The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is conducting another cancer cluster study after the recent UT Study by Rachael Rawlins was release a couple of weeks ago. Rawlins', a UT lecturer and professor, study was published in the Virginia Environmental Law Journal. The study questioned federal and state guidelines related to natural gas drilling and its possible health effects.
Rawlins' study also questioned results of a 2010 cancer cluster investigation conducted by the DSHS back in 2010. Parents of children diagnosed with leukemia were concerned that their child was not included in the original study which would make the numbers greater than what the state had used for their research. Also, as noted in many previous posts, the DSHS stated the elevated breast cancer result could be due to overall population increases in Flower Mound and the likelihood that women in this area are more frequently screened for breast cancer.
The original study results left many of us questioning who the DSHS is really there to protect.
Click here to read the recent article in the Flower Mound Leader.
Showing posts with label Air Quality Issues. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Air Quality Issues. Show all posts
Monday, April 14, 2014
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
New UT Study Flower Mound Cancer Study
UT has just released a study on the Flower Mound Cancer Cluster. If you remember, the original study was conducted by the state back in early 2010. Of course the state study was incomplete because it did not include quite a bit of data that needed to be taken into consideration. In addition to the lack of complete data, the state basically dismissed some of the alarming conclusions by blaming it on population growth and economic demographics.
Back in 2010, Eric Miller, the DSHS epidemiologist who conducted the analysis stated,
“We found nothing in the data to indicate the community is at higher risk for these types of cancers. However, we understand residents’ concerns and will continue to analyze new cancer data from these two areas.”
"The breast cancer result could be due to overall population increases in Flower Mound and the likelihood that women in this area are more frequently screened for breast cancer."
“Flower Mound’s significant population increase alone could account for a higher average number of cancer cases between 2007 and 2009,”
I received an email from someone in the Texas Department of Health Services stating that before the state study was released, it traveled all the way to the governor's office. Anyone surprised? That should say a lot about what ended up being released to the public and the many concerned families who had children and others diagnosed with cancer in our area.
In 2011, The Denton Record Chronicle published an article stating that breast cancer was on the rise in Flower Mound. Yet the state hasn't revisited this issue since they released their study.
The UT study recommends increased government monitoring of health impact studies and regulations of air pollution. Something many of us have been pleading for since the start of drilling on the Barnett Shale. Hopefully the UT Study will open the dialog again about this very important issue that in the past has been so easily dismissed and swept under the rug.
Back in 2010, Eric Miller, the DSHS epidemiologist who conducted the analysis stated,
“We found nothing in the data to indicate the community is at higher risk for these types of cancers. However, we understand residents’ concerns and will continue to analyze new cancer data from these two areas.”
"The breast cancer result could be due to overall population increases in Flower Mound and the likelihood that women in this area are more frequently screened for breast cancer."
“Flower Mound’s significant population increase alone could account for a higher average number of cancer cases between 2007 and 2009,”
I received an email from someone in the Texas Department of Health Services stating that before the state study was released, it traveled all the way to the governor's office. Anyone surprised? That should say a lot about what ended up being released to the public and the many concerned families who had children and others diagnosed with cancer in our area.
In 2011, The Denton Record Chronicle published an article stating that breast cancer was on the rise in Flower Mound. Yet the state hasn't revisited this issue since they released their study.
The UT study recommends increased government monitoring of health impact studies and regulations of air pollution. Something many of us have been pleading for since the start of drilling on the Barnett Shale. Hopefully the UT Study will open the dialog again about this very important issue that in the past has been so easily dismissed and swept under the rug.
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......
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Great Article About The Shale Boom and Bust
Peter Gorman of The Fort Worth Weekly has written a great article about the Shale Bust. Many of us saw this coming. He brought up some interesting facts and points
We have seen production from local wells drop significantly. They have brought in gas lift compressors to "squeeze the blood out of the turnip".
The wells, especially in “sweet spots” like the Fort Worth section of the Barnett Shale, saw declines in production that no one could have imagined.
But the banks that had lent all that money to the energy companies needed their loans repaid, so energy companies had to keep drilling new wells to maintain production volumes. It looked good on paper and kept stock prices at reasonable levels for a few years, but with a couple of exceptions, nearly all of the gas companies have seen their stocks nosedive in the last year.
Geologist David Hughes had this to say in the article.
“What you have to remember when looking at a shale play is that drillers head for the sweet spots first, the places with the most accessible quantities of gas,” Hughes said. “When the first few wells come in, a leasing boom follows. But the majority of the wells drilled are not going to be in the sweet spots — maybe only 15 percent will be. So when we look at the drop in the Haynesville play, what we’re seeing is that if the sweet spots are drying up, drillers wind up going after less productive areas in the play. But with the cost of each new well in the Haynesville at about $9 million — and that doesn’t include the leasing rights or costs of pipelines and so forth — and the price of gas at $3.30 per thousand cubic feet, who in their right mind is going to keep drilling?”
“You need to drill 1,500 new wells every year, each of which has the same average first-year production of a 2011 well, to simply keep [total] production flat.”
When they start exporting LNG, and they will, the industry will be looking to drill in every nook and cranny to get natural gas. The oil and gas industry will reap the profits.
The drop in price, however, encouraged a lot of industries, including power companies, to retrofit their plants for natural gas rather than coal or oil. And without an abundant supply of gas over the long haul, that may prove very costly for consumers once the surplus of cheap gas is gone. Add to that a new wrinkle that not many people saw coming — the exportation of natural gas to countries willing to pay a premium for it — and the cost of natural gas in the United States could increase tremendously in the next five to 10 years
Americans get ready to be screwed in every way!
To read the Fort Worth Weekly article Click here
We have seen production from local wells drop significantly. They have brought in gas lift compressors to "squeeze the blood out of the turnip".
The wells, especially in “sweet spots” like the Fort Worth section of the Barnett Shale, saw declines in production that no one could have imagined.
But the banks that had lent all that money to the energy companies needed their loans repaid, so energy companies had to keep drilling new wells to maintain production volumes. It looked good on paper and kept stock prices at reasonable levels for a few years, but with a couple of exceptions, nearly all of the gas companies have seen their stocks nosedive in the last year.
Geologist David Hughes had this to say in the article.
