the Texas Railroad Commission. That leak wouldn't have been caused by a pipeline," Minty said. "We take our relationships with our landowners seriously. We've been to his property a number of times. We haven't found any evidence that our operations would cause damage to his property. We haven't found anywhere where there's damage that we can attribute to our pipeline.
Really? How else would gasoline show up on his property? If Devon had taken responsibility the first time Mr Mitchell complained, the recent problem could of been avoided. It is time for gas drilling companies to be accountable and more honest about what chemicals they are using during drilling and fracking. Spend more time and some of that profit money researching how to do it right.
"Darin hired an independent company to test the soil in July 2008, and the company also found evidence of gas in the soil on his property. But Darin said that he has never dumped or had anything leak any kind of gas in the area.
The issue is a stressful one for Darin and his father, who have spent their careers in the nursery business. Both said they have never seen trees die like this before they began planting on this land. "It's frustrating," Darin said. "Why spend money to maintain a tree farm when everything keeps dying. It's disheartening, and I can't get any help."
Town Council Meeting
During the briefing session, at the beginning of the Town Council Meeting, the topic regarding seismic testing was discussed. Council Member Jean Levenick and Mayor Jody Smith recluse themselves since they both have signed leases with Williams Production.
Some of the concerns are that the "Thumper Trucks or Vibroseis Buggies" can damage roads. They weigh about 60,000 lbs. and move very slowly and do cause some vibration. The town staff is concerned about costs to repair roads. Williams is proposing this process to increase production and profits from gas drilling in West Flower Mound as stated by a representative from the company during public participation. The Williams representative used the assumption that 100 wells could be drilled in the area when speaking about the increased profit. There are approximately 11 streets involved in this testing. Council Member Al Filidoro asked for more information including seismic data.
According to a Lewisville blog, residents said they felt some vibration during identical seismic testing in March of this year.
http://www.whosplayin.com/xoops/modules/news/article.php?storyid=1021
In East Texas, some residents are suing a seismic testing company for damage to their homes from Thumper Trucks. Here is an article from their local newspaper.
http://www.setexasrecord.com/news/204883-vidor-residents-sue-seismic-testing-company-for-home-damage
Some of the concerns are that the "Thumper Trucks or Vibroseis Buggies" can damage roads. They weigh about 60,000 lbs. and move very slowly and do cause some vibration. The town staff is concerned about costs to repair roads. Williams is proposing this process to increase production and profits from gas drilling in West Flower Mound as stated by a representative from the company during public participation. The Williams representative used the assumption that 100 wells could be drilled in the area when speaking about the increased profit. There are approximately 11 streets involved in this testing. Council Member Al Filidoro asked for more information including seismic data.
According to a Lewisville blog, residents said they felt some vibration during identical seismic testing in March of this year.
http://www.whosplayin.com/xoops/modules/news/article.php?storyid=1021
In East Texas, some residents are suing a seismic testing company for damage to their homes from Thumper Trucks. Here is an article from their local newspaper.
http://www.setexasrecord.com/news/204883-vidor-residents-sue-seismic-testing-company-for-home-damage
Briefly mentioned was the waste water receptacles. This issue will go in front of the O & G Board.
Another representative from Williams did get up and speak during the public participation about the waste water receptacles. Williams is asking that the waste water pipelines be considered under the current pipeline ordinance. The representative stated that there are 3 lines. One to transfer gas products, one for produced/contaminated waste water, one gas lift lines. These pipelines will be carrying contaminated drilling waste water approximately 4 feet underground. As we get more information on this process, we will share it.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
What you can't see may hurt you.
The below video link was sent to us by txsharon and is an official video from the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality. It shows fugitive emissions from a natural gas well facility in the Barnett Shale. It was taken with a high-tech infrared camera and shows the invisible hydrocarbon vapors. This is what is going into our air everyday.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiU4ehXV-LI&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Ftxsharon%2Eblogspot%2Ecom%2F2009%2F08%2Fclean%2Dburning%2Dnatural%2Dgas%2Dhas%2Ddirty%2Ehtml&feature=player_embedded
The American Lung Association recently gave Denton County an air quality grad of "F"
http://www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontent/dws/drc/localnews/stories/DRC_Denton_County_air_0802.9c9c4f3f.html
Beth Lutz returned to Denton from a California vacation, her eyes began itching and burning again. The constant irritation in her throat returned, too.
“I don’t know what’s in the air here,” Lutz said.
According to state and federal data, it’s ground-level ozone. And greenhouse gases. And other noxious elements.
The American Lung Association grades Denton County air quality an “F,” identifying about 37.6 percent of the population, more than 230,000 people, as being most at risk on days with heavy smog.
A recent report by Al Armendariz, Ph.D., Department of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Southern Methodist University, "Emissions from Natural Gas Production in the Barnett Shale Area and Opportunities for Cost-Effective Improvements"
http://www.edf.org/documents/9235_Barnett_Shale_Report.pdf
Mentions that natural gas is important but is greatly affecting public health and our environment. The study was conducted to come up with some options to drill for gas in a way that has less impact our our air quality.
