Star-Telegram Reports on DISH, Texas Air Pollution in Barnett Shale

Study shows high level of potentially toxic air pollution in DISH
By Mike Lee

The study, done by Wolf Eagle Environmental and paid for by the Town Council, found high levels of 15 chemicals, including benzene, xylene, naphthalene and carbon disulfide at five of seven test sites. In some cases the levels were 10 times the recommended level for short-term exposure, and some levels were high enough to be an immediate danger, according to the study. It said, however, that the results were only a one-time snapshot.

Some levels were 107 times the long-term Effects Screening Levels!

Although the study was a “one-time snapshot” residents in DISH have been complaining for over a year about the bad smells coming from the gas facilities. A year ago, I took a busload of people on a tour of DISH and almost everyone had some immediate symptom–headache, congestion, burning eyes–from the fumes.

It’s been an ongoing struggle to get any response from state regulators or from this arrogant industry and to force them to comply with the terms in agreements. I have posted several times (scroll down at link) about this struggle and now Mayor Tillman has his own blog.

I want to call attention to the industry quotes from the Star-Telegram article:
This from Crosstex Energy:

“We believe we’ve taken ample steps to communicate the details of our investigation to the mayor and will continue to monitor our operations in the area,” said Jill McMillan of Crosstex Energy.

Nice job monitoring your operations, Crosstex! Is your company always so conscientious? You can learn more about Crosstex and how they threatened DISH with litigation and their attempt to sneak in another compressor station. HERE and HERE.

This from Chesapeake Energy:

Justin Bond of Chesapeake Energy said, “The last time several operators spoke with Mayor Tillman and presented this information, he complimented our efforts.”

He complimented our efforts.”

Justin Bond of Chesapeake Energy,
referring to the mayor’s reaction to a previous study

Justin, is referring to a half-assed study of DISH air quality conducted by industry. The study was such a joke why should Tillman bother wasting his time arguing with them. He knew the results of his study would make a mockery of theirs.

You can read more about how Chesapeake Energy Reneges on Promises and Makes Veiled Threats and the Worst Case Scenerio in DISH, TX

An evaluation of the study is HERE.

UPDATE: This comment on the Star-Telegram sums it up beautifully:

mrwonderful wrote on 9/26/2009 11:01:49 AM:

Mayor Tillman, complimented them for thier toxic waste site “white wash” efforts and allowed these vipers to slither out of our Town Hall. Then he call for the City to spend 10% of the city’s annual budget for this “real study”, for the protection, health and well being of the citizens of this community and all of North Texans living near one of these units.

If Mayor Tillman were governor of this state, if I were attorney general, there would be handcuffed perp walks for the Railroad Commissioners, TCEQ and the CEOs of these polluters, “follow the money”. If our state officials and the board of directors of these companies do not take immediate action to clean up their houses, it is time for a federal investigation (in reality, we are way over due).

And, the FW Weekly weighs in on Blotch: Just Because It Looks Beautiful Outside…