Tank Batteries
Tank batteries are large storage tanks that hold the produced water, which flows with the natural gas to the surface.
Tank batteries have been noted as contributing to the air quality issue here in North Texas.
http://www.smu.edu/News/2009/al-armendariz-fwst-8june2009.aspx
Armendariz estimated that, in the nine-county Metroplex area, gas drilling produced about 112 tons per day of pollution, compared with 120 tons per day from vehicle traffic. In a 20-county area, including rural counties, he estimated that gas drilling produced 191 tons per day.
The pollution comes from a couple of major sources. The tank batteries used to store wastewater and condensate, which is a light form of crude oil, often vent to the atmosphere. The motors used to drive pipeline compressors often have no pollution controls. And drillers frequently vent natural gas to the atmosphere when they complete a well.
Tank batteries can also catch fire and explode.
http://www.timesreporter.com/news/x1362383798/Oil-storage-tanks-catch-fire-cause-blast
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/13816764/Natural-Gas-Processing
http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=188446
http://www.usfra.org/video/051509-incredible-tank-battery
The produced water in the tanks contains toxic chemicals, is flammable, and radioactive!
http://www.elpaso.com/msds/A0133-Produced%20Water.pdf
http://www.propublica.org/feature/is-the-marcellus-shale-too-hot-to-handle-1109
Oil and Gas is the only industry exempt from the following:
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
Safe Drinking Water Act.
Clean Air Act.
National Environmental Policy Act
Toxic Release Inventory under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act
A large “tank farm” or wastewater collection facility is being proposed by Williams Production in the Town of Flower Mound. The amount of tanks that will be at this site seems to keep growing. Number of Tanks started with 14 and is now up to 38. This site would store waste water from over 125 proposed gas wells.
This proposal would require that the town’s Oil and Gas Ordinance be changed to allow the site and the extra pipelines to pump the toxic produced waste water to this facility. If it is added to the ordinance, then it can be done by any gas company in other areas of the town. Pipelines would fall under eminent domain and could be placed any where throughout the town. There will still be truck traffic going to and from the “tank farms”. There is no proof that the proposed activity will reduce the number of trucks on the road.
Wow how great will that be?
Pressurized toxic, flammable and radioactive drilling waste water running 4 feet underground throughout the town.
Large quantities of produced water storage tanks per collection facility location that produce large volumes of VOC’s and are flammable.
Frightening.
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query tank batteries. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query tank batteries. Sort by date Show all posts
Monday, November 16, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Star Telegram reports on DFW Air Quality and Research
You can go to the link or read below
http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/1413456.html
BY MIKE LEE
mikelee@star-telegram.com
State environmental officials say that an SMU researcher was correct: Gas drilling in the Barnett Shale contributes about as much air pollution to the Dallas-Fort Worth area as car and truck traffic.
But the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality doesn’t plan on taking any action about chemicals released during gas drilling because they typically happen in rural areas, not in the immediate metro area, where the EPA is forcing state and local governments to control air pollution.
And it’s more efficient to tackle the Metroplex’s air problem by going after other sources of pollution, such as cars and trucks, Andrea Morrow, a spokeswoman for the environmental commission, said via e-mail.
Al Armendariz, an engineering professor at Southern Methodist University, published a study in February about the amount of air pollution released by Barnett Shale gas drilling. Industry groups attacked the study as biased, so Armendariz recalculated the numbers using data the commission collected.
"The estimates Dr. Armendariz provides for individual source categories are comparable to the TCEQ estimates," Morrow said. But, "Most of the Barnett Shale area is currently in attainment for the ozone standard, and the TCEQ cannot selectively regulate certain industries in these counties."
Tons per day
Armendariz estimated that, in the nine-county Metroplex area, gas drilling produced about 112 tons per day of pollution, compared with 120 tons per day from vehicle traffic. In a 20-county area, including rural counties, he estimated that gas drilling produced 191 tons per day.
The pollution comes from a couple of major sources. The tank batteries used to store wastewater and condensate, which is a light form of crude oil, often vent to the atmosphere. The motors used to drive pipeline compressors often have no pollution controls. And drillers frequently vent natural gas to the atmosphere when they complete a well.
The commission’s numbers come within 25 percent of Armendariz’s original calculations: 90 tons per day in the nine-county area, 200 per day in the larger area. The calculations "appear reasonable," Morrow said.
Where the commission differs is how to fix the pollution. The area is under orders from the Environmental Protection Agency to reduce the amount of ground-level ozone. Levels have been falling, but the area is still above the federal standard, Morrow said.
There are two primary ingredients to ozone: Volatile organic compounds, like the petroleum vapors that leak from the storage tanks in the Barnett Shale, and nitrous oxides, which are released by car exhausts and other sources.
Focus stays on vehicles
The commission believes it’s easier to address ozone by reducing the amount of nitrous oxides. The easiest way to do that is to reduce pollution from cars and trucks. The volatile organic compounds can be toxic, but they’re harder to control, Morrow said.
Also, she said, "The biggest gas-producing counties in the Barnett Shale are contiguous to D-FW. However, the prevailing winds in the D-FW area are such that emissions from the Barnett Shale are carried away from the D-FW area."
Armendariz and the Environmental Defense Fund, which paid for his study, suggested using available technology to reduce the pollution released at gas-related sites: Vapor-control systems on tank batteries and "green completions" to prevent gas from being released when a well is being connected to pipelines.
A bill to require green completions in the Barnett Shale died in the recent legislative session. Still, Armendariz said he was hopeful. "It is clear that in the future, state and federal regulators will have a more accurate picture of the true magnitude of emissions from the oil/gas sector in this part of Texas," he said. "I hope the industry realizes that the days of venting methane and hydrocarbons to the atmosphere are probably numbered."
MIKE LEE, 817-390-7539
http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/1413456.html
BY MIKE LEE
mikelee@star-telegram.com
State environmental officials say that an SMU researcher was correct: Gas drilling in the Barnett Shale contributes about as much air pollution to the Dallas-Fort Worth area as car and truck traffic.
But the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality doesn’t plan on taking any action about chemicals released during gas drilling because they typically happen in rural areas, not in the immediate metro area, where the EPA is forcing state and local governments to control air pollution.
And it’s more efficient to tackle the Metroplex’s air problem by going after other sources of pollution, such as cars and trucks, Andrea Morrow, a spokeswoman for the environmental commission, said via e-mail.
Al Armendariz, an engineering professor at Southern Methodist University, published a study in February about the amount of air pollution released by Barnett Shale gas drilling. Industry groups attacked the study as biased, so Armendariz recalculated the numbers using data the commission collected.
"The estimates Dr. Armendariz provides for individual source categories are comparable to the TCEQ estimates," Morrow said. But, "Most of the Barnett Shale area is currently in attainment for the ozone standard, and the TCEQ cannot selectively regulate certain industries in these counties."
Tons per day
Armendariz estimated that, in the nine-county Metroplex area, gas drilling produced about 112 tons per day of pollution, compared with 120 tons per day from vehicle traffic. In a 20-county area, including rural counties, he estimated that gas drilling produced 191 tons per day.
The pollution comes from a couple of major sources. The tank batteries used to store wastewater and condensate, which is a light form of crude oil, often vent to the atmosphere. The motors used to drive pipeline compressors often have no pollution controls. And drillers frequently vent natural gas to the atmosphere when they complete a well.
The commission’s numbers come within 25 percent of Armendariz’s original calculations: 90 tons per day in the nine-county area, 200 per day in the larger area. The calculations "appear reasonable," Morrow said.
Where the commission differs is how to fix the pollution. The area is under orders from the Environmental Protection Agency to reduce the amount of ground-level ozone. Levels have been falling, but the area is still above the federal standard, Morrow said.
There are two primary ingredients to ozone: Volatile organic compounds, like the petroleum vapors that leak from the storage tanks in the Barnett Shale, and nitrous oxides, which are released by car exhausts and other sources.
Focus stays on vehicles
The commission believes it’s easier to address ozone by reducing the amount of nitrous oxides. The easiest way to do that is to reduce pollution from cars and trucks. The volatile organic compounds can be toxic, but they’re harder to control, Morrow said.
Also, she said, "The biggest gas-producing counties in the Barnett Shale are contiguous to D-FW. However, the prevailing winds in the D-FW area are such that emissions from the Barnett Shale are carried away from the D-FW area."
Armendariz and the Environmental Defense Fund, which paid for his study, suggested using available technology to reduce the pollution released at gas-related sites: Vapor-control systems on tank batteries and "green completions" to prevent gas from being released when a well is being connected to pipelines.
A bill to require green completions in the Barnett Shale died in the recent legislative session. Still, Armendariz said he was hopeful. "It is clear that in the future, state and federal regulators will have a more accurate picture of the true magnitude of emissions from the oil/gas sector in this part of Texas," he said. "I hope the industry realizes that the days of venting methane and hydrocarbons to the atmosphere are probably numbered."
MIKE LEE, 817-390-7539
Friday, January 14, 2011
They're Back!
Yes folks, the landmen are a comin' again. Titan has hired a new company, Norwood Land Services, LLC to come around and blow smoke up our a$$e$.
Disclaimer #1: Don't be fooled by the dollar signs in the word a$$e$, they are offering the same lease Cherokee Horn was.
This means very little money. But if you sign they promise to stick around 5 to 7 years, drill up to 24 wells at Hilliard Field and drive your property values down.
Disclaimer #2: As it stands now, they are limited to the amount of wells that can be drilled because not enough people have signed.
Disclaimer #3: Decline in property values already proven by the Flower Mound Well Impact Study. This study was conducted before Titan started to drill on Hilliard at the gateway to our community.
Wait....that's not all, they will throw in 4 times more tank batteries and compressors. All this for the same low price.
You will be told you can sign on for this great deal or say no and and they will take your minerals anyway.
Disclaimer #4: Not completely true. To really "take" your minerals, they will have to file a Rule 37 with the Texas Railroad Commission. You can protest this and have a chance to stop the gas company from drilling within 330' of your property. It is a lengthy and expensive process for the DRILLING COMPANY.
Disclaimer #1: Don't be fooled by the dollar signs in the word a$$e$, they are offering the same lease Cherokee Horn was.
This means very little money. But if you sign they promise to stick around 5 to 7 years, drill up to 24 wells at Hilliard Field and drive your property values down.
Disclaimer #2: As it stands now, they are limited to the amount of wells that can be drilled because not enough people have signed.
