Milanville man goes to gas land for first-hand look

‘The Rage of Nature’ film to document experience

By SANDY LONG

UPPER DELAWARE RIVER REGION — When filmmaker Josh Fox, a resident of Milanville, PA, first heard that gas exploration might be on the horizon for the Upper Delaware region, he began gathering information on the subject. The more he learned, the more concerned he became.

When he began to have trouble sleeping, Fox decided to see for himself what the industry and its manifestations looked, sounded and smelled like, as well as how it affected the humans exposed to it. Eight thousand miles and 90 days later, Fox had visited Texas, Colorado and Wyoming, and concluded, “It was far worse than I imagined.”

“I was hoping it wasn’t such a big deal,” said Fox in an interview with Dick Riseling, whose show, “WJFF Connections,” is broadcast on WJFF 90.5 FM radio. “But this is a big deal.” The interview stirred such interest that the station aired it a second time and will broadcast it again (see sidebar on page 4).

What Fox encountered on his travels he likened to a “war zone”—uninhabitable and unsellable homes permanently contaminated with hydrogen sulfide; severe health impacts, such as lesions on the brain, neuromuscular effects, loss of the sense of smell; endless truck traffic seven days per week; hundreds of new roads; a foul stench in the air; and seemingly ceaseless noise. During the trip, he interviewed endocrinologist Theo Colburn, whose research on the potential human health impacts from drilling has indicated a correlation with multiple chemical sensitivity; gastrointestinal, liver and respiratory problems; neurological effects; and long-term effects on cardiovascular health.

Fox is in the process of turning his experience into the film, “The Rage of Nature,” which will document his personal journey and perceptions. As a result of what he learned, Fox has concluded that the process of natural gas extraction is “a comprehensive assault on the health of humans, animals and the planet.” He acknowledges that a small number of people and businesses will prosper, but adds, “The majority will not benefit; they will suffer.”

And while Fox says he respects landowners’ rights to do what they choose with their land, he notes, “It’s everybody’s air. It’s everybody’s water. These should fall under the jurisdiction of the community.”

Based on conversations he had in areas where drilling has been occurring, Fox anticipates the Upper Delaware region will experience “a wave of regret,” and a sense of “being swindled or cheated” by the process. “In terms of tourism and recreation, this will no longer be that kind of area once drilling starts,” he said. Fox also believes that the region’s second-home industry will be jeopardized by the presence of drilling rigs and associated activities.

“We’ve got what money-can’t buy—quality of life and peace of mind,” he added.

“The Rage of Nature” is currently being edited and is expected to be completed in January 2009.

Fox is also the founder and artistic director of International WOW Company, a theater group with a membership of over 100 actors, dancers, musicians and technical and visual artists spanning 28 countries on five continents.

Hear it. See it.

• Hear Riseling’s interview with Fox on WJFF 90.5 FM on September 1 at 7:30 p.m. or visit www.wjffradio.org, then click “archives” and scroll down to “WJFF Connections,” then click download to listen online for the next several weeks.

• Visit www.internationalwow.com to learn more about Fox’s work and to access a link featuring clips from “The Rage of Nature.”

• Attend Black Bear Film Festival’s Envirofest at the Grey Towers Historical Site in Milford, PA on Sunday, October 19 ( www.blackbearfilm.com ). Fox will present clips from the film and answer questions.