The test results are in.
Tests at well show toxins
Independent firm took samples of air; Range Resources has doubts
Saturday, March 20, 2010
By Lowell Brown
The tests found cancer-causing benzene and a host of sulfides above levels the state sets for safe short- and long-term exposure, along with elevated readings of methane, said Alisa Rich, president of Flower Mound-based Wolf Eagle Environmental, which performed the tests.
“This is very typical of what we’re finding all around the Barnett Shale,” said Rich, whose firm has tested air around natural gas facilities in area towns including Dish.
Typically, Range Resources, rather than trying to solve the problem, tries to cast doubt on the FACT of the emissions. We know for a FACT that fugitive emissions occur at every stage of natural gas extraction.
“It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it”
~Upton Sinclair
Range Resources chose to flare this well and, as stated by Devon Energy, there is no reason to flare a Barnett Shale gas well.
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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TXSharon,
Tell me about why:
"Range Resources chose to flare this well and, as stated by Devon Energy, there is no reason to flare a Barnett Shale gas well."
I dont know that much about the typical completion processes in Barnett.
For Marcellus in PA and NY they tell us that flaring is pretty necessary unless they can hook right in to a gathering line.
Stan Scobie, Binghamton, NY
Devon says the Barnett Shale is a proven field with something like 98% success rate. According to Devon, flaring is purely for convenience. They have the ability to do green completions but flaring is cheaper and easier.
Range said they needed to see what the production was like before they hooked the well up to the pipeline.
As usual, the industry does nothing to even begin to acknowledge the problems(s) much more take any pro-active or even reactive measures to fix them. They just look for ways to contradict or cast doubt on any findings other than their own.
I'd like to challenge Range Resources to put their money where their mouth is. If RR is claiming the elevated benzene levels are from nearby traffic, then let's set up a testing site right off of I-35 near the Fort Worth drive exit or the University exit, which are fairly congested areas for traffic. If the tests show a similar level of benzene in the air, I WILL PAY FOR THE TEST. If the tests show a decrease in benzene levels. Range Resources SHUTS DOWN THE WELL SITE. (and pays for the test, since they lost the bet.)
C'mon, Range Resources, whaddya say?
Hey Sharon. Hope you don't mind if I use the Upton Sinclair quote in my next op-ed. It's perfect!
The environment is dying and the nature is in danger.We must take steps to save the nature and make sure we have a beautiful and healthy life.It is not possible without the natural resources which make our life bright and beautiful like the fresh and clean air.