|
June 9, 2010 -
While two of my initial Bob's Blogs were over serious concerns for
"our chunky fracking water" this blog concerns air quality. Many
say that air quality issues around gas drilling are more of a concern
than the water issues. This would be especially true for our special
corner of southwestern Pennsylvania, since air quality has been a
problem here for years. For that reason, we have to burn that special
gasoline every summer.
Foam in a Washington County stream
near Marcellus Shale gas drilling
Beyond that fact is the news that more towns and school districts in
our area are
leasing public lands for Marcellus Shale gas drilling. They like
what the money does for a budget crunch. But are they thinking enough about their kids?
Children are more susceptible to air pollution than adults. Gas
drilling begins with hundreds of diesel-powered truck trips to move
equipment, water and supplies. Once drilling is complete, truck
trips to each well continue in order to service the wells and drain
condensate tanks. Condensate tanks vent off toxic fumes, and methane
seeps and venting add greatly to existing air pollution problems. Gas
compressor stations and cryogenic plants that process gas add even
more air pollution.
Smoky flare at a gas compressor station
in
Washington County near Cross Creek Park
Long story short, these sorts of
gas production activities are especially inappropriate anywhere near public parks
and schools where children spend time. With that in mind, I visited
our school board meeting last week to share my thoughts as a
concerned citizen. Below is a PDF of my presentation.
The first two pages are my 3-minute presentation to the board, and
the next two pages present the air quality issue for kids. The final
two pages show existing air quality problems in our Pittsburgh area,
county by county.
One reason we shouldn't lease our public parks and
school properties for Marcellus Shale gas drilling
PDF (321KB)
Your school board (as well as your county and
township officials) may be considering leasing public lands. I would suggest
getting involved in the decision process before it is too late.
Gas leases can last forever.
Bob
P.S. Take 3 minutes to watch the
YouTube video below |