“What you have to remember when looking at a shale play is that drillers head for the sweet spots first, the places with the most accessible quantities of gas,” Hughes said. “When the first few wells come in, a leasing boom follows. But the majority of the wells drilled are not going to be in the sweet spots — maybe only 15 percent will be. So when we look at the drop in the Haynesville play, what we’re seeing is that if the sweet spots are drying up, drillers wind up going after less productive areas in the play. But with the cost of each new well in the Haynesville at about $9 million — and that doesn’t include the leasing rights or costs of pipelines and so forth — and the price of gas at $3.30 per thousand cubic feet, who in their right mind is going to keep drilling?”
“You need to drill 1,500 new wells every year, each of which has the same average first-year production of a 2011 well, to simply keep [total] production flat.”
When they start exporting LNG, and they will, the industry will be looking to drill in every nook and cranny to get natural gas. The oil and gas industry will reap the profits.
The drop in price, however, encouraged a lot of industries, including power companies, to retrofit their plants for natural gas rather than coal or oil. And without an abundant supply of gas over the long haul, that may prove very costly for consumers once the surplus of cheap gas is gone. Add to that a new wrinkle that not many people saw coming — the exportation of natural gas to countries willing to pay a premium for it — and the cost of natural gas in the United States could increase tremendously in the next five to 10 years
Americans get ready to be screwed in every way!
To read the Fort Worth Weekly article Click here
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Fool Me Once Shame On You, Fool Me Twice Shame On Me!
In the past few weeks, I have received phone calls from residents telling me they are being told by Hayden, Dixon and Webb that gas drilling in Flower Mound is a dead issue.
First of all I want to address the gas drilling is a "dead issue" . Folks, don't be fooled. The gas and oil industry wants to create their own demand and are already applying for permits to export liquefied natural gas or LNG to other countries. There is big money in exporting LNG. Gas companies can get up to 3 times or more for the gas from other countries. Before you get excited, gas companies probably won't pass that profit on to the US mineral owners. Your gas will most likely be based on the going rate of gas here in the US. Which is at an all time low.
Click here to read about LNG and CNG at Texas Sharon.
Some of the Flower Mound Residents are being told, in so many words, the following:
Flower Mound has a strong ordinance in place and there are no applications pending.
The gas drilling ship has sailed.
That Dixon and Webb, previously were pro drilling, have changed their mind and in so many words "hear" the people of Flower Mound.
Candidate Bryan Webb who not only spoke in favor of gas drilling, but publicly displayed his support for gas drilling.
Mr. Webb signed a lease with Keystone Exploration, a company currently suing the town. In 2010, Keystone became involved in our town elections. Keystone Exploration sent out letters to residents and endorsed Bryan Webb, Jody Smith, and Gerald Robinson. In a recent Flower Mound Leader article, Mr. Webb said "I do not believe, nor did I believe two years ago, that “responsible” drilling includes sites in our town’s neighborhoods. My statements on this have been clear." But in April of 2010, many of us that are truly concerned about gas drilling near schools and neighborhoods had to look at Mr. Webb's signs prominently displayed on Mr. Hilliard Field during the 2010 election. Now that is a statement that was loud and clear. Hmm, maybe Mr. Webb doesn't consider Hilliard Field to be near neighborhoods or schools.
Candidate, Steve Dixon, who is running again, and says he has "heard" the residents, he is making promises that he will honor the ordinance. Promises just like he did in previous campaign literature in 2008 where he had this quote, " Have a review of the oil and gas ordinance (with citizens input we can make it better for us) – Safety is my top concern !" and 2009, promised to tighten the ordinance to not allow drilling within 1000 feet of a residence. Which would have required amendments to the variances in the Oil and Gas Ordinance. Mr. Dixon sat on council for months and NEVER again mentioned strengthening the ordinance. In late 2009, then Council members Dixon, Wallace and Levenick voted against putting in a moratorium so the ordinance could be reviewed and more studies could be done on gas drilling effects on air and water. In early 2010, Dixon voted to put in zoning to allow the infamous Centralized Collection Facility. Then voted against accepting the petition that requested an oil and gas committee be established to review the gas ordinance. And again voted against putting a moratorium into place in early May of 2010 even after 6000 residents spoke loud and clear. Mike Wallace, like Dixon, also pretended to be concerned about drilling near homes and schools but proceeded to vote pro-gas at each opportunity. Many of us who were anti urban drilling have to live with the fact that we were so deceived by these two that we actually displayed their campaign signs in our yards during the 2009 election."
I had a picture of Amy Wallace's which had a Hayden, Dixon, Webb sign on it. She has asked me to remove it. So I did.
Here is a little hypothetical scenario for you. When they start exporting our natural gas, greed will set in. If these candidates get elected, they could change their mind because some of their "big" and "loyal" supporters (those who supported them when they were pro drilling), decide they want to loosen the ordinance like a group of residents in Southlake are trying to do right now. They will use excuses like, we will get sued. (Yet the Oil and Gas Board of Appeals decision has already been tested. In 2008, a court of law threw out the Red Oak/Riverwalk case and upheld the OGBOA denial of 12 variances.) We will hear it is the American thing to do. Help the economy. You know like old times again.
Then the "former" (cough cough) pro drilling candidates, again if elected, decide they want to do away with the Oil and Gas Board of Appeals and go to the Special Use Permit for zoning gas drilling, like Southlake and some other towns. This would allow the Town Council to vote on whether to grant variances and if they will permit wells to be drilled. If you think our Town Council Elections are nasty and political now, just wait till the council is responsible for voting on gas drilling and production in our town.
You think this can't happen? Think again.
Just a quick history lesson.
Between May 2004 and 2010 over 55 wells were permitted during Mayor Jody Smith reign.
September 20, 2004, Flower Mound permitted the first gas well on the Bunn site.
In 2006 a Oil and Gas Stakeholder Committee, chosen by Mayor Jody Smith's drill friendly council, made up of mostly large property owners (where there are some pad sites now) and industry people, decided our 2003 Oil and Gas Ordinance was not driller friendly, scratch that, too strong. March of 2007, Mayor Smith, Council Members Tasker, Stone, Lindsey and Trotter voted to accept the recommendations from the 2006 Oil and Gas Stakeholders to weaken the setbacks and amend the ordinance.
Only Council Member Laurie Long voted against the changes.
Makes you wonder about all the wells that might not be near homes and schools.
Gas drilling is an important issue but I am aware that gas drilling isn't the only issue facing our town right now.
Just ask yourself these few questions.
How important is a promise made from a candidate on ANY issue that is important to you?
What if they said one thing but did the complete opposite?