Disclaimer #3: Decline in property values already proven by the Flower Mound Well Impact Study. This study was conducted before Titan started to drill on Hilliard at the gateway to our community.
Wait....that's not all, they will throw in 4 times more tank batteries and compressors. All this for the same low price.
You will be told you can sign on for this great deal or say no and and they will take your minerals anyway.
Disclaimer #4: Not completely true. To really "take" your minerals, they will have to file a Rule 37 with the Texas Railroad Commission. You can protest this and have a chance to stop the gas company from drilling within 330' of your property. It is a lengthy and expensive process for the DRILLING COMPANY.
If you take your chances and don't sign? You may miss out on a few pennies per day and of course the 24 wells, decline in your property value, 4 times more tank batteries and compressors!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Flower Mound may get 18 new gas wells and 1 compressor station
In the last 30 days, Flower Mound has received applications for 11 gas wells, an amendment to a previous application for 7 additional gas wells and a large compression station. 18 new wells!!!
The applications are as follows:
Titan has filed for 1 well at the Hilliard Site
Williams has filed applications for 4 wells for Pad B and 2 wells for Pad C on the Bob Smith property. In addition to the Pad B and C wells they applied for amendment on this lease for 7 additional wells for Pad A on the Bob Smith property.
Williams has submitted an application in for a compression station on the Sam Wilson property. This may be near the proposed Waste Water Collection Facility "Tank Farm" where many tank batteries will be on-site and pipelines incoming and outgoing would be located.
Only the amended application for the additional 7 wells on Bob Smith Pad A have been approved because they did not need any setbacks. There are already 3 wells on this pad site. The others have just been received and not completely reviewed by the town officials, when they are finished reviewing them, they will be added to the next Gas Well Status Report. For more information, contact Brandon Bammel at 972-874-6354.
Many thanks to Brandon for the information today.
The compression station and the proposed Waste Water Collection Facility "tank farm" would be less than a mile from Liberty Elementary and a proposed LISD Middle School. Also 1 to 2 milesof Wellington Elementary, most of the Wellington sub-division, and a large portion of Bridlewood. The health effects from being near this much activity has been all over the news. The Town of Dish, just 15 short miles from Flower Mound, air quality has been in the news for the last two months. The study of Dish showed high levels of toxins in their air that can cause short term and long term human health effects. Also the problem with NORM (naturally occurring radioactive material) has shown up in the drinking water of the towns of Chico, Aledo, and Hudson Oaks.
Monday night at the Flower Mound Town Council Meeting, two fathers spoke with us about their children who are battling leukemia. One of these families live in the Wellington area and said he knew of 3 other families in the Wellington area with children battling this disease. The other family lives in Southern Flower Mound about 4 miles from the far northern property of DFW. Let's make it very clear no one is saying this is directly from drilling activity and there is currently no evidence of this yet. But, it makes you wonder why 5 children from the same 5 mile radius area have been diagnosed with Leukemia in the last 2 to 4 years?
The Hilliard well will be a little over 1200' from Shadow Ridge Middle School.
As you can see by the map the other wells are within 1 to 5 miles of many homes, schools, and parks.
What will Flower Mound's air quality and water quality be like when all this activity is going on? Since independent (not those only conducted by the gas drilling company) air or water quality tests are not being done on a regular basis, we may never know.
Until we are sure of the effects from the Barnett Shale, we need a moratorium on all gas drilling in North Texas!!!!
That saying "What you don't know may kill you" comes to mind.
The applications are as follows:
Titan has filed for 1 well at the Hilliard Site
Williams has filed applications for 4 wells for Pad B and 2 wells for Pad C on the Bob Smith property. In addition to the Pad B and C wells they applied for amendment on this lease for 7 additional wells for Pad A on the Bob Smith property.
Williams has submitted an application in for a compression station on the Sam Wilson property. This may be near the proposed Waste Water Collection Facility "Tank Farm" where many tank batteries will be on-site and pipelines incoming and outgoing would be located.
Only the amended application for the additional 7 wells on Bob Smith Pad A have been approved because they did not need any setbacks. There are already 3 wells on this pad site. The others have just been received and not completely reviewed by the town officials, when they are finished reviewing them, they will be added to the next Gas Well Status Report. For more information, contact Brandon Bammel at 972-874-6354.
Many thanks to Brandon for the information today.
The compression station and the proposed Waste Water Collection Facility "tank farm" would be less than a mile from Liberty Elementary and a proposed LISD Middle School. Also 1 to 2 miles
Monday night at the Flower Mound Town Council Meeting, two fathers spoke with us about their children who are battling leukemia. One of these families live in the Wellington area and said he knew of 3 other families in the Wellington area with children battling this disease. The other family lives in Southern Flower Mound about 4 miles from the far northern property of DFW. Let's make it very clear no one is saying this is directly from drilling activity and there is currently no evidence of this yet. But, it makes you wonder why 5 children from the same 5 mile radius area have been diagnosed with Leukemia in the last 2 to 4 years?
The Hilliard well will be a little over 1200' from Shadow Ridge Middle School.
As you can see by the map the other wells are within 1 to 5 miles of many homes, schools, and parks.
What will Flower Mound's air quality and water quality be like when all this activity is going on? Since independent (not those only conducted by the gas drilling company) air or water quality tests are not being done on a regular basis, we may never know.
Until we are sure of the effects from the Barnett Shale, we need a moratorium on all gas drilling in North Texas!!!!
That saying "What you don't know may kill you" comes to mind.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Important information: Questions and answers about Williams FM Waste Water Collection Facility
The questions and answers below were sent to us by an HOA. The questions were presented to the Town of Flower Mound regarding the Centralized Collection Facility (waste water dump) that Williams is proposing for Flower Mound. But before you read the questions and answers. Here is a little bit of history and information about this issue.
Williams and the residents of West Flower Mound Shiloh area have been trying to convince all of Flower Mound and the council that this waste water collection facility is just about them. Their truck traffic and their safety. Many Shiloh residents and Williams employees have stood up at meetings and said it has nothing to do with the rest of the town. The questions and answers below validate that it has EVERYTHING to do with the whole town and the surrounding communities.
This is about Williams wanting to set up a new business in Flower Mound and the fact that the town, by voting for this Centralized Collection Facility, will be helping them set up a new business venture. This will be a money maker for Williams. Which makes you ask the following question.
Since Mayor Jody Smith and Council Member Jean Levenick have signed leases with Williams, they will recuse themselves from discussing and voting on this issue...right? We will just have to wait till January 21st, 6:00pm, at the Flower Mound Town Council Meeting to find out.
In a recent article about a waste water disposal well in Argyle, Williams mentioned that they are looking at piping or trucking the waste from the proposed Flower Mound waste water site to Argyle. We have received e-mails from residents of Bartonville telling us they are being told they’ll be using the Flower Mound CCF for their fracing fluids too. Williams keeps trying to convince the residents of Flower Mound that they want to be good neighbors. But a huge above ground toxic dump with several tank batteries storing toxic waste, 1 to 2 miles from over 5000 homes and 5 schools, doesn't sound like the kind of neighbor anyone would want to live by.
Then the toxic waste will be put into the ground up in an Argyle disposal well. Apparently, Williams wants to be their neighbor too.
Read the Town of Flower Mound's answers to the questions below.
1. What would prevent Flower Mound from becoming a reclamation point for other communities and increasing truck traffic?
Nothing. The current proposal is to create a central point for Williams’ well sites in west Flower Mound (up to 100 wells). But there is nothing to prevent Williams from accepting tie-ins from other sites including other gas companies.
Besides the obvious danger of toxic water being stored in tanks batteries, we have the issue of pipelines. Lots and Lots of pipelines. Pipelines for "go to market", pipelines for the produced water, and pipelines for the gas lift line. It has to be mentioned, those two words that violate every person's property rights....eminent domain! Read the towns answer to the HOA's question about pipelines.
2. Have the infrastructure transport lines been identified? Where will the pipes run?
No. Williams will have to acquire access or create private easements (thru purchasing or condemnation) to accommodate these pipes. Three pipes would be involved: 1 for the “go-to-market” gas well production line, 1 for the produced water line, and 1 for the gas lift line (injected to stimulate the well and separate the gas from the water). Williams currently has an agreement with Atmos and has been tying into their gas line and easement. Atmos is the owner of the gas easement which runs thru Wellington.
This easement would be a 30 foot or more in width and only required to be 3 feet deep. Just keep in mind two things: The owners of the easement have the right to enter the property where they own the easement at any time. Once there is an easement you cannot build on easement.
This may be your last opportunity to protect our community from becoming the Industrial Toxic Collection Site for Williams and other Drilling Companies. Just because the collection facility may not be behind your home, does not mean that it won’t impact you. Toxic chemicals blowing in the wind and pipelines carrying Toxic Chemicals running 3 feet under ground. And lets not forget that this is an industry who can only do business (their words) if they are exempt to complying with the Clean Air Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Clean Water Act. That says plenty!!!
Let the Town Council know how you feel.
Show up and let your voice be heard, January 21st, 6:00pm, Flower Mound Town Hall.
Williams and the residents of West Flower Mound Shiloh area have been trying to convince all of Flower Mound and the council that this waste water collection facility is just about them. Their truck traffic and their safety. Many Shiloh residents and Williams employees have stood up at meetings and said it has nothing to do with the rest of the town. The questions and answers below validate that it has EVERYTHING to do with the whole town and the surrounding communities.
This is about Williams wanting to set up a new business in Flower Mound and the fact that the town, by voting for this Centralized Collection Facility, will be helping them set up a new business venture. This will be a money maker for Williams. Which makes you ask the following question.
Since Mayor Jody Smith and Council Member Jean Levenick have signed leases with Williams, they will recuse themselves from discussing and voting on this issue...right? We will just have to wait till January 21st, 6:00pm, at the Flower Mound Town Council Meeting to find out.
In a recent article about a waste water disposal well in Argyle, Williams mentioned that they are looking at piping or trucking the waste from the proposed Flower Mound waste water site to Argyle. We have received e-mails from residents of Bartonville telling us they are being told they’ll be using the Flower Mound CCF for their fracing fluids too. Williams keeps trying to convince the residents of Flower Mound that they want to be good neighbors. But a huge above ground toxic dump with several tank batteries storing toxic waste, 1 to 2 miles from over 5000 homes and 5 schools, doesn't sound like the kind of neighbor anyone would want to live by.
Then the toxic waste will be put into the ground up in an Argyle disposal well. Apparently, Williams wants to be their neighbor too.