Natural gas production in the Barnett Shale region of Texas has increased rapidly since 1999, and as of June 2008, over 7700 oil and gas wells had been installed and another 4700 wells were pending. Gas production in 2007 was approximately 923 Bcf from wells in 21 counties. Natural gas is a critical feedstock to many chemical production processes, and it has many environmental benefits over coal as a fuel for electricity generation, including lower emissions of sulfur, metal compounds, and carbon dioxide. Nevertheless, oil and gas production from the Barnett Shale area can impact local air quality and release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The objectives of this study were to develop an emissions inventory of air pollutants from oil and gas production in the Barnett Shale area, and to identify cost effective emissions control options.
Sign-on to Support Dr. Aremendariz for EPA Region 6 Administrator
The Oil and Gas Accountability Project has been working hard to get the United States Government to make the Oil and Gas industry abide by the Clean Air and Water Act just like every other industry in the nation. Currently, Oil and Gas has many exemptions (Halliburton Loophole is just one) and it has become critical that they have to follow the rules and regulations that everyone else has.
http://www.earthworksaction.org/oil_and_gas.cfm
They state the following:
The oil and gas industry has the financial and technological ability to "Do it Right." In some situations, companies will use better practices because it makes economic sense to do so. In other cases, however, industry is forced to innovate because they are pushed to do so by government regulations (e.g., new regulations may limit the allowable amount of air emissions).
Often, communities or landowners are not opposed to drilling - they simply want to ensure that it is done in a way that minimizes impacts to the environment and their lives.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiU4ehXV-LI&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Ftxsharon%2Eblogspot%2Ecom%2F2009%2F08%2Fclean%2Dburning%2Dnatural%2Dgas%2Dhas%2Ddirty%2Ehtml&feature=player_embedded
The American Lung Association recently gave Denton County an air quality grad of "F"
http://www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontent/dws/drc/localnews/stories/DRC_Denton_County_air_0802.9c9c4f3f.html
Beth Lutz returned to Denton from a California vacation, her eyes began itching and burning again. The constant irritation in her throat returned, too.
“I don’t know what’s in the air here,” Lutz said.
According to state and federal data, it’s ground-level ozone. And greenhouse gases. And other noxious elements.
The American Lung Association grades Denton County air quality an “F,” identifying about 37.6 percent of the population, more than 230,000 people, as being most at risk on days with heavy smog.
A recent report by Al Armendariz, Ph.D., Department of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Southern Methodist University, "Emissions from Natural Gas Production in the Barnett Shale Area and Opportunities for Cost-Effective Improvements"
http://www.edf.org/documents/9235_Barnett_Shale_Report.pdf
Mentions that natural gas is important but is greatly affecting public health and our environment. The study was conducted to come up with some options to drill for gas in a way that has less impact our our air quality.
Natural gas production in the Barnett Shale region of Texas has increased rapidly since 1999, and as of June 2008, over 7700 oil and gas wells had been installed and another 4700 wells were pending. Gas production in 2007 was approximately 923 Bcf from wells in 21 counties. Natural gas is a critical feedstock to many chemical production processes, and it has many environmental benefits over coal as a fuel for electricity generation, including lower emissions of sulfur, metal compounds, and carbon dioxide. Nevertheless, oil and gas production from the Barnett Shale area can impact local air quality and release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The objectives of this study were to develop an emissions inventory of air pollutants from oil and gas production in the Barnett Shale area, and to identify cost effective emissions control options.
Sign-on to Support Dr. Aremendariz for EPA Region 6 Administrator
The Oil and Gas Accountability Project has been working hard to get the United States Government to make the Oil and Gas industry abide by the Clean Air and Water Act just like every other industry in the nation. Currently, Oil and Gas has many exemptions (Halliburton Loophole is just one) and it has become critical that they have to follow the rules and regulations that everyone else has.
http://www.earthworksaction.org/oil_and_gas.cfm
They state the following:
The oil and gas industry has the financial and technological ability to "Do it Right." In some situations, companies will use better practices because it makes economic sense to do so. In other cases, however, industry is forced to innovate because they are pushed to do so by government regulations (e.g., new regulations may limit the allowable amount of air emissions).
Often, communities or landowners are not opposed to drilling - they simply want to ensure that it is done in a way that minimizes impacts to the environment and their lives.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Important Information to be discussed at Town Council Meeting
We have been told that Monday night, August 3rd, at the Town Council meeting, Williams Production will be speaking at 6:00 p.m. regarding oil and gas issues. It is not on the agenda and from what we were told was last minute. We believe Williams is proposing the following and wants to discuss the below issues:
(1) water receptacles and
(2) thumping trucks.
The water receptacles appear beneficial "on the surface," but there are "hidden" problems such as potential leakage into our aquifers and facilitating more drilling within our residential neighborhoods.
http://stopthedrilling.blogspot.com/2009/07/waste-water-pipelines-how-safe-are-they.html
The thumping trucks weigh approx. 60,000 pounds and will tear up our roads. Drilling companies want to use them, because they provide a 3D seismic picture of the shale formulations and will increase the gas companies' profit ratios. Although the seismic activity is relatively safe, the trucks are extremely heavy and move very slowly causing road damage. The problem is the Town will be having to pay to replace the damaged roadways.