Does it matter if it is gas drilling, economic growth, fiscal responsibility, etc.?
I believe actions speak louder than words.
I believe if an elected official is running again, they should be judged on their actions when they had the power to make a difference and didn't, not the words they say when they want that power back.
First of all I want to address the gas drilling is a "dead issue" . Folks, don't be fooled. The gas and oil industry wants to create their own demand and are already applying for permits to export liquefied natural gas or LNG to other countries. There is big money in exporting LNG. Gas companies can get up to 3 times or more for the gas from other countries. Before you get excited, gas companies probably won't pass that profit on to the US mineral owners. Your gas will most likely be based on the going rate of gas here in the US. Which is at an all time low.
Click here to read about LNG and CNG at Texas Sharon.
Some of the Flower Mound Residents are being told, in so many words, the following:
Flower Mound has a strong ordinance in place and there are no applications pending.
The gas drilling ship has sailed.
That Dixon and Webb, previously were pro drilling, have changed their mind and in so many words "hear" the people of Flower Mound.
Candidate Bryan Webb who not only spoke in favor of gas drilling, but publicly displayed his support for gas drilling.
Candidate, Steve Dixon, who is running again, and says he has "heard" the residents, he is making promises that he will honor the ordinance. Promises just like he did in previous campaign literature in 2008 where he had this quote, " Have a review of the oil and gas ordinance (with citizens input we can make it better for us) – Safety is my top concern !" and 2009, promised to tighten the ordinance to not allow drilling within 1000 feet of a residence. Which would have required amendments to the variances in the Oil and Gas Ordinance. Mr. Dixon sat on council for months and NEVER again mentioned strengthening the ordinance. In late 2009, then Council members Dixon, Wallace and Levenick voted against putting in a moratorium so the ordinance could be reviewed and more studies could be done on gas drilling effects on air and water. In early 2010, Dixon voted to put in zoning to allow the infamous Centralized Collection Facility. Then voted against accepting the petition that requested an oil and gas committee be established to review the gas ordinance. And again voted against putting a moratorium into place in early May of 2010 even after 6000 residents spoke loud and clear. Mike Wallace, like Dixon, also pretended to be concerned about drilling near homes and schools but proceeded to vote pro-gas at each opportunity. Many of us who were anti urban drilling have to live with the fact that we were so deceived by these two that we actually displayed their campaign signs in our yards during the 2009 election."
I had a picture of Amy Wallace's which had a Hayden, Dixon, Webb sign on it. She has asked me to remove it. So I did.
Take a look at the signs proudly displayed in Mike Wallace's yard during this election season. (Mike Wallace's wife posted this picture on Facebook) No surprises here. Wallace's wife was on Facebook implying NFL is afraid that Hayden/Dixon/Webb, if elected, will appoint Wallace to the empty seat Hayden vacated. I don't know if that scares NFL but it scares the crap out of me. Wallace's wife said Mike has no desire to return to council YET (defintion of yet: at a future time; eventually). If Dixon and Webb were elected and the council had enough votes to put Wallace back on Council by appointment, this should scare the pants off of every resident who wants to keep gas away from our homes and schools.
Here is a little hypothetical scenario for you. When they start exporting our natural gas, greed will set in. If these candidates get elected, they could change their mind because some of their "big" and "loyal" supporters (those who supported them when they were pro drilling), decide they want to loosen the ordinance like a group of residents in Southlake are trying to do right now. They will use excuses like, we will get sued. (Yet the Oil and Gas Board of Appeals decision has already been tested. In 2008, a court of law threw out the Red Oak/Riverwalk case and upheld the OGBOA denial of 12 variances.) We will hear it is the American thing to do. Help the economy. You know like old times again.
Then the "former" (cough cough) pro drilling candidates, again if elected, decide they want to do away with the Oil and Gas Board of Appeals and go to the Special Use Permit for zoning gas drilling, like Southlake and some other towns. This would allow the Town Council to vote on whether to grant variances and if they will permit wells to be drilled. If you think our Town Council Elections are nasty and political now, just wait till the council is responsible for voting on gas drilling and production in our town.
You think this can't happen? Think again.
Just a quick history lesson.
Between May 2004 and 2010 over 55 wells were permitted during Mayor Jody Smith reign.
September 20, 2004, Flower Mound permitted the first gas well on the Bunn site.
In 2006 a Oil and Gas Stakeholder Committee, chosen by Mayor Jody Smith's drill friendly council, made up of mostly large property owners (where there are some pad sites now) and industry people, decided our 2003 Oil and Gas Ordinance was not driller friendly, scratch that, too strong. March of 2007, Mayor Smith, Council Members Tasker, Stone, Lindsey and Trotter voted to accept the recommendations from the 2006 Oil and Gas Stakeholders to weaken the setbacks and amend the ordinance.
Only Council Member Laurie Long voted against the changes.
Makes you wonder about all the wells that might not be near homes and schools.
Gas drilling is an important issue but I am aware that gas drilling isn't the only issue facing our town right now.
Just ask yourself these few questions.
How important is a promise made from a candidate on ANY issue that is important to you?
What if they said one thing but did the complete opposite?
Does it matter if it is gas drilling, economic growth, fiscal responsibility, etc.?
I believe actions speak louder than words.
I believe if an elected official is running again, they should be judged on their actions when they had the power to make a difference and didn't, not the words they say when they want that power back.
How about you? Are you willing to gamble on the health, safety, and quality of life in our great Town of Flower Mound?
Monday, April 23, 2012
Titan postpones hearing for lawsuit against the Town of Flower Mound
Titan Operating has postponed the Wednesday, April 25th 11:00 am hearing against the Town of Flower Mound until late May.
No date has been set for a new hearing. Keep watching for more info.
No date has been set for a new hearing. Keep watching for more info.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Flower Mound Charter Amendments Will Go To The May 2012 Ballot
The Flower Mound Town Council voted to send 12 of the 13 amendments to the May Municipal Election Ballot. Charter Amendment #3, which addressed council compensation, was the only one not to make it to the ballot.
The most important Charter Amendment, the requirement of a super majority to change or repeal the ordinance, will go to the people of Flower Mound to vote. This is good news for those of us concerned about the safety of our new strong ordinance.
More details to come later.
Click here to read the Charter Amendments
The most important Charter Amendment, the requirement of a super majority to change or repeal the ordinance, will go to the people of Flower Mound to vote. This is good news for those of us concerned about the safety of our new strong ordinance.