Read the Town of Flower Mound's answers to the questions below.
1. What would prevent Flower Mound from becoming a reclamation point for other communities and increasing truck traffic?
Nothing. The current proposal is to create a central point for Williams’ well sites in west Flower Mound (up to 100 wells). But there is nothing to prevent Williams from accepting tie-ins from other sites including other gas companies.
Besides the obvious danger of toxic water being stored in tanks batteries, we have the issue of pipelines. Lots and Lots of pipelines. Pipelines for "go to market", pipelines for the produced water, and pipelines for the gas lift line. It has to be mentioned, those two words that violate every person's property rights....eminent domain! Read the towns answer to the HOA's question about pipelines.
2. Have the infrastructure transport lines been identified? Where will the pipes run?
No. Williams will have to acquire access or create private easements (thru purchasing or condemnation) to accommodate these pipes. Three pipes would be involved: 1 for the “go-to-market” gas well production line, 1 for the produced water line, and 1 for the gas lift line (injected to stimulate the well and separate the gas from the water). Williams currently has an agreement with Atmos and has been tying into their gas line and easement. Atmos is the owner of the gas easement which runs thru Wellington.
This easement would be a 30 foot or more in width and only required to be 3 feet deep. Just keep in mind two things: The owners of the easement have the right to enter the property where they own the easement at any time. Once there is an easement you cannot build on easement.
This may be your last opportunity to protect our community from becoming the Industrial Toxic Collection Site for Williams and other Drilling Companies. Just because the collection facility may not be behind your home, does not mean that it won’t impact you. Toxic chemicals blowing in the wind and pipelines carrying Toxic Chemicals running 3 feet under ground. And lets not forget that this is an industry who can only do business (their words) if they are exempt to complying with the Clean Air Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Clean Water Act. That says plenty!!!
Let the Town Council know how you feel.
Show up and let your voice be heard, January 21st, 6:00pm, Flower Mound Town Hall.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
YOUR 2 CENTS: Wake up, Flower Mound!
Thanks Ladd for putting the thoughts and concerns of many into words.
Evidence of urban drilling dangers can no longer be ignored
Last month, I wrote about several recent accidents tied to natural gas drilling, including hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) operations reported from around the country. A pipeline rupture in Virginia. An 8,000-gallon frack water spill in Pennsylvania. A pipeline explosion in El Paso.
I felt it was important to use real-world examples – rather than hypothetical possibilities – to illustrate the legitimate threats posed by the proliferation of gas drilling in our community. After all, only a fool fails to learn from the mistakes of others. None of us wants the next catastrophic accident to occur in Flower Mound.
Little did I know that in just a few weeks’ time, the dangers would strike much closer to home. Better grab a pitcher of coffee…we’ve got a lot of ground to cover.
On March 17, roughly 3,000 gallons of flowback water, a toxic byproduct of the fracking process,
was spilled at the Cummings gas well site in Flower Mound. The site is operated by Williams Production, the busiest driller in town, which claims the spill was contained before it could affect surface water. Fortunately, it wasn’t raining at the time, or the damage could have been much greater, since the spill occurred at a high elevation on the Cummings property. State and local response teams were dispatched to the scene; but, as usual, details are hard to come by.
Curiously, there’s no mention of the spill on the Town’s web site whatsoever.
(For the record, the 8,000-gallon spill referenced above led to a suspension of fracking operations in Dimock Township, Pa., and fines from the state on Cabot Oil & Gas totaling $176,650. So far, no word on whether Williams will be fined for its Flower Mound spill.)
Last Friday, tank batteries storing a petroleum by-product of the gas-drilling process exploded in Decatur, injuring two workers. Four tanks were set ablaze, and a fifth was blown away from the others. Video of the fire, which fortunately took place in a fairly remote location, offered a stark reminder of the potential perils of centralized storage facilities such as the one for which zoning changes were approved by our Town Council in January. Williams is planning a massive complex off Scenic Road, within a mile of Liberty Elementary and several neighborhoods, with as many as 38 tanks to store waste water from more than 125 proposed gas wells. As we witnessed in Decatur, and in Lamesa last May, when one tank blows, the rest can follow quickly.
Earlier this month, methane levels 20 times above normal background levels were detected in the air around the same Williams site on Scenic Drive. The methane plumes were so high, they exceeded the upper limits of the instrument’s detection range. Methane is a surrogate gas for benzene, xylene and other toxic and carcinogenic volatile organic compounds, according to Wilma Subra, an environmental chemist. Tests are being conducted to determine whether any other toxins were also present.
As if to underscore Subra’s concern, elevated levels of cancer-causing benzene, methane and other toxic chemicals above the state’s levels for safe short- and long-term exposure were reported last Saturday at Range Resources’ Rayzor Ranch gas well in Denton.
And don’t get me started about the elevated carbon disulfide levels found at three sites across Flower Mound. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) now wants us to believe that its standards are “unrealistically low.” In other words, we can’t possibly maintain these levels with all the drilling go on around us…
More air quality tests performed in February by the TCEQ found extremely high levels of toxic emissions at a Chesapeake Energy facility in Godley, roughly 30 minutes southwest of Fort Worth.
And in one of the most egregious examples of “Drillers Gone Wild,” Aruba Petroleum has virtually destroyed the property of Tim and Christine Ruggiero with seemingly non-stop leaks, spills and emissions at its drilling site in Decatur. The Ruggieros’ story would be shameful if it took place in the former Soviet Union. That it’s happening here seems downright criminal.
Not to be forgotten, Flower Mound residents are still awaiting the findings of a childhood leukemia/cancer cluster investigation being conducted by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Results were expected in February, but were apparently delayed due to all the media attention. The study was elevated to the Governor’s office for further scrutiny and “edits,” and is expected to be released this week. We can only hope the oil and gas lobby has not been granted editing rights.
Meanwhile, several local and state governments have taken proactive measures to protect their citizens. Oil and gas leases have been suspended in Montana, while drilling moratoriums are being pursued in Colorado, New York, and Pennsylvania. Even the industry-friendly Texas Senate is beginning to seek more accountability for drillers.
Perhaps most encouraging of all, just last week, in a groundbreaking development with far-reaching implications, the Environmental Protection Agency announced a $1.9 million study of potential health and safety threats posed by hydraulic fracturing. That’s right, the feds have gotten so many complaints from citizens in Pennsylvania, New York, Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, Arkansas, Texas and elsewhere that they simply couldn’t ignore the obvious any more.
Get the picture?
Flower Mound Council Members Al Filidoro and Tom Hayden have. They’ve called for a six-month moratorium on new drilling and centralized facility applications, to give the town time to consider new ordinances and other measures that will protect the health, safety and quality of life of our citizens. Given the mounting evidence of risks in and around our area, and the nightmarish experiences of other communities around the country, who could quarrel with such prudent, commonsense steps?
Perhaps Upton Sinclair answered that rhetorical question best when he said “It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it.”
Indeed, the drillers and their apologists have gone on the offensive, casting moratorium supporters as “cry babies,” “whiners” and even Communists. They’ve disputed every negative test result, trivialized every accident and, predictably, threatened litigation against the town should it attempt to slow down their full-on industrialization of Flower Mound.
Ironically, if mineral owners would stop singing from the drillers’ hymnal long enough to pay attention, they’d realize they could be the biggest beneficiaries of a moratorium. According to Dr. Anthony Ingraffea, a Cornell professor and expert on hydraulic fracturing, prices for natural gas at the wellhead have dropped by more than a factor of two over the past year and a half. “If you’re a landowner, now is not a good time to sell your gas,” says Ingraffea. “Wait. It will never be worth less than it’s worth now.”
Hmm. No wonder Williams is in such a hurry to plunder the Barnett Shale.
Mayor Pro Tem Jean Levenick, who leased her mineral rights to Williams, had the audacity to accuse Filidoro and Hayden of waging a “politically motivated fear campaign.” Right out of the drillers’ talking points…
She disputed their contention that drillers have accelerated their applications, saying none had been received since December 7. But she conveniently failed to mention that 10 applications were submitted that very day – roughly as many as had been received in the entire previous year – less than 24 hours before an administrative moratorium was quietly enacted by the town. Curious timing, no? Why did Levenick gloss over that? Who is she protecting?
Mayor Jody Smith, another Williams lease holder who is running for re-election despite promising during her last campaign to “term limit” herself, has offered nary a comment about the latest drilling incidents. Hopefully she’s using her down time to familiarize herself with the petition drive that’s been underway since mid-February. You may recall she feigned ignorance of the petition at the last council meeting in one of the most brazen acts of political gamesmanship ever seen in local government.
What strange vortex has Flower Mound been sucked into?
One last point: Drilling advocates frequently cite the oil and gas industry’s stranglehold on Texas, as if their right to tap minerals had been ordained by God. They caution that any attempt to thwart the drillers would inevitably be overturned in Austin or by the courts. Threats of litigation from our “good neighbors” in the drilling industry, they say, could bankrupt the town. Mayor Smith and her cronies have repeatedly encouraged this cowardly stance, leading many to wonder what they are doing in office if they are afraid to stand up for their constituents.
Yet evidence suggests we aren’t as impotent as they’d like us to believe. In fact, Flower Mound prevailed in a suit brought by Red Oak Gas which challenged the town’s refusal to grant 15 variances to drill on the River Walk development. The suit cost Flower Mound less than $35,000 to defend. Contrast that with the $409,134 spent on median beautification in 2009, and you start to get a feel for the priorities of our elected officials.
Another lawsuit, brought by the good folks at Williams-affiliate Mockingbird Pipeline, is setting up a precedent-setting legal battle to determine whose rights to eminent domain are superior: a utility’s or a town’s. Heaven forbid the town loses this landmark case, which will be watched closely all across the nation. Methinks even mineral owners would shudder at the notion that a drilling company could trump a municipality’s rights to its own property.
It may cost us $50,000 to $100,000 in legal fees to defend this suit throughout the inevitable appeals process (though other communities with a stake in the result could help offset some of our costs); but I, for one, am willing to sacrifice a little shrubbery to defend our land.
At the risk of sounding alarmist, it’s safe to say the fate of our town will be decided over the next few weeks and months. As the Flower Mound Cares petition drive approaches its 6,000-signature goal – more than 4,700 concerned citizens have signed as of March 21 – residents have made clear that they will demand action even in the face of opposition and intimidation by the Mayor and her allies on the Town Council.
