Thursday, January 16, 2014

PLEASE! All Concerned Ohio Citizens Contact ODNR: Tell State To Cease Its Mendacity & Hypocrisy NOW!

Urgent request from Frackfree Mahoning Valley – based in the Youngstown, Ohio area – January 16, 2014:
http://frackfreemahoning.blogspot.com/

       Please, concerned citizens of Ohio, tell the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) why we object to Director James Zehringer’s statements (1/16/14) to the press and please, concerned citizens of Ohio request for ODNR’s Director Zehringer to further clarify and correct his statements.  Would you please, concerned citizens of Ohio, send a letter or e-mail to ODNR and copy your local media? Thank you.
       We, and many other concerned citizens, have no confidence in state officials who say things to the public, using what we believe to be Orwellian, misleading or inaccurate statements and “word play” like the following.
       We take issue with statements made by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director, James Zehringer to the Youngstown Business Journal on January 16, 2014.  Mr. Zehringer’s comments can be heard on The Daily Buzz 1/16/14.  The news video link is at:   
http://businessjournaldaily.com/thursday-january-16-2014-0

ODNR Director Zehringer said:
[ Comments start at approximately minute:  01:41  ]
“ … Hydraulic fracturing has been around in Ohio since the 1950s.  It’s been done safely. There’s never been a reported case of water contamination from hydraulic fracturing. …”
       For an explanation of some reasons why we object to such statements, please see the following speech by Dr. Anthony Ingraffea who explains why hydraulic fracturing (fracking ) that is unconventional horizontal fracking  – has not  been done for sixty years or since around 1947 or “the 1950s.”  Dr. Ingraffea’s biography is at:  http://www.cee.cornell.edu/people/profile.cfm?netid=ari1

Dr. Ingraffea’s explanation starts at minute 4:00: 
 [DR. ANTHONY INGRAFFEA AT HAMPTON HIGH 1/12/11 PART 2 “  uploaded 12/4/11  ]
Direct link to below embedded video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjdhiZJCyzU

      
Another reason, among many, why we take issue with the claim about there being no “reported case of water contamination from hydraulic fracturing” follows [“Unearthed: The Fracking Façade” YouTube, published May 4, 2012: ]
[Water contamination discussion starts at about minute: 3:36 – 12:42  ]
The video includes more information regarding how old unconventional fracking really is.
Direct link to below embedded video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPIEzSwPwT0

      
In conclusion, if fracking and related processes and infrastructure were so safe for public health, safety, and well-being as state officials and others like to say, they would not have to resort to word play games or misleading or inaccurate statements as we show above. 
Fracking cannot be done safely, or even fairly, with the technology as it stands today.

*permalink*: http://frackfreemahoning.blogspot.com/2014/01/PLEASE-AllConcernedOhioCitizensContactODNR-TellStateToCeaseMendacityHypocrisyNOW.html

Images of natural gas and oil well being drilled by Halcon in Meander Creek Reservoir Protected Drinking Water Source Area, Mahoning Valley, Ohio
      Can also view and share via facebook album (has additional info, images) (no sign-in required):
      https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.470113956428727.1073741835.263861137054011&type=1&l=f191563960

CLICK images to enlarge:



Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Local Residents' Concerns Over Rigs Drilling Gas Fracking Wells In Protected Drinking Water Source Area

PLEASE! All Concerned Ohio Citizens Contact ODNR: Tell State To Cease Its Mendacity & Hypocrisy NOW! Urgent request from Frackfree Mahoning Valley – based in the Youngstown, Ohio area – January 16, 2014: http://frackfreemahoning.blogspot.com/

       Please, concerned citizens of Ohio, tell the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) why we object to Director James Zehringer’s statements (1/16/14) to the press and please, concerned citizens of Ohio request for ODNR’s Director Zehringer to further clarify and correct his statements.  Would you please, concerned citizens of Ohio, send a letter or e-mail to ODNR and copy your local media? Thank you.
READ MORE: http://frackfreemahoning.blogspot.com/2014/01/PLEASE-AllConcernedOhioCitizensContactODNR-TellStateToCeaseMendacityHypocrisyNOW.html

RALLY 11:00 am Niles, OH 44446 THURS Jan 16, 2014
EVENT on web: Welcome James “Not in my backyard” Zehringer: http://keepnilessafe.org/events.html
Peaceful Outside Protest: MEANDER Reservoir THEME
Time: 11am, 123 N. Main Street Downtown Niles, 44446
MAP: http://goo.gl/maps/9ciQO Ciminero’s Banquet Center (across from tire shop & Sparkle). Meet in front of Ciminero’s sign. Stay on Public Sidewalk. Do not block traffic or pedestrians. Bring a sign if you have one. Protect Meander Watershed. Restore local control. Rally outside w/ signs, talking to media and standing up for Clean Water and Local Control!