More details to come later.
Click here to read the Charter Amendments
Friday, March 2, 2012
ATTENTION: Flower Mound Town Council to discuss, consider and adopt Charter Review Amendments
Flower Mound Town Council will have a Public Hearing, Monday, March 5th, to discuss and consider proposed Charter Amendments and adopt an ordinance ordering a special election for May 12, 2012, to amend the Home Rule Charter of the Town of Flower Mound.
Of course the most important amendment is the one to require a super majority to amend.
As previously posted, the new stronger, more protective ordinance may be in jeopardy.
This is a public hearing and any resident can show up. You may speak at this meeting or send emails to voice your concern.
Let the Town Council know you want them to adopt ALL the recommendations from the Charter Review so they can be put on the May 12, ballot.
To contact the Mayor and all Town Council Members, please e-mail mayor/towncouncil@flower-mound.com
Of course the most important amendment is the one to require a super majority to amend.
As previously posted, the new stronger, more protective ordinance may be in jeopardy.
This is a public hearing and any resident can show up. You may speak at this meeting or send emails to voice your concern.
Let the Town Council know you want them to adopt ALL the recommendations from the Charter Review so they can be put on the May 12, ballot.
To contact the Mayor and all Town Council Members, please e-mail mayor/towncouncil@flower-mound.com
Friday, February 10, 2012
Gas Drilling Is Not A Dead Issue In Flower Mound
People of Flower Mound.....
Flower Mound's new Oil and Gas Ordinance is in jeopardy. The very ordinance that may be the most protective of its citizens in the State of Texas AND the United States.
There is an important article in the Flower Mound Leader that residents should read.
Council clashes over Charter Review
After all the hard work that included walking neighborhoods, phone calls, and repeated trips to Town Hall, the controversy is happening again! Despite the citizen’s referendum on Gas Drilling, it appears that Councilmember Stephenson is trying to take away our right to vote on protecting the new Oil and Gas Ordinance in May.
During Monday’s Council meeting, Councilmember Stephenson failed to comply with meeting protocol. Councilmember Stephenson under the Item A Future Agenda, asked the council to postpone any further Charter Review meetings until her summons of the Charter Review Chairman could be fulfilled. When the Town Secretary informed her that the Chairman was not available due to a work schedule conflict, Councilmember Stephenson became angry and defiant and continued to ignore meeting protocol. It was somewhat confusing, but Mayor Northern was trying to explain to Councilmember Stephenson that since Stephenson did not have an item to put on the agenda, the Council could not discuss having a special meeting to satisfy Councilmember Stephenson’s demands at that point of the meeting.
It really is interesting to watch the video of the meeting on FMTV, because during the Item M Calendar Section, Mayor Northern and Councilmember Lyda were being very accommodating to make this happen per Councilmember Stephenson's request. It makes us wonder what is Councilmember Stephenson’s real agenda? We allege that her goal may be postponement of the recommendations of the Charter review items be put on the May ballot. At a cost of $10,000 to $30,000, why does Councilmember Stephenson want to burden the taxpayers of Flower Mound by paying for a special election in November?
At the February 2nd Charter Review meeting, the members reviewed, discussed, debated, and voted on all items that had been submitted to the committee by Staff, Council, and residents. The residents in attendance were given an opportunity to make comments on each item as it was presented. In fact, the residents were allowed to speak as long as they wished and as many times as they wished.
Only ONE recommendation was a 3 in Support and 2 in Opposition. Surprise… the ONE was the recommendation made by the Oil and Gas Advisory Board in July of 2011 to protect the new Oil and Gas Ordinance via a Super Majority, or 4 to 1 Council vote to change, weaken, or repeal the new ordinance. Why would the two CRC members be opposed to this item going to the voters of Flower Mound?
We want to have a chance to vote on the Charter amendments in May. If all the issues and recommendations have been addressed, why should the process take longer? The Charter Review Committee will present a 30-page document that will be reviewed by Council. THE RECOMMENDATION SURROUNDING THE SUPER MAJORITY VOTE TO AMEND and/or REPEAL THE 2011 OIL AND GAS ORDINANCE IS IMPORTANT! You can see how serious it is by the Council’s appointees: a former Mayor and Planning and Zoning Commissioner; a former Councilmember; a current Planning and Zoning Commissioner and former Oil and Gas Advisory Board Chairman, another member of the former Oil and Gas Advisory Board, and two attorneys. The majority of the committee had first-hand experience of this document and understood its importance. It took the last Charter Review Committee longer to understand the Town Charter and the rules that govern it. This is not the case with the current committee!
Per Councilmember Stephenson’s request, Council is having a special meeting on February 15th. This is a public meeting and any resident can show up. You may speak during the public participation portion of this meeting or send emails to voice your concern.
Simply ask the Flower Mound Town Council: do you support a charter amendment requiring a public hearing and a super-majority vote to amend the ordinance?
If their answer is no, then beware—an accommodation to the drillers may be in the works.
To contact the Mayor and all Town Council Members, please e-mail mayor/towncouncil@flower-mound.com
The Charter Review Committee will have another meeting on February 16th.
Most importantly, let the citizens of Flower Mound vote on the items on May 12th.
Please give a first and last name when commenting.
Flower Mound's new Oil and Gas Ordinance is in jeopardy. The very ordinance that may be the most protective of its citizens in the State of Texas AND the United States.
There is an important article in the Flower Mound Leader that residents should read.
Council clashes over Charter Review
After all the hard work that included walking neighborhoods, phone calls, and repeated trips to Town Hall, the controversy is happening again! Despite the citizen’s referendum on Gas Drilling, it appears that Councilmember Stephenson is trying to take away our right to vote on protecting the new Oil and Gas Ordinance in May.
During Monday’s Council meeting, Councilmember Stephenson failed to comply with meeting protocol. Councilmember Stephenson under the Item A Future Agenda, asked the council to postpone any further Charter Review meetings until her summons of the Charter Review Chairman could be fulfilled. When the Town Secretary informed her that the Chairman was not available due to a work schedule conflict, Councilmember Stephenson became angry and defiant and continued to ignore meeting protocol. It was somewhat confusing, but Mayor Northern was trying to explain to Councilmember Stephenson that since Stephenson did not have an item to put on the agenda, the Council could not discuss having a special meeting to satisfy Councilmember Stephenson’s demands at that point of the meeting.
