Here it is folks:
TCEQ admits that natural gas extraction harms human health.
Sandra DenBraber is one tenacious woman and now that tenacity has paid off in a big way for all who live in the Barnett Shale. Sandra lives 600′ from UTA’s Carrizo facility in Arlington, Texas and blood tests prove that she has the following drilling chemicals in her blood:
- Ethylbenzene
- m,p-Xylene
- Hexane
- 2-Methylpentane
- 3-Methylpentane
Even in the face of severe intimidation tactics by the Vice President of UTA who called the police when Sandra met with him in his office, she remained strong, courageous and focused.
In a letter to TCEQ, Sandra’s doctor states:
“…it is my medical opinion that her current illness and inability to recover is related to her constant and continual exposure to diesel exhaust fumes and other chemicals associated with the oil and gas drilling/fractionating and compressor station…”
Now TCEQ is taking the first enforcement action ever based on a doctor’s letter.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to notify Carrizo of possible air quality violation
The Texas Commission of Environmental Quality will notify Carrizo Oil and Gas Inc. of a possible air quality violation, according to an investigation report by the agency.
The TCEQ conducted investigations in July and August after an Arlington resident made complaints to the TCEQ and provided them with medical records. An October 2008 TCEQ Interoffice Memorandum requires complainants substantiate claims of adverse health effects from air contamination with documentation from a health professional.
Sandra DenBraber sent letters signed by her personal physician to the TCEQ and Carrizo stating she has suffered migraines, headaches and respiratory problems which she attributes to the gas wells emissions.
“Carrizo has been making me ill, and my doctor’s letter can confirm this,” DenBraber said. “I’ve been going to the doctor since 2008, and the letter was sent to Carrizo and TCEQ in June.”
Way to go, Sandra. Thank you for your courage and for keeping on and keeping on.
Isn’t it cute that UTA Vice President, Jerry Lewis, pretends he doesn’t know anything about it.
Communications Vice President Jerry Lewis said he is looking into the issue and will have further details in the next few days.
About Sharon Wilson
Sharon Wilson is considered a leading citizen expert on the impacts of shale oil and gas extraction. She is the go-to person whether it’s top EPA officials from D.C., national and international news networks, or residents facing the shock of eminent domain and the devastating environmental effects of natural gas development in their backyards.
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Nicely done, Sandra. I admire your courage. Can't wait to see what Mr. Lewis has to say about it. I wonder how many Julie Wilsons, Ed Irelands, Sunwest Communications, Ramona Nyes or Terry Clawsons or other paid liars he has to check with first.
I wouldn't allow my kid to attend UTA. They have behaved horribly.
"Span oil o" never follows up on anything I send him.
I'm sure the industry will go after the Dr. now.
No doubt. That's why it is so hard to find doctors who are willing to help us even by taking blood.
Squandered opportunity:
UTA had the opportunity to insist that drilling be done right, especially since it is in such close proximity to students and the community. Instead of taking the highroad and protecting public health they have denied and enabled.
How true, Anon above. UTA is just another Oil Soaked University in Tx. Same as A&M, tu and others–all oil soaked in Tx. No help from those folks.