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| fracking a well near a home in PA |
Now we know why.The people charged with protecting the public health were told to zip their lips when it came to issues on Marcellus Shale Drilling. Two retirees from the PA Dept. of Health recently spoke to the media and said they were specifically instructed not to return phone calls from residents with health concerns. They were also told they couldn't speak about drilling and health issues at public meetings and were given a list of "buzzwords" identifying issued about which they were to remain silent. Read more here.
Meanwhile, a scientist at the University of Texas, Arlington, is collecting samples from more than 500 private wells to determine whether drilling for oil and gas - and burying chemical waste generated by the O&G exploration - is contaminating groundwater. The project is NOT sponsored by the state environmental regulators, nor is it sponsored by the gas industry. Looks like UT Arlington is shelling out the expenses for this all on its own.
Researcher, Kevin Shug, can't say anything about these samples - the data isn't in yet. However, in a 2013 analysis of samples from 100 wells in the Barnett Shale he found that one third of the wells had elevated levels of heavy metals including arsenic and selenium.
So, while scientists are investigating health impacts, health professionals can't talk about it.
Very interesting, Sue. Much to think about in this post. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWhen industry or governments seek to squelch public knowledge, it is almost certain the reasons are nefarious. Of course, those of us in the fight know there is much to hide for gas drillers. If the truth were to be revealed on many levels, they might have to cease drilling for good. But the thing that is really hard to believe is that, even when human health is at stake, it isn't enough for the industry to care, and put human life and environment, ultimately our survival as a species, first. Carol Manuel, resident of Rochester, NY
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