Michigan lawmakers recently reported on the increased development of natural gas from shale. Supporters say the practice creates jobs and improves the economy. Critics say that if not properly regulated it threatens groundwater, the source of drinking water for half of the state’s population.
Echo reporter Sam Inglot lays out the the issue.
Joel Welty,
Fracking should be outlawed. It is an attack upon our fresh water. I spent over $200,000 to build my home six years ago. If my well is polluted and I have no more fresh water, I cannot live here, and I cannot sell it. My expensive house wold be worth nothing. I cannot afford to tolerate fracking anywhere near me.
Great news!!!
Update: Fracking is being opposed http://www.alternet.org/fracking/can-small-community-throw-monkey-wrench-global-fracking-machine?akid=9999.77792.p-yOXV&rd=1&src=newsletter787219&t=15&paging=offHere
Act 13 stripped Pennsylvania’s local communities of their right right to control gas drilling in their townships. Under this new law, a municipality cannot even challenge a permit issued to a driller, even if Department of Environmental Protection ignores all the community’s concerns.
Some company even began drilling the day the law passed.
Ridiculous.
Don’t let Michigan become a Pennsylvania.
The fracking front line: a tale of two Pennsylvanias — video
In what the Pennsylvania governor says will ‘level the playing field for gas exploration’, a controversial bill has been passed, rendering previous zoning laws void. With the new bill hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, can take place as close as 90 metres (300ft) from residential houses. This film visits Dallas township where the citizens’ engagement has kept the gas exploration at bay — for now.
http://www.domesticcleanup.net/2012/05/hydraulic-fracturing/
20 years ago a friend of mine along Lake Superior had a neighbor put in a well for the new home they were building next door. They had trouble drilling in the rock for a usable water source so they “fracked” to get better results. My friends well was contaminated thereafter with bitter, mineral stained water.
These natural gas companies are fracking with chemicals they claim are secrets. Is it just me, or does this sound like a recipe for disaster? It is unconscionable that any company or government agency would allow this to happen. Sounds like another big business making a buck at the expense of the environment and us.
Jobs for Michiganders and profits for industry are great, but the potential price that we pay for those benefits must be properly considered. While it may be trite, Michigan, being central to the headwaters of the Great Lakes, is steward for a huge percentage of our planet’s freshwater supply. The expression, “always drink upstream from the herd”, has special meaning – especially when the herd is grazing in the headwaters. We can’t afford to spoil the awesome treasure that we’re sitting on just to fatten a few wallets with a quick influx of cash.
Fracking should be outlawed. It is an attack upon our fresh water. I spent over $200,000 to build my home six years ago. If my well is polluted and I have no more fresh water, I cannot live here, and I cannot sell it. My expensive house wold be worth nothing. I cannot afford to tolerate fracking anywhere near me.