It really is interesting to watch the video of the meeting on FMTV, because during the Item M Calendar Section, Mayor Northern and Councilmember Lyda were being very accommodating to make this happen per Councilmember Stephenson's request. It makes us wonder what is Councilmember Stephenson’s real agenda? We allege that her goal may be postponement of the recommendations of the Charter review items be put on the May ballot. At a cost of $10,000 to $30,000, why does Councilmember Stephenson want to burden the taxpayers of Flower Mound by paying for a special election in November?
At the February 2nd Charter Review meeting, the members reviewed, discussed, debated, and voted on all items that had been submitted to the committee by Staff, Council, and residents. The residents in attendance were given an opportunity to make comments on each item as it was presented. In fact, the residents were allowed to speak as long as they wished and as many times as they wished.
Only ONE recommendation was a 3 in Support and 2 in Opposition. Surprise… the ONE was the recommendation made by the Oil and Gas Advisory Board in July of 2011 to protect the new Oil and Gas Ordinance via a Super Majority, or 4 to 1 Council vote to change, weaken, or repeal the new ordinance. Why would the two CRC members be opposed to this item going to the voters of Flower Mound?
We want to have a chance to vote on the Charter amendments in May. If all the issues and recommendations have been addressed, why should the process take longer? The Charter Review Committee will present a 30-page document that will be reviewed by Council. THE RECOMMENDATION SURROUNDING THE SUPER MAJORITY VOTE TO AMEND and/or REPEAL THE 2011 OIL AND GAS ORDINANCE IS IMPORTANT! You can see how serious it is by the Council’s appointees: a former Mayor and Planning and Zoning Commissioner; a former Councilmember; a current Planning and Zoning Commissioner and former Oil and Gas Advisory Board Chairman, another member of the former Oil and Gas Advisory Board, and two attorneys. The majority of the committee had first-hand experience of this document and understood its importance. It took the last Charter Review Committee longer to understand the Town Charter and the rules that govern it. This is not the case with the current committee!
Per Councilmember Stephenson’s request, Council is having a special meeting on February 15th. This is a public meeting and any resident can show up. You may speak during the public participation portion of this meeting or send emails to voice your concern.
Simply ask the Flower Mound Town Council: do you support a charter amendment requiring a public hearing and a super-majority vote to amend the ordinance?
If their answer is no, then beware—an accommodation to the drillers may be in the works.
To contact the Mayor and all Town Council Members, please e-mail mayor/towncouncil@flower-mound.com
The Charter Review Committee will have another meeting on February 16th.
Most importantly, let the citizens of Flower Mound vote on the items on May 12th.
Please give a first and last name when commenting.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Titan/Hilliard Field Update
We have received some phone calls and emails regarding the recent activity on Hilliard Field. Here is what we know.
Titan is in the process of installing an enclosed gas lift compressor and a dehydration unit. The compressor will be natural gas fired.
Click here for a description of different types of compression.
According to the Oil and Gas Glossary, to meet pipeline requirements, the water vapor in natural gas must be removed. This is why dehydration is needed.
We recently went to the Texas Railroad Commission mapsite to see if any production has been posted for the Titan/Hilliard site. As of today, no production has been recorded. Many articles we have read stated that gas lift can be brought in to increase production in lower producing gas wells, extra tight formations, and older gas wells. We have no idea which of these may be the case at the Hilliard site.
According to the town of Flower Mound Environmental Services Department, The gas lift compressor may be operated intermittently as needed. At this time, there is no way of knowing how long the gas lift will be necessary. The town will be monitoring the site to make sure Titan is in compliance with our noise level regulations. If you have a complaint about noise, call the town. Flower Mound's Oil and Gas Inspector will be inspecting for compliance with all applicable Town requirements every month. In between these monthly inspections, our inspector will routinely visit sites, performing “spot checks”. A special thank you to our Oil and Gas Inspector for taking the time to quickly answer all the questions submitted. If you have a concern, or question, we encourage you to contact our Inspector at jonathan.powell@flower-mound.com.
The last issue we have received emails on is sometimes residents smell natural gas when passing by the Titan/Hilliard site. It has been confirmed that Titan has been treating the gas with Mercaptan (natural gas odor) since the end of October. We are not sure if that is what residents are smelling.
Most important, if you smell any odors or experience any health effects, call the Town AND contact TCEQ immediately. The information for TCEQ is on the right hand side of the blog.
Titan is in the process of installing an enclosed gas lift compressor and a dehydration unit. The compressor will be natural gas fired.
Click here for a description of different types of compression.
According to the Oil and Gas Glossary, to meet pipeline requirements, the water vapor in natural gas must be removed. This is why dehydration is needed.
We recently went to the Texas Railroad Commission mapsite to see if any production has been posted for the Titan/Hilliard site. As of today, no production has been recorded. Many articles we have read stated that gas lift can be brought in to increase production in lower producing gas wells, extra tight formations, and older gas wells. We have no idea which of these may be the case at the Hilliard site.
According to the town of Flower Mound Environmental Services Department, The gas lift compressor may be operated intermittently as needed. At this time, there is no way of knowing how long the gas lift will be necessary. The town will be monitoring the site to make sure Titan is in compliance with our noise level regulations. If you have a complaint about noise, call the town. Flower Mound's Oil and Gas Inspector will be inspecting for compliance with all applicable Town requirements every month. In between these monthly inspections, our inspector will routinely visit sites, performing “spot checks”. A special thank you to our Oil and Gas Inspector for taking the time to quickly answer all the questions submitted. If you have a concern, or question, we encourage you to contact our Inspector at jonathan.powell@flower-mound.com.
The last issue we have received emails on is sometimes residents smell natural gas when passing by the Titan/Hilliard site. It has been confirmed that Titan has been treating the gas with Mercaptan (natural gas odor) since the end of October. We are not sure if that is what residents are smelling.
Most important, if you smell any odors or experience any health effects, call the Town AND contact TCEQ immediately. The information for TCEQ is on the right hand side of the blog.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
LISD To Discuss and Consider Signing Gas Leases
The LISD Board of Trustees is asking for the opportunity to seek proposals for signing gas leases with Titan Operating and Williams.
The Regular meeting is this coming Monday, November 14th, and will begin at 6:00 PM in the Bolin Administrative Center, 1565 W. Main Street, Lewisville, Texas. Immediately after opening, the Board of Trustees will convene in Closed Session and will return to Open Session at 7:00 PM.
