CBS released a 5 minute excerpt of my 30 plus minute Dimock interview. See http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7396738n&tag=mncol;lst;2
This interview is certainly better than the 5 seconds or less that appeared in the original CBS story about Dimock. It, of course, is still highly edited and so only begins to address the basic point that pollution at Dimock was methane migrating but was not fracking fluids returning from depth. CBS includes a portion where I emphasize that drilling and hydraulic fracking are separate phases of developing a well and where I say the problem involved gas migrating.
This posting does not have me saying, as I did, that the pollution at Dimock was not frack fluids returning from depth. That would have contradicted the original story's narrative.
Fracking or drilling? Spills or leaks? I am more concerned with the end result John and that is "changed water" and not for the better! Everyday I hear from folks who cannot drink their water after drilling comes to their area. Coincidence? Now that would be a stretch of the imagination...DEP should be responsible to see that this does not happen..so far it is cheaper to buy a water buffalo than to drill safely.
ReplyDeleteIt's important to note the difference between fracking fluids and methane since methane is not toxic and water with methane in it can and is consumed without harm. In addition, methane migration is usually temporary and when not temporary,it can be dealt with.
DeletePerhaps the reports you are hearing about are from the propoganda movie Gasland, which has been repeatedlyexposed as erroneous, misleading, falseand a LIE.
I respect and applaud you in your efforts to set the records straight. Those small excerpts used by the media never bring the full story to light, do they. We Dimock residents (who are NOT suing Cabot Oil & Gas) are also trying to be heard completely and accurately. I have sent numerous petitions to Lisa Jackson, Michael Krancer, and our local Representatives and Senators. I am dismayed in the fact that we are expending so much time, money, and incessant determination with not even an acknowledgment from them that our efforts are recognized or that our correspondence has even been received.
ReplyDeleteIt is so very disappointing to know that not one of them has the time, nor the inclination, to make an attempt to understand what it is that the majority of Dimock residents are having to deal with here. I do hope to hear from one of the them soon. So far, the Rocket Courier is the only news publication that took the time to speak with us. Kudos to the Rocket Courier.
Do you have any advice for me as to how to get our side of the story out there? We want to do it in a way that is not offensive and certainly not melodramatic or vulgar.
Would that record include the documented violations-spills, leaks, etc.? Would it include the earlier torn pit liners-there are photos and reports from DEP. Would that record outline the numerous incidents of failed casing and cement. And finally, would that record include John Hanger's own words about the quality and character of Cabot Oil and Gas. We could agree to support the industry, in that we need the energy, jobs...but can we also agree that we want it done safely and when it is not we want the company to recognize and not deny those errors. Cabot denies the findings of DEP. Those of us who did not end up with the happy version of Cabot's take over would like an apology. I want to hear Cabot say, We messed up, we are sorry.
DeleteAnd not make the mistake twice somehwere else in our state. The whole thing is a mess and where is Cabot in all of this now. Now they are not allowed to drill in a 9 mile area-why??? Not becuase they followed the rules.
DeleteBottom line is that these people do NOT have drinkable water to this day. The EPA will determine what's in the water, but the DEP let these people down and walked away from them. That's still not acceptable.
ReplyDeleteDEP did let the people down...they concocted a document-consent order-whose consent? The consent order was drawn up behind closed doors without the affected residents. Mr. Hanger stated that he wanted a resolution that was agreeable for all the parties involved. Well we were not invited to THAT party. This bogus documenet allowed Cabot to deny any wrong doing. How do you fix something when you deny that you broke it?? When I read that Cabot was on the top of the list for violations I wanted to throw up. Then I read their boastful operations here in Susquehanna County. I have a problem with those two headlines within days each other. I guess the lesson learned is negligence pays and it pays big.
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