And on May 8, citizens will go to the polls with a very clear choice to make: Support Mayor Smith and her slate of like-minded candidates, who champion the acceleration of urban drilling and refuse to demand accountability from the drilling companies; or elect candidates who have listened to the concerns voiced by the vast majority of Flower Mound citizens, and who are dedicated to protecting the health, safety and quality of life of all their constituents – not just mineral owners who have sold their rights, if not their souls, to the gas interests.
The drillers have made clear they will spare no expense to elect “their” candidates. You’ll see evidence of that very soon, as their advertising, phone banks and public relations campaigns kick into high gear. Former council member Jeff Tasker, an attorney now representing Williams (wink, wink), is orchestrating the effort like only a former town official could.
God help Flower Mound if they prevail.
Ladd Biro is a small business owner and syndicated sports columnist who has lived in Flower Mound since 2002
Evidence of urban drilling dangers can no longer be ignored
Last month, I wrote about several recent accidents tied to natural gas drilling, including hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) operations reported from around the country. A pipeline rupture in Virginia. An 8,000-gallon frack water spill in Pennsylvania. A pipeline explosion in El Paso.
I felt it was important to use real-world examples – rather than hypothetical possibilities – to illustrate the legitimate threats posed by the proliferation of gas drilling in our community. After all, only a fool fails to learn from the mistakes of others. None of us wants the next catastrophic accident to occur in Flower Mound.
Little did I know that in just a few weeks’ time, the dangers would strike much closer to home. Better grab a pitcher of coffee…we’ve got a lot of ground to cover.
On March 17, roughly 3,000 gallons of flowback water, a toxic byproduct of the fracking process,
was spilled at the Cummings gas well site in Flower Mound. The site is operated by Williams Production, the busiest driller in town, which claims the spill was contained before it could affect surface water. Fortunately, it wasn’t raining at the time, or the damage could have been much greater, since the spill occurred at a high elevation on the Cummings property. State and local response teams were dispatched to the scene; but, as usual, details are hard to come by.
Curiously, there’s no mention of the spill on the Town’s web site whatsoever.
(For the record, the 8,000-gallon spill referenced above led to a suspension of fracking operations in Dimock Township, Pa., and fines from the state on Cabot Oil & Gas totaling $176,650. So far, no word on whether Williams will be fined for its Flower Mound spill.)
Last Friday, tank batteries storing a petroleum by-product of the gas-drilling process exploded in Decatur, injuring two workers. Four tanks were set ablaze, and a fifth was blown away from the others. Video of the fire, which fortunately took place in a fairly remote location, offered a stark reminder of the potential perils of centralized storage facilities such as the one for which zoning changes were approved by our Town Council in January. Williams is planning a massive complex off Scenic Road, within a mile of Liberty Elementary and several neighborhoods, with as many as 38 tanks to store waste water from more than 125 proposed gas wells. As we witnessed in Decatur, and in Lamesa last May, when one tank blows, the rest can follow quickly.
Earlier this month, methane levels 20 times above normal background levels were detected in the air around the same Williams site on Scenic Drive. The methane plumes were so high, they exceeded the upper limits of the instrument’s detection range. Methane is a surrogate gas for benzene, xylene and other toxic and carcinogenic volatile organic compounds, according to Wilma Subra, an environmental chemist. Tests are being conducted to determine whether any other toxins were also present.
As if to underscore Subra’s concern, elevated levels of cancer-causing benzene, methane and other toxic chemicals above the state’s levels for safe short- and long-term exposure were reported last Saturday at Range Resources’ Rayzor Ranch gas well in Denton.
And don’t get me started about the elevated carbon disulfide levels found at three sites across Flower Mound. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) now wants us to believe that its standards are “unrealistically low.” In other words, we can’t possibly maintain these levels with all the drilling go on around us…
More air quality tests performed in February by the TCEQ found extremely high levels of toxic emissions at a Chesapeake Energy facility in Godley, roughly 30 minutes southwest of Fort Worth.
And in one of the most egregious examples of “Drillers Gone Wild,” Aruba Petroleum has virtually destroyed the property of Tim and Christine Ruggiero with seemingly non-stop leaks, spills and emissions at its drilling site in Decatur. The Ruggieros’ story would be shameful if it took place in the former Soviet Union. That it’s happening here seems downright criminal.
Not to be forgotten, Flower Mound residents are still awaiting the findings of a childhood leukemia/cancer cluster investigation being conducted by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Results were expected in February, but were apparently delayed due to all the media attention. The study was elevated to the Governor’s office for further scrutiny and “edits,” and is expected to be released this week. We can only hope the oil and gas lobby has not been granted editing rights.
Meanwhile, several local and state governments have taken proactive measures to protect their citizens. Oil and gas leases have been suspended in Montana, while drilling moratoriums are being pursued in Colorado, New York, and Pennsylvania. Even the industry-friendly Texas Senate is beginning to seek more accountability for drillers.
Perhaps most encouraging of all, just last week, in a groundbreaking development with far-reaching implications, the Environmental Protection Agency announced a $1.9 million study of potential health and safety threats posed by hydraulic fracturing. That’s right, the feds have gotten so many complaints from citizens in Pennsylvania, New York, Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, Arkansas, Texas and elsewhere that they simply couldn’t ignore the obvious any more.
Get the picture?
Flower Mound Council Members Al Filidoro and Tom Hayden have. They’ve called for a six-month moratorium on new drilling and centralized facility applications, to give the town time to consider new ordinances and other measures that will protect the health, safety and quality of life of our citizens. Given the mounting evidence of risks in and around our area, and the nightmarish experiences of other communities around the country, who could quarrel with such prudent, commonsense steps?
Perhaps Upton Sinclair answered that rhetorical question best when he said “It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it.”
Indeed, the drillers and their apologists have gone on the offensive, casting moratorium supporters as “cry babies,” “whiners” and even Communists. They’ve disputed every negative test result, trivialized every accident and, predictably, threatened litigation against the town should it attempt to slow down their full-on industrialization of Flower Mound.
Ironically, if mineral owners would stop singing from the drillers’ hymnal long enough to pay attention, they’d realize they could be the biggest beneficiaries of a moratorium. According to Dr. Anthony Ingraffea, a Cornell professor and expert on hydraulic fracturing, prices for natural gas at the wellhead have dropped by more than a factor of two over the past year and a half. “If you’re a landowner, now is not a good time to sell your gas,” says Ingraffea. “Wait. It will never be worth less than it’s worth now.”
Hmm. No wonder Williams is in such a hurry to plunder the Barnett Shale.
Mayor Pro Tem Jean Levenick, who leased her mineral rights to Williams, had the audacity to accuse Filidoro and Hayden of waging a “politically motivated fear campaign.” Right out of the drillers’ talking points…
She disputed their contention that drillers have accelerated their applications, saying none had been received since December 7. But she conveniently failed to mention that 10 applications were submitted that very day – roughly as many as had been received in the entire previous year – less than 24 hours before an administrative moratorium was quietly enacted by the town. Curious timing, no? Why did Levenick gloss over that? Who is she protecting?
Mayor Jody Smith, another Williams lease holder who is running for re-election despite promising during her last campaign to “term limit” herself, has offered nary a comment about the latest drilling incidents. Hopefully she’s using her down time to familiarize herself with the petition drive that’s been underway since mid-February. You may recall she feigned ignorance of the petition at the last council meeting in one of the most brazen acts of political gamesmanship ever seen in local government.
What strange vortex has Flower Mound been sucked into?
One last point: Drilling advocates frequently cite the oil and gas industry’s stranglehold on Texas, as if their right to tap minerals had been ordained by God. They caution that any attempt to thwart the drillers would inevitably be overturned in Austin or by the courts. Threats of litigation from our “good neighbors” in the drilling industry, they say, could bankrupt the town. Mayor Smith and her cronies have repeatedly encouraged this cowardly stance, leading many to wonder what they are doing in office if they are afraid to stand up for their constituents.
Yet evidence suggests we aren’t as impotent as they’d like us to believe. In fact, Flower Mound prevailed in a suit brought by Red Oak Gas which challenged the town’s refusal to grant 15 variances to drill on the River Walk development. The suit cost Flower Mound less than $35,000 to defend. Contrast that with the $409,134 spent on median beautification in 2009, and you start to get a feel for the priorities of our elected officials.
Another lawsuit, brought by the good folks at Williams-affiliate Mockingbird Pipeline, is setting up a precedent-setting legal battle to determine whose rights to eminent domain are superior: a utility’s or a town’s. Heaven forbid the town loses this landmark case, which will be watched closely all across the nation. Methinks even mineral owners would shudder at the notion that a drilling company could trump a municipality’s rights to its own property.
It may cost us $50,000 to $100,000 in legal fees to defend this suit throughout the inevitable appeals process (though other communities with a stake in the result could help offset some of our costs); but I, for one, am willing to sacrifice a little shrubbery to defend our land.
At the risk of sounding alarmist, it’s safe to say the fate of our town will be decided over the next few weeks and months. As the Flower Mound Cares petition drive approaches its 6,000-signature goal – more than 4,700 concerned citizens have signed as of March 21 – residents have made clear that they will demand action even in the face of opposition and intimidation by the Mayor and her allies on the Town Council.
And on May 8, citizens will go to the polls with a very clear choice to make: Support Mayor Smith and her slate of like-minded candidates, who champion the acceleration of urban drilling and refuse to demand accountability from the drilling companies; or elect candidates who have listened to the concerns voiced by the vast majority of Flower Mound citizens, and who are dedicated to protecting the health, safety and quality of life of all their constituents – not just mineral owners who have sold their rights, if not their souls, to the gas interests.
The drillers have made clear they will spare no expense to elect “their” candidates. You’ll see evidence of that very soon, as their advertising, phone banks and public relations campaigns kick into high gear. Former council member Jeff Tasker, an attorney now representing Williams (wink, wink), is orchestrating the effort like only a former town official could.
God help Flower Mound if they prevail.
Ladd Biro is a small business owner and syndicated sports columnist who has lived in Flower Mound since 2002
Friday, November 20, 2009
Hudson Oaks Water is "Hot"
It seems that Hudson Oaks in Parker County has "hot", as in radioactive, water. As posted here before. The water from the Barnett Shale is toxic, flammable and radioactive
http://stopthedrilling.blogspot.com/2009/11/produced-waste-water-pipelines-and-tank.html
Every day more and more comes out about the dangers of produced water from gas drilling. Yet in Flower Mound, it seems we have some council members who might choose to over look these reports and allow produced toxic waste water to be piped through the town and stored in 14 to 38 (the number seems to be increasing) tank batteries at a waste water collection facility.