We would like a public meeting with ODNR concerning the Liming well pad on Yerke-Young Rd. <2000’ to the Meander Creek Reservoir shore (Protected Drinking Water Source Area)
SEE well HERE: http://frackfreemahoning.blogspot.com/2014/01/local-residents-concerns-over-rigs.html
See ODNR PERMIT for Halcon: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/mineral/oil/MRMImages/17/4/264496.pdf

If anyone could get on talk radio today, Please ask the public to come out and join us! Give details.
There will be some extra signs. Lynn will make some posters and hopefully get there. John bringing the old/classic HONK FOR CLEAN WATER sign... YES!!! Hoping for Honks!

Government Affairs Council Presents Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director James Zehringer
Date: 1/16/2014
Time: 11:15 a.m.
Check-In & Lunch; 12 - 1 p.m.
Program Location: Ciminero's Banquet Centre, 123 N. Main St., Niles 44446
MAP: http://goo.gl/maps/9ciQO
James Zehringer, director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, which regulates the oil and gas industry in Ohio, will discuss a variety of topics at this GAC luncheon. Zehringer has said that the regulation of dangerous wild animals, environmentally safe development of shale in Ohio and reduction of phosphorous in the state’s waterways are key priorities. Before taking over as ODNR chief, he served as director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Zehringer is the former owner of the Meiring Poultry and Fish Farm in Fort Recovery, which received several awards for outstanding environmental practices. He also served as a former state representative for the 77th House District and as a Mercer County commissioner. After his talk, a panel consisting of government officials, landowners and business people will dialogue with Zehringer about shale development and other topics. Event Sponser: VEC Inc. (Valley Electrical Consolidated ) http://www.vecohio.com/

http://regionalchamber.com/memberresources/eventcalendar/events/jan16%20gacodnrjameszehringer.aspx

http://www.tribtoday.com/page/content.detail/id/596692/State-oil--gas-leader-to-speak-locally.html?nav=5003


Please CALL IN RonVerb show 3-6pm Mahoning Valley residents need to know ‪fracking‬ is being permitted in Meander Reservoir - in the Drinking Water Source Protected Area - great opportunity to present our own local water concerns & issues & help to raise general public awareness. For example: Meander drinking water & MillCreek Park concerns. Live Internet stream so anyone can hear the WKBN radio 570 AM call-in talk show on RADIO or ONLINE Toll Free: 800-777-5700
Local: 330-729-9977

INFO about the permitted wells 1 mile from Reservoir:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.470113956428727.1073741835.263861137054011&type=3


Ohio Revised Code (ORC) states (in effect 1953):

743.25 Jurisdiction of municipal corporations to prevent water pollution.

No person shall pollute a running stream, the water of which is used for domestic purposes by a municipal corporation, by putting therein a putrid or offensive substance, injurious to health. The director of public service of a city or board of trustees of public affairs of a village shall enforce this section. The jurisdiction of a municipal corporation to prevent the pollution of its water supply and to provide a penalty therefor shall extend twenty miles beyond the municipal corporation limits.
Effective Date: 10-01-1953
Can be read online at source HERE: http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/743.25

MORE about the wells on the shores of Meander Creek Reservoir, Mahoning Valley, Ohio, and in the Protected Drinking Water Source Area:
http://www.frackfreeamerica.org/swapwells.html

ALSO READ: February 23, 2012   Tribune Chronicle news story [excerpt]
http://www.tribtoday.com/page/content.detail/id/568334/News-in-brief.html?nav=5021
"MINERAL RIDGE - Meander Water is hiring ms consultants of Youngstown to investigate why numerous cracks appeared in its filter house annex on Jan. 3. Officials placed detectors on the walls over the cracks to determine whether they would continue to grow. The building is next to the construction of the $24 million solids contact clarifier recarbonation project. MVSD officials say they do not know whether the cracks may have been formed because of earth movement that was a result of the project or from an earthquake that occurred in the area on Dec. 31. The annex building was built in 2005. The investigation is expected to cost about $23,000. "
CLICK images to view enlarged:
MAP photo source: http://goo.gl/maps/tpYJW
photo MAP source: http://goo.gl/maps/tpYJW








https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=470114353095354&set=a.470113956428727.1073741835.263861137054011&type=3&theater

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Man-Made Earthquakes & Fracking Waste Injection Wells Concerns from Youngstown, Ohio to Azle, Texas to Prague, Oklahoma: Frackfree America National Coalition Seeks Dialogue, Info Sharing

MAN-MADE EARTHQUAKES AND FRACKING WASTE INJECTION WELLS: CONCERNED CITIZENS OF FRACKFREE AMERICA NATIONAL COALITION, BASED IN YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO, AND FRACKFREE MAHONING VALLEY, WHO EXPERIENCED THE NOW-FAMOUS 4.0 MAGNITUDE 2011 YOUNGSTOWN QUAKE LINKED TO A FRACKING WASTE INJECTION WELL, REACH OUT TO SEEK DIALOGUE AND INFORMATION SHARING WITH COMMUNITIES IN AZLE, TEXAS AND PRAGUE, OKLAHOMA, OHIO AND OTHER AREAS WHERE RESIDENTS ALSO MAY BE SUBJECT TO INDUCED SEISMICITY
Frackfree America National Coalition          News Release                                      www.frackfreeamerica.org
_______________________________________________________
For Immediate Release:  January 8, 2014
Contact: frackfreemahoning@gmail.com or frackfreeamerica@gmail.com
_____________________________________________________
Youngstown, Ohio, January 8, 2014  -  The Youngstown, Ohio area is a community that experienced what residents and scientists now know was at least 109 earthquakes in a place where there had been no previously recorded quakes.  The multiple Youngstown earthquakes included the now-famous 4.0 magnitude 2011 fracking waste injection well – related quake.

