Water contamination near Range Resources drilling site

A stink at the kitchen sink
Christie Campbell

Of course, Range Resources denies any responsibility but the locals are saying there is a gas well within 1000 feet of the contaminated water well. It’s the typical pattern:

• The water is pure and clean then drilling starts and suddenly the water is muddy and oily.
• Then the odor comes and animals die and people develop rashes.
• And industry always denies any responsibility.

Sounds exactly like what happened in Grandview, TX and just about anywhere shale drilling occurs.

In 2005, natural gas drilling began near their home. While Mrs. Smitsky questions if the drilling caused problems with her drinking water, a company spokesman for Range Resources said it is not possible.

The water began getting cloudy, then turned a brown color. It had an oily or greasy feel to it.

Darrell lost five goats over a five- to six-month period. He said before the animals died their back legs would shake and they appeared to be dehydrated. He and his mother noticed their skin would itch after bathing or even when they’d don an article of clothing that had been through the washer.

They stopped drinking the water.

The state Department of Environmental Protection tested the Smitskys’ water and reported high levels of magnesium, iron and manganese.