As if that isn't bad enough, eminent domain will come into play for these pipelines. The town will not be able to control where these pipelines go. If the gas company that will own this proposed facility chooses, they may take waste water from other gas companies in the town. This will mean more pipelines!!!
Here is a great report on Hudson Oaks water by Brett Shipp with WFAA news 8.
http://www.wfaa.com/news/health/radioactive-Water-70661997.html
a few paragraphs from the report.
Chruscielski independently monitors water quality data in the Barnett Shale, and she almost missed it.
"From what I have seen -- particularly the alpha particles -- you don't want to ingest those, and they are bone-seeking carcinogens with a 1,600 year half-life that accumulates in the tissue," Chruscielski said. "I am not comfortable with that."
State environmental officials say the uranium is "naturally occurring" in the rock formations below the soil.
Hudson Oaks water quality report
http://www.hudsonoaks.com/files/2008_Water_Quality_Report.pdf
Here is the water violation report
http://oaspub.epa.gov/enviro/sdw_report_v2.first_table?pws_id=TX1840006&state=TX&source=Purch_surface_water&population=2310&sys_num=0
http://stopthedrilling.blogspot.com/2009/11/produced-waste-water-pipelines-and-tank.html
Every day more and more comes out about the dangers of produced water from gas drilling. Yet in Flower Mound, it seems we have some council members who might choose to over look these reports and allow produced toxic waste water to be piped through the town and stored in 14 to 38 (the number seems to be increasing) tank batteries at a waste water collection facility.
As if that isn't bad enough, eminent domain will come into play for these pipelines. The town will not be able to control where these pipelines go. If the gas company that will own this proposed facility chooses, they may take waste water from other gas companies in the town. This will mean more pipelines!!!
Here is a great report on Hudson Oaks water by Brett Shipp with WFAA news 8.
http://www.wfaa.com/news/health/radioactive-Water-70661997.html
a few paragraphs from the report.
Chruscielski independently monitors water quality data in the Barnett Shale, and she almost missed it.
"From what I have seen -- particularly the alpha particles -- you don't want to ingest those, and they are bone-seeking carcinogens with a 1,600 year half-life that accumulates in the tissue," Chruscielski said. "I am not comfortable with that."
State environmental officials say the uranium is "naturally occurring" in the rock formations below the soil.
Hudson Oaks water quality report
http://www.hudsonoaks.com/files/2008_Water_Quality_Report.pdf
Here is the water violation report
http://oaspub.epa.gov/enviro/sdw_report_v2.first_table?pws_id=TX1840006&state=TX&source=Purch_surface_water&population=2310&sys_num=0
Sunday, June 15, 2008
The next O&G Board of Appeals Meeting is Wednesday, June 18th at 6:30pm
The gas drilling variance requests for the proposed Riverwalk development are going before the O&G Board of Appeals (again) in Wednesday night's meeting. (As a reminder, they were denied in the April 2008 meeting.)
As before, the developers are asking for a number of variances for their proposed gas wells, including: floodplain, environmentally sensitive areas, public parks, public buildings, property line, right-of-way, tank batteries, and storage tank setbacks.
Additionally, they are asking for a variance for any new construction at the Riverwalk development from the current 500 foot requirement. With approval from the O&G Board of Appeals, this can be reduced to 300 feet. (Would you want to live or shop or dine 300 feet from a gas well?)
Remember, this proposed drill site is right in the center of Flower Mound. If approved, hundreds and hundreds of trucks will be driving east on 407 and south on 2499 to the site. More importantly, an approval may well set the precedent that it's "OK" to bring the gas drilling scourge right into the heart of our Town.
And while this proposed location may not be in your backyard--the next one may be. Also, what about the piplelines that will be required to move the gas?? Drillers in Ft. Worth are exercising "eminent domain" to literally run pipelines though homeowners' front yards. So, while you may escape the gas well right outside your front door, you could well be faced with a 24", high-pressure, gas pipeline running through your property.
Please attend Wednesday's meeting and let the O&G Board know that all of the setbacks, as detailed in the Town O&G ordinance, should be upheld. They were put there for a reason. Keep them!!!
One more comment....at the request of concerned citizens, the O&G Board of Appeals now meets separately from the Board of Adjustments. (Many thanks to Chairperson Tina Murphy for this consideration!) What this means is that the O&G Board of Appeals meeting will now begin promptly at 6:30pm. Please be there early so that you can make sure you have a seat and have submitted your name as a speaker (if you wish to speak).
Your attendance is critical. The developers are banking on those of us that have shown concern in the past to run out of steam and to eventually give in. This reminds me of a great quote I ran across recently by Thomas Sowell: "One of the painful aspects of studying great catastrophes of the past is discovering how many times people were preoccupied with trivialities when they were teetering on the edge of doom."
See you at 6:30 on Wednesday, June 18th
Flower Mound Town Hall
2121 Cross Timbers
As before, the developers are asking for a number of variances for their proposed gas wells, including: floodplain, environmentally sensitive areas, public parks, public buildings, property line, right-of-way, tank batteries, and storage tank setbacks.
Additionally, they are asking for a variance for any new construction at the Riverwalk development from the current 500 foot requirement. With approval from the O&G Board of Appeals, this can be reduced to 300 feet. (Would you want to live or shop or dine 300 feet from a gas well?)
Remember, this proposed drill site is right in the center of Flower Mound. If approved, hundreds and hundreds of trucks will be driving east on 407 and south on 2499 to the site. More importantly, an approval may well set the precedent that it's "OK" to bring the gas drilling scourge right into the heart of our Town.
And while this proposed location may not be in your backyard--the next one may be. Also, what about the piplelines that will be required to move the gas?? Drillers in Ft. Worth are exercising "eminent domain" to literally run pipelines though homeowners' front yards. So, while you may escape the gas well right outside your front door, you could well be faced with a 24", high-pressure, gas pipeline running through your property.
Please attend Wednesday's meeting and let the O&G Board know that all of the setbacks, as detailed in the Town O&G ordinance, should be upheld. They were put there for a reason. Keep them!!!
One more comment....at the request of concerned citizens, the O&G Board of Appeals now meets separately from the Board of Adjustments. (Many thanks to Chairperson Tina Murphy for this consideration!) What this means is that the O&G Board of Appeals meeting will now begin promptly at 6:30pm. Please be there early so that you can make sure you have a seat and have submitted your name as a speaker (if you wish to speak).
Your attendance is critical. The developers are banking on those of us that have shown concern in the past to run out of steam and to eventually give in. This reminds me of a great quote I ran across recently by Thomas Sowell: "One of the painful aspects of studying great catastrophes of the past is discovering how many times people were preoccupied with trivialities when they were teetering on the edge of doom."
See you at 6:30 on Wednesday, June 18th
Flower Mound Town Hall
2121 Cross Timbers
Friday, October 4, 2013
60,000 Gallons Of Drilling Fluids And Waste Spilled!!!
It has been reported that over 60,000 gallons of oil and gas related fluids were spilled due to the flooding in Colorado.
Pipelines, transportation and storage of oil, gas, frack water and drilling waste is dangerous. How many permits and variances have been granted too close or in flood plains in Texas?
Some of you in Flower Mound may remember that the town almost let in a huge Centralized Collection Facility (CCF) that would allow the transportation of drilling waste via pipelines throughout the town. The waste would have been stored in multiple storage tanks called tank batteries. Just like the tanks we saw overturned or floating in the flood waters in Colorado. Thankfully the residents woke up and rallied to stop the CCF.
Here are a few past posts about the CCF:
Click here and here
We have heard that drilling seems to be starting up in neighboring towns again. In fact, it appears most of our concerned residents have quietly slipped back into a peaceful sleep when it comes to gas and oil production issues. Last time everyone was sleeping over 80 wells were permitted and close to 60 wells were drilled......
Pipelines, transportation and storage of oil, gas, frack water and drilling waste is dangerous. How many permits and variances have been granted too close or in flood plains in Texas?
Some of you in Flower Mound may remember that the town almost let in a huge Centralized Collection Facility (CCF) that would allow the transportation of drilling waste via pipelines throughout the town. The waste would have been stored in multiple storage tanks called tank batteries. Just like the tanks we saw overturned or floating in the flood waters in Colorado. Thankfully the residents woke up and rallied to stop the CCF.
Here are a few past posts about the CCF:
Click here and here
We have heard that drilling seems to be starting up in neighboring towns again. In fact, it appears most of our concerned residents have quietly slipped back into a peaceful sleep when it comes to gas and oil production issues. Last time everyone was sleeping over 80 wells were permitted and close to 60 wells were drilled......
Monday, April 7, 2008
Report on the Candidates' Forum
We had a packed house at yesterday's Flower Mound Citizens Against Urban Drilling Candidates' Forum with close to 100 in attendance. Each attendee was given a piece of paper at the sign in desk and was asked to write their question out for the candidates. There were a number of good questions (many were related to urban gas drilling, as expected), but there were a fair number that were on topics such as oldgrowth/ancient forests, SMARTgrowth and the MasterPlan, high-density housing, and mixed use developments.
Only two candidates chose to attend yesterday's forum--Al Filidoro, who is the incumbent for Place 2 and Virginia Jellison, who is running for Place 4. The other two candidates, Steve Dixon and Jean Levenick, as well as Mayor Jody Smith, who is running unopposed, declined FMCAUD's invitation (which was delivered on March 24th) to participate in the forum saying that they had other commitments. (Mr. Dixon did however initially accept the invitation, but rescinded his acceptance the same day that both Ms. Levenick and Ms. Smith declined.)
The forum was conducted in an orderly and respectful manner and basically, all of the questions offered, were answered. (Many were very similar in nature, so not every single question was read, however.) Furthermore, the candidates stayed long after the meeting ended in order to answer questions from individuals as well as the news media.
Many, many thanks to all of you who attended. I appreciate your willingness to give up a bit of a gorgeous Sunday afternoon in order to learn the positions of the Town Council candidates.
Just a couple more comments...in case you haven't registered to vote, please do so. Your voter registration card must be postmarked no later than Thursday, April 10th.
Also, don't forget tonight's Town Council meeting at 6:00pm. Three-minute, citizen input remarks are allowed near the beginning of each meeting.
And finally, please make your plans to be at Wednesday night's O&G Board of Appeals meeting at 6:30pm. This is a VERY important meeting as a number or variances related to the Riverwalk project are up for approval by the board. These variances include setback requirements for floodplain, Environmentally Sensitive Areas, Public Parks, Residences, Property lines, Tank Batteries, and storage tanks. Citizen comments are also welcomed at this meeting.