Click here for the agenda.
If you read the action item, it appears they may be leaning towards signing. Of course, indicating that there will be drilling anyway and they will most likely lose the Rule 37 exceptions currently being requested with the Texas Railroad Commission. We have heard that line before.
This does not include signing a lease for the LISD properties near the Hilliard Pad Site. Using the excuse that drilling will happen any way is not the case at Hilliard. Without the leasing of many of the properties near Hilliard, a significant amount of wells could be prevented from being drilled.
Click here for the action item.
If you live near one of these properties, NOW is the time to voice your opinions. SHOW UP and contact the Board of Trustees.
Click here for the contact info.
The Regular meeting is this coming Monday, November 14th, and will begin at 6:00 PM in the Bolin Administrative Center, 1565 W. Main Street, Lewisville, Texas. Immediately after opening, the Board of Trustees will convene in Closed Session and will return to Open Session at 7:00 PM.
Click here for the agenda.
If you read the action item, it appears they may be leaning towards signing. Of course, indicating that there will be drilling anyway and they will most likely lose the Rule 37 exceptions currently being requested with the Texas Railroad Commission. We have heard that line before.
This does not include signing a lease for the LISD properties near the Hilliard Pad Site. Using the excuse that drilling will happen any way is not the case at Hilliard. Without the leasing of many of the properties near Hilliard, a significant amount of wells could be prevented from being drilled.
Click here for the action item.
If you live near one of these properties, NOW is the time to voice your opinions. SHOW UP and contact the Board of Trustees.
Click here for the contact info.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
"Good Neighbor" Williams Receives Penalty and Violation From EPA
One of our "good neighbors', Williams received a penalty and will be forced to reduce their emissions from gas production sites in Colorado. The EPA also issued a penalty and violation to Conoco Phillips.
Hello EPA, we need you here in Flower Mound. In the past 2 months, there have been close to 20 odor and health complaints to the TCEQ for gas drilling production sites here in FloMo. Over 90 percent of those have been at a Williams gas production site!!!!!!!
The TCEQ can't seem to find anything yet we have residents complaining of health effects ranging from nose bleeds, respiratory problems, dizziness, headaches, digestive issues etc.
Here is a press release we received from the EPA.
Agreements with Williams and ConocoPhillips resolve alleged Clean Air Act violations on Southern Ute Reservation
Companies to pay penalties, improve emission controls, and conserve gas at production facilities
Contact: Joshua Rickard, 303-312-6460; Richard Mylott, 303-312-6654
(Denver, Colo. – November 2, 2011) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced agreements with two gas production companies resolving alleged violations of the Clean Air Act on the Southern Ute Reservation in Colorado’s San Juan Basin. The agreements, outlined in separate consent decrees with Williams and ConocoPhillips, will reduce emissions of air pollutants from a gas plant and compressor stations.
“These agreements will ensure that steps are taken to monitor and reduce emissions of harmful volatile organic compounds from several production facilities on the Southern Ute Reservation,” said Mike Gaydosh, director of EPA’s enforcement program in Denver. “These and other air pollutants can contribute to unhealthy air quality and impair visibility.”
Under an agreement with Houston-based ConocoPhillips, the company will pay a penalty of $198,000 to resolve alleged Clean Air Act violations at the Southern Ute Compressor Station. The station removes water and compresses natural gas for transportation through high pressure gas pipelines. The violations were discovered during a self-audit conducted by ConocoPhillips and disclosed to EPA.
ConocoPhillips will also conduct mitigation projects at the station, including the replacement of "high-bleed" pneumatics with "low-bleed" or "no-bleed" pneumatics at well sites that feed into the station. In addition, the company will conduct an infrared camera survey of the compressor station to identify leaking components and will retrofit a compressor engine with an oxidation catalyst to reduce emissions.
Measures taken as a result of the settlement will reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds by 137 tons per year, hazardous air pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene by 90 tons per year, and carbon monoxide by 33 tons per year. These measures will also conserve 5.5 million cubic feet of gas annually, enough to heat 80 homes.
In a separate agreement with EPA, Williams, a natural gas production company based in Tulsa, Okla., has agreed to pay a $50,000 penalty and expand a leak detection program at the Ignacio Gas Plant on the Southern Ute Reservation. The settlement resolves alleged Clean Air Act violations at the gas plant and the Ute E compressor station. Violations were discovered through inspections conducted by EPA.
In addition to the penalty, Williams has agreed to implement an infrared camera leak-detection and repair program to identify fugitive emissions sources. The expected annual emission reductions associated with these measures include approximately 14,000 lbs of volatile organic compounds.
The Ignacio Gas Plant gathers and processes field gas for transportation. The Ute E compressor station compresses field gas for transportation through a gathering line.
The facilities affected by both agreements are located in the San Juan Basin near Durango, Colo., within the exterior boundaries of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.
Help EPA protect our nation's land, air and water by reporting violations: http://www.epa.gov/tips/
Hello EPA, we need you here in Flower Mound. In the past 2 months, there have been close to 20 odor and health complaints to the TCEQ for gas drilling production sites here in FloMo. Over 90 percent of those have been at a Williams gas production site!!!!!!!
The TCEQ can't seem to find anything yet we have residents complaining of health effects ranging from nose bleeds, respiratory problems, dizziness, headaches, digestive issues etc.
Here is a press release we received from the EPA.
Agreements with Williams and ConocoPhillips resolve alleged Clean Air Act violations on Southern Ute Reservation
Companies to pay penalties, improve emission controls, and conserve gas at production facilities
Contact: Joshua Rickard, 303-312-6460; Richard Mylott, 303-312-6654
(Denver, Colo. – November 2, 2011) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced agreements with two gas production companies resolving alleged violations of the Clean Air Act on the Southern Ute Reservation in Colorado’s San Juan Basin. The agreements, outlined in separate consent decrees with Williams and ConocoPhillips, will reduce emissions of air pollutants from a gas plant and compressor stations.
“These agreements will ensure that steps are taken to monitor and reduce emissions of harmful volatile organic compounds from several production facilities on the Southern Ute Reservation,” said Mike Gaydosh, director of EPA’s enforcement program in Denver. “These and other air pollutants can contribute to unhealthy air quality and impair visibility.”
