By Robert Johnson | Published Sunday, November 8, 2009
Once again we learn that gas well operators refuse to do the "right thing." Last week it was reported that the town of DISH has some serious air quality issues due to gas well activity. The cancer causing toxins that were discovered were above what is considered safe levels.
Anyone that has ever been in the vicinity of a gas well operation has certainly noticed new "odors." Turns out, these odors are probably a serious health hazard. Now what happens to the lucky property owners who happen to have one of these lovely gems drilled on their land, and as a bonus, get a compressor engine thrown in for good measure? What happens is your property value is decreased, your "peace and quiet" is shattered due to the constant roar of the compressor engines, your roads are in need of constant repair due to tanker traffic, and on top of that, we learn that the air quality around these gas operations are spewing out cancer causing toxins unchecked by anyone.
Gas operators are treating the Barnett Shale like the old wild west, absent a local sheriff. Gas operators need to start drilling responsibly or not be allowed to continue drilling. Property owners have the right to peace and quiet and clean air. Is this really too much to ask for, especially in rural Alvord?
Can you smell that smell? If you can, better start making phone calls to the TCEQ before it's too late.