Only two candidates chose to attend yesterday's forum--Al Filidoro, who is the incumbent for Place 2 and Virginia Jellison, who is running for Place 4. The other two candidates, Steve Dixon and Jean Levenick, as well as Mayor Jody Smith, who is running unopposed, declined FMCAUD's invitation (which was delivered on March 24th) to participate in the forum saying that they had other commitments. (Mr. Dixon did however initially accept the invitation, but rescinded his acceptance the same day that both Ms. Levenick and Ms. Smith declined.)
The forum was conducted in an orderly and respectful manner and basically, all of the questions offered, were answered. (Many were very similar in nature, so not every single question was read, however.) Furthermore, the candidates stayed long after the meeting ended in order to answer questions from individuals as well as the news media.
Many, many thanks to all of you who attended. I appreciate your willingness to give up a bit of a gorgeous Sunday afternoon in order to learn the positions of the Town Council candidates.
Just a couple more comments...in case you haven't registered to vote, please do so. Your voter registration card must be postmarked no later than Thursday, April 10th.
Also, don't forget tonight's Town Council meeting at 6:00pm. Three-minute, citizen input remarks are allowed near the beginning of each meeting.
And finally, please make your plans to be at Wednesday night's O&G Board of Appeals meeting at 6:30pm. This is a VERY important meeting as a number or variances related to the Riverwalk project are up for approval by the board. These variances include setback requirements for floodplain, Environmentally Sensitive Areas, Public Parks, Residences, Property lines, Tank Batteries, and storage tanks. Citizen comments are also welcomed at this meeting.
Friday, July 10, 2009
How many gas wells in the State of Texas? And how many are getting inspected?
After seeing this, now I know why the Texas Railroad Commission does such a lousy job of regulating the Gas and Oil Industry. It is physically impossible for the TRC to keep up with regular inspections on gas and oil wells. As of a year ago, the TRC only had 83 inspectors as reported in a Star Telegram article
Richard Varela, the commission's executive director, said the agency does the best it can with limited staff. There are 377,000 wells in Texas, each with associated pipelines, tank batteries and other equipment. And there are only 83 inspectors. That's about 4,500 wells per inspector.
http://startelegram.typepad.com/barnett_shale/files/many_wells_go_uninspected_30_in_tarrant_have_not_seen_state_scr.htm
The great state of Texas is in trouble. We need better regulation and accountability.
Click on the link below to see how many gas wells are in Texas. This is just gas wells and does not include oil wells and injection wells.
http://www.propublica.org/special/map-number-of-producing-gas-wells-708
Richard Varela, the commission's executive director, said the agency does the best it can with limited staff. There are 377,000 wells in Texas, each with associated pipelines, tank batteries and other equipment. And there are only 83 inspectors. That's about 4,500 wells per inspector.
http://startelegram.typepad.com/barnett_shale/files/many_wells_go_uninspected_30_in_tarrant_have_not_seen_state_scr.htm
The great state of Texas is in trouble. We need better regulation and accountability.
Click on the link below to see how many gas wells are in Texas. This is just gas wells and does not include oil wells and injection wells.
http://www.propublica.org/special/map-number-of-producing-gas-wells-708
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Flower Mound Council Denies Temporary Suspension of Natural Gas Production UPDATE
Flower Mound Council Members Dixon, Levenick, and Wallace voted to deny the temporary suspension of Natural Gas Drilling and Production in the Town of Flower Mound. Leaving Council Members Filidoro and Hayden in favor of it.
It appears Council members Dixon, Levenick, and Wallace aren't buying the recent concerns and results of the studies already conducted by the TCEQ, the Federal EPA, and Town of Dish! They don't seem to believe it is important enough to wait for the completed study results and recommendations from the TCEQ and the EPA before allowing increased drilling activity.
It was mentioned by one of the members that the Town of Flower Mound hasn't had any air quality problems to date.
See the WFAA report on last nights meeting.
Well, the Town of Flower Mound hasn't had any air quality testing at all so how would anyone know what the air quality is like in the Town.
Even though more residents spoke in favor of the temporary suspension until the TCEQ and EPA release their results and recommendations, that is if you don't count the 10+ employees of Williams, Chesapeake, and their lawyers that spoke against it, the three council members chose to listen to the gas drilling companies.
Applications for 18 Gas Wells and a Compressor Station were received by the Town in the last 30 days. You can bet there will be more to come before the TCEQ and EPA make their recommendations. Someone mentioned the number 100 or more wells to be drilled.
Most of these wells will be in the area where we have been told of 5 child Leukemia cases and 2 adult Leukemia cases. Again, we have no evidence that gas drilling is related to this but it sure makes you wonder.
So ask yourself the following questions:
How many more compressor stations will that bring?
How many tank batteries will be needed at the proposed Waste Water Collection Facility?
How many pipelines will there be and where will they be?
What about eminent domain?
What will we be breathing?
Flower Mound may be on it's way to becoming the next Dish.
It appears Council members Dixon, Levenick, and Wallace aren't buying the recent concerns and results of the studies already conducted by the TCEQ, the Federal EPA, and Town of Dish! They don't seem to believe it is important enough to wait for the completed study results and recommendations from the TCEQ and the EPA before allowing increased drilling activity.
It was mentioned by one of the members that the Town of Flower Mound hasn't had any air quality problems to date.
See the WFAA report on last nights meeting.
Well, the Town of Flower Mound hasn't had any air quality testing at all so how would anyone know what the air quality is like in the Town.
Even though more residents spoke in favor of the temporary suspension until the TCEQ and EPA release their results and recommendations, that is if you don't count the 10+ employees of Williams, Chesapeake, and their lawyers that spoke against it, the three council members chose to listen to the gas drilling companies.
Applications for 18 Gas Wells and a Compressor Station were received by the Town in the last 30 days. You can bet there will be more to come before the TCEQ and EPA make their recommendations. Someone mentioned the number 100 or more wells to be drilled.
Most of these wells will be in the area where we have been told of 5 child Leukemia cases and 2 adult Leukemia cases. Again, we have no evidence that gas drilling is related to this but it sure makes you wonder.
So ask yourself the following questions:
How many more compressor stations will that bring?
How many tank batteries will be needed at the proposed Waste Water Collection Facility?
How many pipelines will there be and where will they be?
What about eminent domain?
What will we be breathing?
Flower Mound may be on it's way to becoming the next Dish.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Star Telegram article about air quality concerns
In a recent article in the Star Telegram about air quality concerns, Steve Dixon was quoted saying the following:
"I truly believe there are some wells in the Barnett Shale that are polluting, and I encourage those leaders to issue moratoriums," Dixon said. "If we had data that any of the wells in Flower Mound showed harmful levels, I would have voted for the moratorium."
But with some of the preliminary testing showing high levels of benzene in areas of North Texas, holding off till the TCEQ and the EPA releases their study results and recommendations, would have been the right thing to do for the residents of Flower Mound. Councilmen Filidoro and Hayden voted for the temporary suspension until it was certain that there was not an air quality issue around Flower Mound.
Allowing any more drilling activity and a Waste Water Collection Facility in the Town before the TCEQ and EPA results are available is reckless endangerment of all the residents.
"I truly believe there are some wells in the Barnett Shale that are polluting, and I encourage those leaders to issue moratoriums," Dixon said. "If we had data that any of the wells in Flower Mound showed harmful levels, I would have voted for the moratorium."
But with some of the preliminary testing showing high levels of benzene in areas of North Texas, holding off till the TCEQ and the EPA releases their study results and recommendations, would have been the right thing to do for the residents of Flower Mound. Councilmen Filidoro and Hayden voted for the temporary suspension until it was certain that there was not an air quality issue around Flower Mound.
Councilmen Al Filidoro and Tom Hayden argued that a temporary halt made sense until more data become available.
"I hope that the study says everything is fine, but I don’t know," Filidoro said. "I had enough doubts to know that I wanted to protect the residents of our community."
Flower Mound is asking for testing to be done at gas wells in the area. The Town has not been included in any testing to date. See map from txsharon on TCEQ testing. It is really the future that many Flower Mound residents are worried about. The Town received applications for 18 new gas wells and a compressor station during the 30 day period. They have also been debating a proposed Waste Water Collection Facility that could be the site of an excessive amount of Tank Batteries filled with toxic drilling waste. Pipelines buried 4 feet underground that will transport the drilling waste to the site could be subject to eminent domain. This could allow the pipelines to run through neighborhoods. The Town could vote on whether to add this type of facility to the ordinance.Allowing any more drilling activity and a Waste Water Collection Facility in the Town before the TCEQ and EPA results are available is reckless endangerment of all the residents.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Important Reminder: Flower Mound Town Council Meeting, Thursday Night, Dec. 17th
This is a reminder about the the Town Council Meeting tomorrow night, December 17th, 6:00pm at Town Hall.
Recently in the news, the Town of Dish has asked for a Congressional Investigation into how the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Railroad Commission have handled air quality concerns in the Barnett Shale. More information on the effects of the toxic air here in the Barnett Shale area come in daily.
It is important that you SHOW UP AND WRITE LETTERS to the Town Council to support a moratorium on Natural Gas Production until TCEQ and the EPA completes their study of the Barnett Shale Air Quality.
mayor@flower-mound.com
place1@flower-mound.com
place2@flower-mound.com
place3@flower-mound.com
place4@flower-mound.com
place5@flower-mound.com
Remember applications for 18 gas wells and a compressor station were received by the Town in the last 30 days. Also, Williams is proposing the Waste Water Collection Facility and waste water pipelines.
There is no limit to the amount of Tanks and Compressors at this Waste Water Collection Facility which they can have, only space limitations.These pipelines will be buried 4 feet underground, may allow portions of residential property to be condemned through eminent domain, and will be pressurized to move the toxic chemicals from anywhere the Company, in this case, William Production, has a well site back to the collection facility. The Town cannot limit the distance so, Flower Mound could become the point of collection for other communities.
The first proposed site is within a 2 mile radius of 4775 Residences (see map). Dr. Armendariz, formerly with SMU and now with the EPA, conducted a recent study indicating that most of the barnett shale air quality issues come from tank batteries and compressor stations.
Again, we can't stress enough how important it is for you to show up to protect your family, health, quality of life and property values.
Recently in the news, the Town of Dish has asked for a Congressional Investigation into how the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Railroad Commission have handled air quality concerns in the Barnett Shale. More information on the effects of the toxic air here in the Barnett Shale area come in daily.
