New Report Shows Texas Fracking Setback distances Inadequate

Setback distances in Texas are not protective of public health and safety:

Assessment of expert opinion on sufficient setback distances for unconventional oil and gas development (UOGD):

• 89% of the participants agreed that the minimum safe setback distance from UOGD is ¼ mile (1320 feet).
• 50% of the expert participants regarded 1-1 ¼ miles as a minimum setback.
• Others voiced concerns about setback distances up to 2 miles.

Consensus was reached that:

• Any and all steps in the process from drilling through delivery of the product to the consumer should be located at least ¼ mile from places where people live, work, or play.
• Vulnerable groups in communities should be afforded additional protection where possible, with longer setbacks for settings such as schools, day care centers, and hospitals.

Download report HERE

Only two Barnett Shale cities have adequate setback distances: Flower Mound and Dallas. But, even those cities include a reverse setback LOOPHOLE that allows builders to build new construction only a few hundred feet from established oil and gas wells. This setback LOOPHOLE puts the health and safety of Texans in danger.