Pike citizens get gas primer

By SANDY LONG

SHOHOLA, PA — In the same county that saw the birth of the American Conservation Movement more than a century ago, citizens of Shohola Township and their neighbors gathered recently to learn everything they could about the process of natural gas extraction that has been sweeping the Upper Delaware region.

While some have described the gas rush as a modern-day gold rush, others have raised concerns that the gains from one party’s good fortune must be measured against the potential negative impacts to others, such as contaminated or depleted water supplies.

“What is Fracking?” was presented by a group of concerned Shohola Township citizens to explore the health and environmental repercussions of drilling in their community. During the session, Barbara Arrindell and Pat Carullo of the locally organized DamascusCitizens.org, presented information and fielded dozens of questions from those assembled.

The process of hydrofracturing, which involves the high-pressure injection of millions of gallons of chemical-laden water deep below the earth’s surface, was explained. Video clips depicting the impacts of that process on communities that have been “fracked,” were shown.

Shot in Hickory, PA, the videos depicted how the lives of that area’s residents have changed—oil seeps from soil into a stream that winds through one man’s farm; incessant noise emanates from the well sites and the ever present smell of gas permeates a neighbor’s farm; traffic drones at all hours as tanker trucks and contractor vehicles invade once quiet and pristine valleys; a rural setting is transformed into a blighted industrial zone—as a devastated property owner tells the filmmaker, “Warn them not to let them [the oil companies] in!”

Attendees learned about leasing activity in Pike County, which recently recorded its first five gas leases representing more than 3,200 acres. Even as some Pike County property owners sign leases, others are demanding information on the impacts to human health, the environment and the long-term economic impact on the county.

Keith LaPan, a member of the community who is volunteering his time to educate others and raise awareness of these issues, said that many people in attendance did not realize that gas drilling could take place within Pike County. “They were unfamiliar with the processes used by the industry to extract the gas,” said LaPan. “The most prevalent concern was that there would be pollution of the surface waters and the potential of contamination of their well water.”

Resident Judy Kirtley-Mays said she was “extremely concerned at how hideous, how insidious this activity is. This is my land. This is my future. I realize the gravity of what is possible here.”

A petition was circulated, addressed to the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) and calling for a moratorium on the permitting of gas well drilling in the Upper Delaware watershed until an environmental impact study and review of the practice of hydrofracturing has been completed.

LaPan said that those in attendance are calling for action from local, county and state governments and the DRBC. “We would like these agencies to employ their powers to protect the quality and quantity of our water resources,” said LaPan.

A follow-up meeting is being planned for December and will be announced soon. Contact krlapan@nyc.rr.com for more information.