It is important that you SHOW UP AND WRITE LETTERS to the Town Council to support a moratorium on Natural Gas Production until TCEQ and the EPA completes their study of the Barnett Shale Air Quality.
mayor@flower-mound.com
place1@flower-mound.com
place2@flower-mound.com
place3@flower-mound.com
place4@flower-mound.com
place5@flower-mound.com
Remember applications for 18 gas wells and a compressor station were received by the Town in the last 30 days. Also, Williams is proposing the Waste Water Collection Facility and waste water pipelines.
There is no limit to the amount of Tanks and Compressors at this Waste Water Collection Facility which they can have, only space limitations.These pipelines will be buried 4 feet underground, may allow portions of residential property to be condemned through eminent domain, and will be pressurized to move the toxic chemicals from anywhere the Company, in this case, William Production, has a well site back to the collection facility. The Town cannot limit the distance so, Flower Mound could become the point of collection for other communities.
The first proposed site is within a 2 mile radius of 4775 Residences (see map). Dr. Armendariz, formerly with SMU and now with the EPA, conducted a recent study indicating that most of the barnett shale air quality issues come from tank batteries and compressor stations.
Again, we can't stress enough how important it is for you to show up to protect your family, health, quality of life and property values.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Flower Mound Gas Drilling Action Alert
Action Alert:
Attend this Thursday’s Town Council Meeting, December 17th, 6:00 PM, at Flower Mound Town Hall. Speak up and speak out. It makes a difference!
Ask Town Council to approve item #13 on the agenda. The moratorium on Natural Gas Production and related items. http://www.flower-mound.com/agenda/TCarchive/TCA-12-17-09.pdf
Last night, Monday, December 14th, Planning and Zoning approved a Special Use Permit for Centralized Collection Facility and Compressor Stations in Agricultural Zoned areas with a vote 6 to 0.
This vote is the first step, but one of the most important steps, in allowing for our community to move to an industrial community.
The Centralized Collection Facility and Compressor Stations have been broken up into three different ordinances.
Land Use and Zoning – Land Development Regulations
Application - Oil and Gas Ordinance
Pipelines –Pipeline Ordinance
This application will allow Agricultural zoned land to be turned into Industrial Toxic Gas Fracking Fluid collection stations. There is no limit to the amount of Tanks and Compressors which they can have, only space limitations.
These pipelines will be buried 4 feet underground, may allow portions of residential property to be condemned through eminent domain, and will be pressurized to move the toxic chemicals from anywhere the Company, in this case, William Production, has a well site back to the collection facility. The Town cannot limit the distance so, Flower Mound could become the point of collection for other communities.
The first proposed site is within a 2 mile radius of 4775 Residences (see map). Dr. Armendariz, formerly with SMU and now with the EPA, conducted a recent study indicating that most of the barnett shale air quality issues come from tank batteries and compressor stations.
This application could devalue our homes, impact our health, safety and overall welfare.
Approval of a request to amend the Land Development Regulations LDR 04-09 – Centralized Gas Production Facilities by amending Section 98-2 (Definitions). Section 98-952 (Use Classifications), and 98-273 (Agricultural District Specific Uses), to provide for a Centralized Natural Gas Production Facility definition, use regulations, and special use conditions.
Section 98-2 Definitions Centralized Natural Gas Production Facility means production equipment that serves multiple gas well pad sites and may include the following: produced water storage and collection facilities, natural gas compression facilities, natural gas lift facilities and any pipelines and related infrastructure to serve those facilities.
Section 98-273 (listed as a specific use) Centralized Natural Gas Production Facility, subject to all of the requirements set forth in Chapter 34 “Environment”, Article 7 (Oil and Natural Gas Well Drilling and Operations) and Article 8 (Oil and Gas Pipeline Standards) of this Code, the terms of which articles are incorporated by reference.
Let Flower Mound Town Council know you do not want our town to turn into ONE BIG INDUSTRIAL ZONE.
Attend this Thursday’s Town Council Meeting, December 17th, 6:00 PM, at Flower Mound Town Hall. Speak up and speak out. It makes a difference!
Ask Town Council to approve item #13 on the agenda. The moratorium on Natural Gas Production and related items. http://www.flower-mound.com/agenda/TCarchive/TCA-12-17-09.pdf
Last night, Monday, December 14th, Planning and Zoning approved a Special Use Permit for Centralized Collection Facility and Compressor Stations in Agricultural Zoned areas with a vote 6 to 0.
This vote is the first step, but one of the most important steps, in allowing for our community to move to an industrial community.
The Centralized Collection Facility and Compressor Stations have been broken up into three different ordinances.
Land Use and Zoning – Land Development Regulations
Application - Oil and Gas Ordinance
Pipelines –Pipeline Ordinance
This application will allow Agricultural zoned land to be turned into Industrial Toxic Gas Fracking Fluid collection stations. There is no limit to the amount of Tanks and Compressors which they can have, only space limitations.
These pipelines will be buried 4 feet underground, may allow portions of residential property to be condemned through eminent domain, and will be pressurized to move the toxic chemicals from anywhere the Company, in this case, William Production, has a well site back to the collection facility. The Town cannot limit the distance so, Flower Mound could become the point of collection for other communities.
The first proposed site is within a 2 mile radius of 4775 Residences (see map). Dr. Armendariz, formerly with SMU and now with the EPA, conducted a recent study indicating that most of the barnett shale air quality issues come from tank batteries and compressor stations.
This application could devalue our homes, impact our health, safety and overall welfare.
Approval of a request to amend the Land Development Regulations LDR 04-09 – Centralized Gas Production Facilities by amending Section 98-2 (Definitions). Section 98-952 (Use Classifications), and 98-273 (Agricultural District Specific Uses), to provide for a Centralized Natural Gas Production Facility definition, use regulations, and special use conditions.
Section 98-2 Definitions Centralized Natural Gas Production Facility means production equipment that serves multiple gas well pad sites and may include the following: produced water storage and collection facilities, natural gas compression facilities, natural gas lift facilities and any pipelines and related infrastructure to serve those facilities.
Section 98-273 (listed as a specific use) Centralized Natural Gas Production Facility, subject to all of the requirements set forth in Chapter 34 “Environment”, Article 7 (Oil and Natural Gas Well Drilling and Operations) and Article 8 (Oil and Gas Pipeline Standards) of this Code, the terms of which articles are incorporated by reference.
Let Flower Mound Town Council know you do not want our town to turn into ONE BIG INDUSTRIAL ZONE.
Friday, February 12, 2010
UPDATE: OOPS the real reason Williams may have backed off plans to put disposal well in Argyle
The Cross Timbers Gazette reports that Williams Production has dropped it's plans to put a disposal well in Argyle near Jeter Rd and Frenchtown.
We mentioned that this proposed disposal well was located in the Denton Creek Flood Plan that flows to Lake Grapevine. Bartonville and Argyle water departments were concerned that it could contaminate the residents fresh drinking water.
The company said community feedback played a role in its decision to change direction.
New Information:
It appears that it real reason Williams backed off this location may not of been community feedback. Back in January, the Denton RC ran an article about the disposal well. In this article it mentioned that Gulftex had filed a protest for the well. No comment was made to why. But apparently this disposal well would be in the middle of two lateral lines drilled by Gulftex. Click here to read the article. This could definitely up the chances of trouble for the disposal well.
Gulftex Operating Inc., a Dallas-based energy company that operates gas wells in the Argyle area, also filed a protest against the disposal well, state records show. David York, the company’s executive vice president, declined to comment.
Williams had planned to use this disposal well to support their proposed Waste Water Centralized Collection Facility in Flower Mound. They planned to truck or pipe the waste to Argyle. Many Flower Mound residents were concerned about the Argyle disposal well too. A large majority of Flower Mound residents are against the proposed proposed CCF and pipelines. They do not want toxic waste water/produced water running underground via pipelines throughout their community.
There are also many dangers with storing the waster water/produced water in above ground tanks. These "tank batteries" emit toxic emissions and are highly flammable.
The big question is what is Williams next move?
We mentioned that this proposed disposal well was located in the Denton Creek Flood Plan that flows to Lake Grapevine. Bartonville and Argyle water departments were concerned that it could contaminate the residents fresh drinking water.
The company said community feedback played a role in its decision to change direction.
New Information:
It appears that it real reason Williams backed off this location may not of been community feedback. Back in January, the Denton RC ran an article about the disposal well. In this article it mentioned that Gulftex had filed a protest for the well. No comment was made to why. But apparently this disposal well would be in the middle of two lateral lines drilled by Gulftex. Click here to read the article. This could definitely up the chances of trouble for the disposal well.
Gulftex Operating Inc., a Dallas-based energy company that operates gas wells in the Argyle area, also filed a protest against the disposal well, state records show. David York, the company’s executive vice president, declined to comment.
Williams had planned to use this disposal well to support their proposed Waste Water Centralized Collection Facility in Flower Mound. They planned to truck or pipe the waste to Argyle. Many Flower Mound residents were concerned about the Argyle disposal well too. A large majority of Flower Mound residents are against the proposed proposed CCF and pipelines. They do not want toxic waste water/produced water running underground via pipelines throughout their community.
There are also many dangers with storing the waster water/produced water in above ground tanks. These "tank batteries" emit toxic emissions and are highly flammable.
The big question is what is Williams next move?
Friday, January 8, 2010
EPA plans to clean up Texas air
Lisa Jackson, EPA Administrator, announced plans to set a new limit on ozone to 60 to 70 parts per billion. The limit is currently at 75ppb. DMN ran this article today.
ANSWER:
Of course the opposition is stating that this plan will kill industry. But this may be just the thing to force all industries to find a way to be more responsible. We have mentioned over and over again that the only industry exempt from just about every federal environmental act, including the Clean Air Act, is Gas and Oil. Maybe revoking the exemptions for oil and gas would be a great start to take care of the air quality problem.
The article addressed Barnett Shale air.
A new plan also could address emissions from Barnett Shale gas drilling. Texas officials dispute drilling's impact on local smog, but EPA Regional Administrator Al Armendariz, in his prior job as an engineering professor, produced research asserting that drilling emissions were a key neglected factor.
Here are a few questions:
If gas drilling companies really want to be our "neighbors", why wouldn't they want to implement better emission controls on compressor stations, tank batteries and at the gas well sites?
