I never run out of Aruba Petroleum material and I’m only telling about half the stuff I know.
Here are some official TCEQ videos showing “fugitive” emissions. We also know what was in those emissions. Aruba Petroleum continues to recklessly and willfully endanger public health.
For the MOTHER OF ALL emission videos, click HERE
This one shows the ongoing problem. Technology is available to prevent over 90% of these emissions.
As mentioned previously, the Ruggieros have not used their heat all winter for fear of bringing even more of these toxins into their home.
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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No surprise. We likewise do not use central heat and air to help "tighten" up the house. Also we stay away as much as possible to help the health problems.
Staying away from your home for fear of ruining your health…the America way. What a patriot you are!
Sharon, what does TCEQ and/or TRC have to say about these videos? Are they responsive? Or are they saying these fugitive emissions are harmless?
The TCEQ field investigators have been wonderful in their response to the odor complaints so we KNOW that these particular emissions contained toxins.
Tim and Christine have been diligent in documenting everything and calling the correct agencies to make reports. It's been like a full-time job for them but as a result we have some impressive data.
Flower Mound residents need to do likewise.
Ref TxSharon comment 11:59. The TCEQ field investigators will be VERY NICE and will be very friendly (all of which they are paid to do and be); BUT, have they done anything like shut anything down, fined anyone, required reduced emissions, etc.! Bet not.
Check me out.
I agree with anon 1:49. tceq is nice but inept. Me filling out a form but them not testing anything is stupid.
The field investigators are EMPLOYEES with NO AUTHORITY to assess fines or shut anything down.
Your anger is misplaced! Remember who appoints the people at the top of all our state agencies.
Maybe Texas voters have the government they deserve.
I know that this is very frustrating but Texas did not get this way overnight.
Even if they do nothing, document it. We need that documentation to make change happen. Or, you could do nothing and see where that gets you.
hey all you anons, some of us have been working on these issues for years. where've you been?
I too "have been working on these issues for years"–with zero (0)results. If you want to deal with the TCEQ or the RRC, treat like if you are going to a movie! There will be NO results, but there is no admission fee required!
Some of us are sharing our frustrations. Some of you are starting to act like TCEQ is perfect and worthy of praise. But the whole system is inept. I will report – but not testing the day I smell something is worthless. And look at the response we get – so who's anger is misplaced. Sharon – I respect you alot – but never suggest that Texas got what is deserves – I do vote and take it very seriously. I am not getting what I voted for or deserved.
Nope! I'm not acting like "TCEQ is perfect or worthy of praise." I am making the important distinction between the people who work in the field and the people who make the rules. As a peon myself, I know how it feels to meet hostility and be given responsibility where I have no authority.
The reason they didn't test is probably because, as I've reported on this blog before, the must test benchmark is 5ppm VOC's. That's ridiculous but IT IS NOT THE FAULT OF THE PEOPLE IN THE FIELD.
I'm truly sorry you are frustrated. I'm frustrated too.
We have to face the FACT that Texas is in a mess. It will take time to fix it. In the meantime, please don't shoot the messenger.
TxSharon you are misguided by your love of the lower level of the TCEQ. Be aware that one of their jobs is to gather information and report it to the higher-ups. They get somekind of "bonus credits" for reporting that info. They will report information implying that your problem is caused by YOU!Be careful what you tell them! Trust me that the TCEQ is rotten from the bottom to the very top! More stink at the top however.
Humm. Well, we sure have gotten a whole lot of valuable data from the testing done by the people at the lower level. That info we will use to get a better deal for everyone. I can only speak to my own experience and the experience of those I correspond with.
Yeah the lower levels of the TCEQ are helpful. But look at it from a results oriented point of view. Did you actually get any results? BTW, we got a bonified, CERTIFIED copy of a TCEQ report which was not good for Big Gas. We introduced it in a court in Booger County–AND the judge ruled it hearsay! Strange things happen in Booger County!!
TXSharon is right on when it comes to the lower level field workers within the TCEQ. Many TCEQ field workers are just as frustrated with the lack of action from the agency. The people in the field are merely sample takers and data collectors. What happens with that data is in the hands of higher ups.
The TCEQ has dropped the ball completely with the permitting of these facilities. It's going to take time to fix the mess. The permit-by-rule process by which these facilities are permitted is the root of the problem. And, almost all of the approximately 200,000 O&G wells in the state are permitted by this process. Are they going to revoke all of these permits that are good for life? Change will take time, but it is coming. Keep being concerned and keep asking questions.
I also hope it has become painfully obvious that the state level of gov't is not the best way to stop irresponsible O&G, especially in Texas. Take action at the local level.