Gas attack: Pike enters the fray

Fracking meeting reveals divisiveness of the issues

By SANDY LONG

MILFORD, PA — After taking in more than two hours of information about the process of natural gas extraction and the environmental concerns associated with it, citizens of Pike County witnessed the kind of confrontation likely to occur with greater frequency as supporters and detractors of drilling find themselves facing off in heated debates.

The informational session at Delaware Valley High School in Milford was sponsored by Pike County Citizens for Clean Water and the Twin/Walker Creeks Watershed Conservancy. It included video testimonials, presentations by Damascus Citizens for Sustainability about the process of natural gas extraction and words of caution by the Delaware Riverkeeper Network’s deputy director, Tracy Carluccio.

Urging a comprehensive analysis of the region’s environmental resources and natural conditions before drilling begins, Carluccio said, “The lack of any planning or build out analysis of the cumulative impacts of natural gas drilling development extraction and production on the Delaware River Watershed will mean that the watershed will be able to die the death of a thousand cuts.”

Following the session, Dave Jones, part owner of Kittatinny Canoes, one of the region’s largest liveries, charged that the information presented was one-sided, igniting a volley of impassioned responses and inciting one woman to yell, “Let him finish!”

Calling himself “an expert on the Delaware River,” Jones told the crowd of approximately 100, “not only am I involved with the gas industry, but I’ve researched this extensively.” Later, Jones clarified that he is associated with the gas industry as a stockholder and partner in wells located in other states. Jones is also a local landowner who has not yet leased his property.

“I know the Delaware River better than these people,” said Jones. “There’s plenty of water if we use it wisely. I believe that natural gas is going to save this river.”

Among other points, Jones questioned the toxicity of fracking fluids used in harvesting gas, adding, “No one’s saying this is great stuff. But they’re improving the formulas.” Regarding the recent sale of thousands of leases to international interests, Jones asked, “As far as transferring the leases to other countries, is that so bad? We’re all interconnected.”

Jones’s remarks brought a barrage of responses from presenters and audience members such as Ron Gula, a Hickory, PA landowner whose leasing experience has proved so negative that he has become determined to help others avoid a similar fate. “I came here today to share my perspective and answer questions,” Gula told the crowd. In contrast to Jones’s bright view of the drilling horizon, Gula shared a darker perspective honed by hindsight.

During a film shown earlier in the session, Gula surveys the ruined landscape of his farm and pond, where Range Resources has been drilling. “This has been a total nightmare. Once they lease your land, it’s theirs,” he said. “I don’t care how much money you make. The land is raped. It will never be the same.”

Jones attributed the types of harms experienced by landowners like Gula to getting a bad lease. “You’ve got to hire an oil and gas attorney when you negotiate a lease,” he said. Damascus homeowner Cliff Westfall responded, “If you’re asleep at the wheel, they’ll cheat you. What does that say about this industry?”

In another exchange, Jones said, “We have private property rights and they should be honored.” “So do I,” said Westfall. “And I don’t want benzene in my water.”

Some common ground was found when both sides agreed that regulation is essential and there are currently not enough staff in place at the regulating agencies to handle the job.

Gula invited Jones, and any interested individuals, to tour his property for a first-hand look. Gula and his wife no longer drink their well water, which they believe has been contaminated by the drilling process. The couple has two young children under the age of five who have been bathed regularly in the water, which greatly concerns their parents.

“I have nothing to gain here,” said Gula. “I’m telling you what to be prepared for. I just hope I can help someone else avoid what we’ve been through.”

Gula can be reached at 724/356-7387 and welcomes interested individuals to tour his property. See www.damascuscitizens.org to view the video, “Never Again,” showing Gula’s experience. Jones recommends visiting the Marcellus Shale Committee’s website at www.pamarcellus.com for more information. Visit www.twcwc.com for information focused on Pike County.