Under an agreement with Houston-based ConocoPhillips, the company will pay a penalty of $198,000 to resolve alleged Clean Air Act violations at the Southern Ute Compressor Station. The station removes water and compresses natural gas for transportation through high pressure gas pipelines. The violations were discovered during a self-audit conducted by ConocoPhillips and disclosed to EPA.
ConocoPhillips will also conduct mitigation projects at the station, including the replacement of "high-bleed" pneumatics with "low-bleed" or "no-bleed" pneumatics at well sites that feed into the station. In addition, the company will conduct an infrared camera survey of the compressor station to identify leaking components and will retrofit a compressor engine with an oxidation catalyst to reduce emissions.
Measures taken as a result of the settlement will reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds by 137 tons per year, hazardous air pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene by 90 tons per year, and carbon monoxide by 33 tons per year. These measures will also conserve 5.5 million cubic feet of gas annually, enough to heat 80 homes.
In a separate agreement with EPA, Williams, a natural gas production company based in Tulsa, Okla., has agreed to pay a $50,000 penalty and expand a leak detection program at the Ignacio Gas Plant on the Southern Ute Reservation. The settlement resolves alleged Clean Air Act violations at the gas plant and the Ute E compressor station. Violations were discovered through inspections conducted by EPA.
In addition to the penalty, Williams has agreed to implement an infrared camera leak-detection and repair program to identify fugitive emissions sources. The expected annual emission reductions associated with these measures include approximately 14,000 lbs of volatile organic compounds.
The Ignacio Gas Plant gathers and processes field gas for transportation. The Ute E compressor station compresses field gas for transportation through a gathering line.
The facilities affected by both agreements are located in the San Juan Basin near Durango, Colo., within the exterior boundaries of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.
Help EPA protect our nation's land, air and water by reporting violations: http://www.epa.gov/tips/
Monday, October 24, 2011
Spilliams....Repeat Offender
There has been yet another spill out in West Flower Mound at a Williams site.
According to information from the town of Flower Mound, (see page 8-9 of drilling ordinance) this is the 6th spill at a Williams gas drilling pad site "REPORTED" to the town. Of course it rained very hard on Saturday night and who knows if any of the spill spread from the site.
Let's go back to the summer of 2009 when many West Flower Mound residents came to Town Hall professing their love and admiration for Williams. The cause of the latest spill?
"The spill occurred due to a failed weld in a line transporting fluids."
The West Flower Mound residents begged for the town to allow Williams the opportunity to run waste water pipelines from their pad sites to a Centralized Collection Facility. Some of us argued that accidents happen like.....welds failing! Williams is NOT a "good neighbor". In fact if you and I continued to spill toxic waste, we would be heavily fined or in jail!!!
"The spill occurred due to a failed weld in a line transporting fluids."
The West Flower Mound residents begged for the town to allow Williams the opportunity to run waste water pipelines from their pad sites to a Centralized Collection Facility. Some of us argued that accidents happen like.....welds failing! Williams is NOT a "good neighbor". In fact if you and I continued to spill toxic waste, we would be heavily fined or in jail!!!
But folks, it isn't just spills. In a little over a year and a half, close to 90 odor and health complaints have been made to the TCEQ just in Flower Mound alone. Every one of those complaints has been at or near gas drilling production sites. A majority of those complaints have been near Williams sites.
Cancer rates in the Barnett Shale Counties are on the rise.
If Texas Railroad Commission is wondering why so many people are refusing to sign leases resulting in Rule 37 applications and Forced Pooling applications, they need to look no further than our backyards. Contamination, air quality issues and health issues being reported by the citizens living on the Barnett Shale are clearly being overlooked. Many feel our state agencies responsible for regulating the industry are not doing their job. Not signing a lease has become the only way residents can "try" to protect themselves.
Good neighbors or the neighbors from hell?
If Texas Railroad Commission is wondering why so many people are refusing to sign leases resulting in Rule 37 applications and Forced Pooling applications, they need to look no further than our backyards. Contamination, air quality issues and health issues being reported by the citizens living on the Barnett Shale are clearly being overlooked. Many feel our state agencies responsible for regulating the industry are not doing their job. Not signing a lease has become the only way residents can "try" to protect themselves.
Good neighbors or the neighbors from hell?
I
Friday, October 7, 2011
Could LISD Allow Hilliard And Other Sites Near Schools To Become Another Scenic Rd.?
Just this week, news surfaced about Titan Operating filing a request for a Rule 37 exception to come within 47 feet of LISD's Killough Campus (located near McGee and 407 in Lewisville). That isn't a shock but what is alarming is Titan is still actively making offers to LISD for leasing their land. This article in the Flower Mound Leader says 1 million and an post on Whosplayin mentioned 1 1/2 million.
Did you know that your children's health and safety may be sold for 1 to 1 1/2 million dollars?
We don't know about anyone else but we can't think of an amount that would be worth it. It would be thoughtless and careless to allow more gas drilling near our schools. It has been highly publicized that LISD has been approached over and over again to sign gas leases. In fact, LISD signed gas leases in 2007 but luckliy those leases expired. Are some of our elected School Board Members considering signing again?
We already know that not signing a lease is the best protection from gas drilling occurring near our schools and homes. Now with the supersized padsites, the less signed leases can mean less wells. It has been proven over and over again. This has been debated before.
In some cases drilling may be already going on but with more leased acreage comes more wells, more tanks, more compressors. With all this equipment comes more emissions and traffic.
It becomes a big pot of toxic soup. If you don't believe us just drive out to Scenic Dr. and 1171 in West Flower Mound.
Frankly, the fact that people are worried about LISD "leaving money on the table" or "getting screwed out of royalties", is sickening and insulting by putting greed before our children. The oil and gas industry really doesn't care about our children. If they really wanted to help out Texas schools, they wouldn't be requesting 185 million dollars in "tax refunds" that will require almost half of the refund money come from Texas school funds.
If LISD does NOT sign a lease for the property adjacent to the south of Hilliard Field, NO additional drilling can occur to the South or South East. We believe that would eliminate 5-6 wells based on a 20-24 well estimate given to the Flower Mound Oil and Gas Board of Appeals in May 2010. We also know that many residents to the East, North East and South West have not signed leases. That will eliminate even more wells or at least force Titan to apply for many more Rule 37 exceptions.
Do you want this near your child's school?
LISD must continue to protest the Rule 37 like the town of Flower Mound did in the Rule 37 request by Williams. Williams ended up withdrawing their Rule 37 request.
This is a ploy to get LISD to sign leases. LISD needs to stand up to the gas companies!