Why wouldn't gas drilling companies want to recycle water on site? Eliminating the excessive use of fresh water and the need to pipe the toxic waste water underground to collection facilities and truck it away or pipe it to an injection well.
Why not switch to electric rigs and eliminate the diesel fumes?
Why won't they tell us exactly what is in the fracking fluid?
And the most important question of all.....
If gas and oil are "doing it right", why do they need so many federal exemptions?
And the most important question of all.....
If gas and oil are "doing it right", why do they need so many federal exemptions?
ANSWER:
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Flower Mound Residents File Lawsuit To Stop Gas Drilling Permit on Hilliard Field
Friday, July 30th, two Flower Mound residents filed suit against the Town of Flower Mound to stop a permit for drilling on the Hilliard Airfield located on 2499, south of 3040.
The permit would allow up to 24 wells, along with compressors and numerous tank batteries to be located in the middle of a highly populated area of town and close to two schools.
"We believe that our case will show that since 2005, the [town] council majority removed many of the protections provided by Flower Mound's original oil and gas ordinances," plaintiff Virginia Simonson said in a prepared statement. "We also plan to show that the protections were removed without the full understanding or majority support of Flower Mound residents."
A permit to drill was previously denied by the Oil and Gas Board of Appeals because it required at least 4 variances. Since then, the landowner, Mr. Hilliard, cut down trees, capped his well, moved the pad site closer to the highway and other changes to accommodate a pad site.
Simonson feels the Hilliard case shows the inconsistencies in the town's rules. She said the town shouldn't have allowed the trees to be removed while the gas application was pending and allowed the approval process to be circumvented.
To the read article in the Dallas Morning News click here
Many residents feel that the present Oil & Gas Ordinance does not offer enough protections for the residents. They believe the previous local government did not do enough to protect the town.
In May of this year, the residents elected new officials. The NFL team has been doing what they can to undo what had been done but their hands have been tied. They inherited a pile of crap when it comes to regulating the industry. Since being in office they have adopted the moratorium petition, appointed an Oil & Gas Advisory Board, worked hard to get 24/7 air monitoring in the town and other positive changes. They have still have the support of the majority of the people of Flower Mound.
The Hilliard situation is happening now! The Oil and Gas Advisory Board will not submit recommendations for changes to the ordinance for at least 90 days. At that time, the town will listen to citizen input and review the recommendations before adopting any new regulations.
To donate to the Flower Mound Defense Fund click here
Click here for press release.
The permit would allow up to 24 wells, along with compressors and numerous tank batteries to be located in the middle of a highly populated area of town and close to two schools.
"We believe that our case will show that since 2005, the [town] council majority removed many of the protections provided by Flower Mound's original oil and gas ordinances," plaintiff Virginia Simonson said in a prepared statement. "We also plan to show that the protections were removed without the full understanding or majority support of Flower Mound residents."
A permit to drill was previously denied by the Oil and Gas Board of Appeals because it required at least 4 variances. Since then, the landowner, Mr. Hilliard, cut down trees, capped his well, moved the pad site closer to the highway and other changes to accommodate a pad site.
Simonson feels the Hilliard case shows the inconsistencies in the town's rules. She said the town shouldn't have allowed the trees to be removed while the gas application was pending and allowed the approval process to be circumvented.
To the read article in the Dallas Morning News click here
Many residents feel that the present Oil & Gas Ordinance does not offer enough protections for the residents. They believe the previous local government did not do enough to protect the town.
In May of this year, the residents elected new officials. The NFL team has been doing what they can to undo what had been done but their hands have been tied. They inherited a pile of crap when it comes to regulating the industry. Since being in office they have adopted the moratorium petition, appointed an Oil & Gas Advisory Board, worked hard to get 24/7 air monitoring in the town and other positive changes. They have still have the support of the majority of the people of Flower Mound.
The Hilliard situation is happening now! The Oil and Gas Advisory Board will not submit recommendations for changes to the ordinance for at least 90 days. At that time, the town will listen to citizen input and review the recommendations before adopting any new regulations.
To donate to the Flower Mound Defense Fund click here
Click here for press release.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Gas Drilling Near Cowboy Stadium?
On any given Sunday, over 100,000 (110,000 including the party pass area) people attend Cowboy Stadium. The city of Arlington may decide to allow drilling within a few blocks of the site.
In addition to bad air quality, this will put a strain on an already bad traffic situation in this area. What about the pipelines, tank batteries and compressors associated with gas drilling pad sites? With the Superbowl fast approaching, what in the world are they thinking!!!
The Star Telegram reported that Arlington council members boxes' were "flooded thousands of petitions from across the country". Yet one council member, Mel LeBlanc, is not listening. He plans on voting to allow the well. Mr. LeBlanc claims it has nothing to do with the stadium.
When is this guy up for re-election?
click here to sign the petition and "say no to gas drilling near cowboy stadium"
In addition to bad air quality, this will put a strain on an already bad traffic situation in this area. What about the pipelines, tank batteries and compressors associated with gas drilling pad sites? With the Superbowl fast approaching, what in the world are they thinking!!!
The Star Telegram reported that Arlington council members boxes' were "flooded thousands of petitions from across the country". Yet one council member, Mel LeBlanc, is not listening. He plans on voting to allow the well. Mr. LeBlanc claims it has nothing to do with the stadium.
When is this guy up for re-election?
click here to sign the petition and "say no to gas drilling near cowboy stadium"
Sunday, January 24, 2010
UPDATE: Denton County Public Meeting on Proposed Compression Station and Waste Water Facility
Since we posted this article, we have been receiving an overwhelming amount of e-mails. Residents are asking for suggestions on what other experts or agencies could offer information at this meeting to make it more balanced so they can contact the State and County Reps with their suggestions.
Here are a few:
EPA (Region 6 representative or Administrator Dr. Armendariz himself. In August, Dr. Armendariz, then with SMU conducted a study on air quality and found that gas drilling adds as much pollution as transportation. The most important thing to come from this study was his suggestions to curb the VOC's and benzene coming from compressors and tank batteries by affordable and available technology)
Texas Oil and Gas Accountability Project (this group was successful lobbying for many changes to Colorado and New Mexico gas drilling regulations. It was mentioned a few times at the Jan 21st meeting about Colorado's stricter rules for gas drilling)
Environmental Defense Fund (this group works with government and the citizens)
Wolfe Eagle Environmental (This is a local Flower Mound company. They did the Dish study. Their findings have been proven by TCEQ testing. Since they are independent and not with the state, this would be a good group to have)
Calvin Tillman (Mayor of Dish, just to share what effects gas drilling done wrong have on a town and citizens)
Next Thursday Night, January 28th. Rep. Tan Parker and Comm. Andy Eads are hosting an open house and town hall meeting to discuss the proposed compression station site and proposed waste water facility in the Bartonville/Argyle area.
The following state agencies will be there. TCEQ, Texas Railroad Commission, and the Texas Department of Health Services. Williams Production and Bosque (also Williams) will also be on hand to address and educate residents in Denton County regarding the State’s permitting processes, as well as answer questions pertaining to air and water quality issues associated with drilling in the Barnett Shale.
Many residents have stressed their concern that this meeting may not offer both sides of the issue. They are asking for there to be other agencies and experts that do not regulate or have any affiliation with the gas and oil industry.
If you have any questions or concerns about this meeting, see the contact information below.
Below is the information from the Flower Mound Town Web-site
Please join State Representative Tan Parker and Denton County Commissioner Andy Eads for an open house and town hall meeting to discuss the proposed compression station site and proposed waste water facility in the Bartonville/Argyle area.
The open house will begin at 6 p.m. followed by the meeting from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Jan. 28 at Tom Harpool Middle School, 9601 Stacee Lane in Lantana. Citizens are asked to please enter the doors into the cafeteria.
State agencies will be present to address and educate residents in Denton County regarding the State’s permitting processes, as well as answer questions pertaining to air and water quality issues associated with drilling in the Barnett Shale.
For information please contact
State Representative Tan Parker at 972.724.8477 or tan.parker@house.state.tx.us
Denton County Commissioner Andy Eads at 940.349.2801 or andy.eads@dentoncounty.com
Here are a few:
EPA (Region 6 representative or Administrator Dr. Armendariz himself. In August, Dr. Armendariz, then with SMU conducted a study on air quality and found that gas drilling adds as much pollution as transportation. The most important thing to come from this study was his suggestions to curb the VOC's and benzene coming from compressors and tank batteries by affordable and available technology)
Texas Oil and Gas Accountability Project (this group was successful lobbying for many changes to Colorado and New Mexico gas drilling regulations. It was mentioned a few times at the Jan 21st meeting about Colorado's stricter rules for gas drilling)
Environmental Defense Fund (this group works with government and the citizens)
Wolfe Eagle Environmental (This is a local Flower Mound company. They did the Dish study. Their findings have been proven by TCEQ testing. Since they are independent and not with the state, this would be a good group to have)
Calvin Tillman (Mayor of Dish, just to share what effects gas drilling done wrong have on a town and citizens)
Next Thursday Night, January 28th. Rep. Tan Parker and Comm. Andy Eads are hosting an open house and town hall meeting to discuss the proposed compression station site and proposed waste water facility in the Bartonville/Argyle area.
The following state agencies will be there. TCEQ, Texas Railroad Commission, and the Texas Department of Health Services. Williams Production and Bosque (also Williams) will also be on hand to address and educate residents in Denton County regarding the State’s permitting processes, as well as answer questions pertaining to air and water quality issues associated with drilling in the Barnett Shale.
Many residents have stressed their concern that this meeting may not offer both sides of the issue. They are asking for there to be other agencies and experts that do not regulate or have any affiliation with the gas and oil industry.
If you have any questions or concerns about this meeting, see the contact information below.
Below is the information from the Flower Mound Town Web-site
Please join State Representative Tan Parker and Denton County Commissioner Andy Eads for an open house and town hall meeting to discuss the proposed compression station site and proposed waste water facility in the Bartonville/Argyle area.
The open house will begin at 6 p.m. followed by the meeting from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Jan. 28 at Tom Harpool Middle School, 9601 Stacee Lane in Lantana. Citizens are asked to please enter the doors into the cafeteria.
State agencies will be present to address and educate residents in Denton County regarding the State’s permitting processes, as well as answer questions pertaining to air and water quality issues associated with drilling in the Barnett Shale.
For information please contact
State Representative Tan Parker at 972.724.8477 or tan.parker@house.state.tx.us
Denton County Commissioner Andy Eads at 940.349.2801 or andy.eads@dentoncounty.com
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