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City air sampling proves flowback is not just steam from hot water

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This is happening now in Arlington at Chesapeake Energy’s Bruder site:

Recently, Chesapeake Energy PR spokesperson, Julie Wilson (no relation) told Arlington residents that the emissions from their completion operations were only steam.

“The “vapor” you see from the tanks on this site is steam from hot water. […] Despite the alarming stories that are unfortunately sometimes circulated, we can assure you there are no harmful emissions to worry about.”

Arlington residents challenged Chesapeake Energy to prove they are releasing nothing but hot water but Chesapeake Energy did not respond.

I sent an email to the TCEQ alerting them that flowback would soon start at Chesapeake’s Bruder well and asking them to step up with some air monitoring but they did not respond.

In Colleyville on the Southlake border, Titan Energy Operating did what was called a “mini-frack” which does not compare to the completion operation currently happening at Chesapeake Energy’s Bruder site which is a full-fledged frack.

The City of Colleyville hired an independent contractor to monitor the Titan “mini-frack.” Their full report can be read HERE. An analysis of the report follows:

Single Stage Frac Job in the Barnett Shale in February 2012

In a residential area. Company assured residents there would be no air emissions.

Consultant for city detected:

Flow Back Water
Methane 20%
Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOC) 8 ppm in emissions (to convert that to ppm ppb add three zeros)

Open Frac Tank Emissions from Open Hatches Released
Methane
VOC

During Hydro Fracturing Emissions
o-Xylene
Toluene
Ethyl Benzene
Nitric Oxide

During Hydro Fracturing and Flow Back Operations Emissions
Benzene
Xylene(o,m,p)
Toluene
Ammonia
Nitric Oxide

Recommendations: Need for improved emissions capture and removal of VOC emissions during fracturing and flow back operations.

I think it’s safe to say that, based on the above, Chesapeake’s emissions during completion are not just steam.

Please see: Study finds living near fracking is risky for health.

Watch for more information about the “mini-frack” coming next week.

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.

Comments

  1. FM WatchDog says

    I believe that operating is Titan Operating and not Titan Energy, two distinct companies.

  2. charlie murphy says

    Very good reporting! Now if we could get the thousands of other cities across the country to do the same thing as the City of Colleyville, we might all be able to come to the obvious conclusion – corporations want profits – not protection for residents – because corporations are NOT people. Corporations do not breath in toxic chemicals, do not have to drink contaminated water, and do not have to worry about having unexpected and unexplained medical problems for themselves and the people the care for.

    Companies like Chesapeake have clearly shown us that focusing on profits is an effective means of getting people to forget about the things they most cherish.

  3. Tim Ruggiero says

    What?! Paid Liar Julie No Relation Wilson telling LIES? And they wonder why they have a credibility problem.

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