Speak up now before it is too late.
Go to the LISD website and find out the dates and times for the School Board Meetings.
Contact the School Board Members and let them know how you feel.
If you are interested in getting the word out to your friends and neighbors by an organized effort, please contact us at stopthedrilling@gmail.com
Did you know that your children's health and safety may be sold for 1 to 1 1/2 million dollars?
We don't know about anyone else but we can't think of an amount that would be worth it. It would be thoughtless and careless to allow more gas drilling near our schools. It has been highly publicized that LISD has been approached over and over again to sign gas leases. In fact, LISD signed gas leases in 2007 but luckliy those leases expired. Are some of our elected School Board Members considering signing again?
We already know that not signing a lease is the best protection from gas drilling occurring near our schools and homes. Now with the supersized padsites, the less signed leases can mean less wells. It has been proven over and over again. This has been debated before.
In some cases drilling may be already going on but with more leased acreage comes more wells, more tanks, more compressors. With all this equipment comes more emissions and traffic.
It becomes a big pot of toxic soup. If you don't believe us just drive out to Scenic Dr. and 1171 in West Flower Mound.
Frankly, the fact that people are worried about LISD "leaving money on the table" or "getting screwed out of royalties", is sickening and insulting by putting greed before our children. The oil and gas industry really doesn't care about our children. If they really wanted to help out Texas schools, they wouldn't be requesting 185 million dollars in "tax refunds" that will require almost half of the refund money come from Texas school funds.
If LISD does NOT sign a lease for the property adjacent to the south of Hilliard Field, NO additional drilling can occur to the South or South East. We believe that would eliminate 5-6 wells based on a 20-24 well estimate given to the Flower Mound Oil and Gas Board of Appeals in May 2010. We also know that many residents to the East, North East and South West have not signed leases. That will eliminate even more wells or at least force Titan to apply for many more Rule 37 exceptions.
Do you want this near your child's school?
LISD must continue to protest the Rule 37 like the town of Flower Mound did in the Rule 37 request by Williams. Williams ended up withdrawing their Rule 37 request.
This is a ploy to get LISD to sign leases. LISD needs to stand up to the gas companies!
Speak up now before it is too late.
Go to the LISD website and find out the dates and times for the School Board Meetings.
Contact the School Board Members and let them know how you feel.
If you are interested in getting the word out to your friends and neighbors by an organized effort, please contact us at stopthedrilling@gmail.com
Thursday, October 6, 2011
When Doctors Are Concerned, We Should All Be Concerned
"More than 250 pediatricians, family practitioners, endocrinologists, oncologists and other doctors, along with the Medical Societies of at least seven upstate counties and the regional office of the American Academy of Pediatricians, wrote to Governor Cuomo, warning that the state of New York has failed to analyze public health impacts of hydraulic fracturing in its rush to approve permits for drilling."
Click here for info and to read the letter.
Those of us living on the Barnett Shale have been asking why comprehensive health studies were never performed before all the drilling and fracking begin close to 10 years ago. Of course, our Texas Department of Health Services likes to make excuses for all the increase of health issues in north Texas.
Click here for map of the massive increase of wells since 2003 in the Barnett Shale.
Dallas Citizen Group Releases Recommendations For Gas Drilling
Dallas resident Raymond Crawford presented the Dallas City Council with recommendations put together by local citizen groups. They are quite impressive. Great job Dallas.
We will keep our fingers crossed that the Dallas Drilling Task Force and City Council accept and vote to implement all of the recommendations.
We will keep our fingers crossed that the Dallas Drilling Task Force and City Council accept and vote to implement all of the recommendations.
Click here to read the recommendations.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Titan Operating Tells TRC OneThing, Tells Local Press Something Else
In a letter to the Texas Railroad Commission, dated May 20, 2011, Titan Operating stated they would like the TRC to expedite their Rule 37 ruling because "at this time, however, the Commission's decision on the Hilliard South Unit application is more urgently needed to allow Titan an opportunity to satisfy it's lease and conservation obligations".
However, in an article dated August 12, 2011 for the Flower Mound leader, Titan"s Mr. Schumacher said Titan does not have any expiring leases resulting from the Rule 37 process.
So why the urgency if no leases were going to expire?
As of today, the well might not be producing so "held-by-production" may not apply.
Which statement is accurate? You can't have it both ways Titan.
Get Ready For More Birdie And Butterfly Ads
Yes, now Conoco Phillips is launching a drill baby drill campaign.
It seems all the real life stories of contamination, health issues, and decreased property values are proving to be a huge obstacle for the gas industry to overcome.
Click here to read article.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Sue Thy Neighbor?
Living on the Barnett Shale, it is common to blame the gas drilling company. In fact, many residents have gone as far as suing gas companies. But suing your neighbor for signing a lease and allowing industrial activity that results in air pollution, health issues, noise, and lower property values?
Click here to read an interesting article about it.
One line in this article didn't surprise us at all.....
states like Texas and West Virginia don't favor such lawsuits
We do know that gas drilling activity does effect health and the air we breathe, that has been well documented in the local news, on this site and many others in the area.
We have reported on gas drilling and property values in the past.
It is a very good question. Should those that sign leases be held accountable when there is a problem like a leak, a spill, a fire, people getting sick or loss of property values?
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Gas Executive Sounds Warning On Cementing Of Gas Wells
This isn't the first time a gas executive has expressed concern about cement failure for well casings. We have posted info on this before. Lee Fuller, Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Association of America admits that even with best practices that contamination may occur. He said the cement casing will deteriorate over time, wells will need to be re-worked periodically and even when it done the cement may be flawed and there may still be failures.
Now Paul Smith, Executive Vice President of North American Operations for Talisman Energy gave this warning during a speech to industry group Marcellus Shale Coalition.
Smith said....
“However, industry must recognize that reported cases of gas migration into water tables can occur as the result of ineffective well design and cementing practices.”
Click here to read a great piece on cracking cement.
Since we don't have any long term studies, how do we really know what the life of a "cement casing job" is?
Now Paul Smith, Executive Vice President of North American Operations for Talisman Energy gave this warning during a speech to industry group Marcellus Shale Coalition.
Smith said....
“However, industry must recognize that reported cases of gas migration into water tables can occur as the result of ineffective well design and cementing practices.”
Click here to read a great piece on cracking cement.
Since we don't have any long term studies, how do we really know what the life of a "cement casing job" is?
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