MON VALLEY CLEAN AIR COALITION (MVCAC)
To: Monongahela County Commission,
County Courthouse, High Street,
Morgantown, WV 26505
Date: May 18, 2011
Marcellus Gas Wells In Morgantown Industrial Park
The MVCAC opposes the drilling of natural gas wells into the Marcellus or
other geologic formations involving hydro-fracking or other pressurized
methods of breaking the formation in or near the City of Morgantown or in the
Monongahela River valley.
Pressurized fracturing methods result in hazardous and dangerous
conditions for the local workers, for the local residents, and for the public and
private facilities nearby. The two Marcellus wells recently sited at or near
the Morgantown Industrial Park are too close to the other facilities of the
Industrial Park, too close to the Skyview Elementary School, too close to
the Westwood Middle School, too close to the County Athletic Field between
these schools, and too close to the City of Morgantown.
Air emissions are known to occur from such Marcellus wells during the
drilling process, during the fracking process, during the completion process,
and during the long period of their continuous operation (perhaps 30 years
or more). These emissions include diesel fumes, sour gases, vapors from the
fracking fluids, silica dust from the fracking sand, controlled and
uncontrolled off-gases, vent gases, flare gases and possible blow-outs, fires or
explosions. Atmospheric conditions as temperature inversions can spread and
retain these gases over the extended Monongahela River valley.
Therefore, the MVCAC calls for an immediate secession of drilling
activities at these sites and no further work on them until fully adequate
regulations are put into place.
Duane G. Nichols, Spokesperson, Mon Valley Clean Air Coalition,
330 Dream Catcher Circle, Morgantown, WV 26508