Below are some articles we found on Thumping Trucks for you to do your own research.
http://www.riverreporter.com/issues/08-09-18/news-thumpers.html
“They create earthquakes underground.” That’s how one official described the activity of thumper trucks, though their actual mission is to engage in seismic testing to help drilling companies understand the makeup of the various layers of materials deep underground.
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/mar2005/2005-03-22-03.asp
"The use of the 64,000-pound thumper trucks, euphemistically known as vibroseis buggies, as proposed in this project, leaves long term scars on the land that resemble furrows in the sagebrush," the Alliance says.
WE ENCOURAGE ALL TO ATTEND THIS MEETING
(1) water receptacles and
(2) thumping trucks.
The water receptacles appear beneficial "on the surface," but there are "hidden" problems such as potential leakage into our aquifers and facilitating more drilling within our residential neighborhoods.
http://stopthedrilling.blogspot.com/2009/07/waste-water-pipelines-how-safe-are-they.html
The thumping trucks weigh approx. 60,000 pounds and will tear up our roads. Drilling companies want to use them, because they provide a 3D seismic picture of the shale formulations and will increase the gas companies' profit ratios. Although the seismic activity is relatively safe, the trucks are extremely heavy and move very slowly causing road damage. The problem is the Town will be having to pay to replace the damaged roadways.
Below are some articles we found on Thumping Trucks for you to do your own research.
http://www.riverreporter.com/issues/08-09-18/news-thumpers.html
“They create earthquakes underground.” That’s how one official described the activity of thumper trucks, though their actual mission is to engage in seismic testing to help drilling companies understand the makeup of the various layers of materials deep underground.
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/mar2005/2005-03-22-03.asp
"The use of the 64,000-pound thumper trucks, euphemistically known as vibroseis buggies, as proposed in this project, leaves long term scars on the land that resemble furrows in the sagebrush," the Alliance says.
WE ENCOURAGE ALL TO ATTEND THIS MEETING
Forced Pooling
The below post was to answer many who wanted to know what happens in a forced pool situation. The information came directly from Cherokee Horn website. Most of the property owners asking about Forced Pooling are those that surround the proposed drill sites at Northshore. If someday they want to drill there, all of those unleased property owners would be very important because of the distance required by Flower Mound O & G Ordinance. We do not want to tell you what to do but like to address all the questions we receive.
Forced Pooling isn't used very often. In fact if you go on the TRRC website and search, you will find very few cases considering how long the TRRC has been around. MIPA (Mineral Interest Pooling Act) and Forced Pooling is usually used by small property owners that want to be included in a large pool but haven't received offers from gas companies.
All I could find that was close to our situation was the link below. It was for the gas company to acquire leases for a unit that the unsigned properties were important for drilling.
There was one in December http://www.fwbusinesspress.com/display.php?id=9178
I found this interesting article from a law office.
http://www.barnettshalenews.com/documents/FWBPSymp061809/lisa_vaughn.pdf
If we find out any more information on this subject we will post it.
Forced Pooling isn't used very often. In fact if you go on the TRRC website and search, you will find very few cases considering how long the TRRC has been around. MIPA (Mineral Interest Pooling Act) and Forced Pooling is usually used by small property owners that want to be included in a large pool but haven't received offers from gas companies.
All I could find that was close to our situation was the link below. It was for the gas company to acquire leases for a unit that the unsigned properties were important for drilling.
There was one in December http://www.fwbusinesspress.com/display.php?id=9178
I found this interesting article from a law office.
http://www.barnettshalenews.com/documents/FWBPSymp061809/lisa_vaughn.pdf
If we find out any more information on this subject we will post it.
Forced Pooling
With Cherokee Horns recent push to get people to sign, many have been asking about what happens in a "Forced Pool" situation. Well here it is right from Cherokee Horn's website.
http://cherokeehorn.typepad.com/barnett_shale/
It says that those who do not initially sign would not get the bonus but receive the 20% royalty. After drilling costs were recouped and well was producing, the forced pooled lots would get 100% royalties while the signers still got their 20%. It almost seems too unreal but I have read legal blogs too and they all say the same. So it seems not signing is a better deal and the best protection for our homes no matter what. Why? Because of our O & G ordinance, we still get to fight for the distance of 1000' or with variance of 500'. The signers automatically give permission for 500' or 300' with a variance.
"An exception to this would be if a homeowner’s unsigned lot were absolutely crucial and the company had to include it. A scenario such as this would exist if the company could only access the rest of their mineral pool by going through a particular unleased interest. In that particular case, the gas company could appeal to the Texas Railroad Commission to have the needed parcel included in their pooling unit. This is called forced pooling.
In such instances, once production is established the owner(s) that were “forced pooled” would receive a 20% royalty payment, but no bonus. Once the gas company has recouped 100% of their well costs, then the mineral owner(s) would come in for their full interest. This means the royalty goes from 20% to 100%. "
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