      Concerned citizens of Frackfree America National Coalition, based in Youngstown, and Frackfree Mahoning Valley have been following events in earthquake-rocked Azle, Texas and earthquake swarms in Oklahoma, where some reputable scientists suspect that the largest quake, a 5.6 magnitude in Prague, Oklahoma, is linked to injection well operations.

      The local citizens’ groups are now reaching out to seek dialogue, share information, and to open channels of communication with the Azle, Texas community, with Oklahoma, with Ohio or other states with neighborhoods that may be experiencing similar situations involving injection wells and man-made earthquakes.  The groups are seeking to work together with others to find real, fair solutions to our common problems and concerns, here in Youngstown, Ohio, and other places with apparently similar issues, like Azle, Texas.

      An Azle, Texas townhall meeting took place on January 2, 2014 where over 800 residents gathered to get questions answered by Texas state officials (the Texas Railroad Commission) about the approximately 30 earthquakes they have had in about the last two months, according to multiple news reports.  In an astonishing turn of events, those officials reportedly would not answer the concerned citizens’ questions.  Residents of the Youngstown area have experienced other similar situations of a shocking lack of transparency on the part of their state regulatory agency, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).  The Youngstown group says public officials need to be responsive, honest, and transparent to the public and to the media.

       As reported in an especially compelling WFAA.com news article and video, Melanie Williams spoke of her experience at the Azle townhall meeting.  It was reported that she is a Hurricane Katrina survivor who relocated to Azle where she is experiencing the earthquakes that some suspect will be scientifically found to be linked to injection well disposal. She said she had to move from her home in Texas because of foundation problems and major leaks, according to the WFAA news report that follows:

       See “Angry Azle crowd disappointed by lack of answers regarding quakes,” by Teresa Woodard, WFAA, January 2, 2014 at    http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/tarrant/Angry-Azle-crowd-disappointed-by-lack-of-answers-regarding-earthquakes-238543171.html

       Ray Beiersdorfer, Ph.D., Professor of Geology at Youngstown State University, gave information, in a December 27, 2013 news release, which is highly relevant for the ongoing earthquake/injection well issues in Ohio, Texas, Oklahoma, and other states where man-made earthquakes, also known as induced seismicity, may be taking place:
       “It is especially disconcerting that residents in Prague, Oklahoma experienced a 5.6 magnitude earthquake that reputable scientists think may possibly be linked to deep disposal well injection of toxic fracking waste. An earthquake of this magnitude can cause human injury and collapsed buildings – especially in areas where earthquakes are not common and infrastructure is not reinforced to safeguard against earthquake damage. We already had 109 earthquakes in Youngstown, Ohio, including the 4.0 on December 31, 2011.  Human beings cannot regulate earthquakes to make sure that they stay small. This is especially true because the two faults under Youngstown have been destabilized. This is an irreversible effect of the D&L Northstar 1 injection-induced seismicity. We must stop injection wells now to help to prevent a possible 5.6 or greater magnitude quake, as well as smaller tremors,” said geologist Dr. Ray Beiersdorfer.

       Dealing with the risks and realities of injecting millions of gallons of toxic fracking waste into deep injection wells along with the possibility of induced seismicity is still an on-going problem in Ohio. Even though there is a history of injection well-related earthquakes in Ohio, injection wells continue to be permitted by the state agency, ODNR.

       For example, the Youngstown-based groups, Frackfree America and Frackfree Mahoning Valley, are currently working toward increasing public awareness nationally and locally of a Niles, Ohio area injection well that is now being built despite local community laws enacted in Weathersfield Township and Niles banning injection wells. ODNR permitted it anyway, and it is now being built.  The groups believe that this injection well’s close proximity to the epicenter of the 2011 Youngstown 4.0 magnitude quake shows inadequate concern by ODNR for public health and safety.

       Also of great concern is an injection well being considered by the Ohio state agency to be built in Conneaut, Ohio, a city in Northeastern Ohio near the Pennsylvania border.  Conneaut is only about 15 miles from Ashtabula, Ohio, the site of a series of earthquakes related to injection well disposal of Class I waste. The strongest earthquake there was a 4.3 magnitude quake in January 2001.  The rational, responsible reaction by the state of Ohio would be for the ODNR to deny the permit based upon public health and safety issues, but will they?  According to the Star Beacon, there is a 15 day public comment period regarding the permitting of this injection well, but again, will the ODNR listen?  For details see:
“Brine injection well sought for Conneaut,” by Mark Todd, Star Beacon, January 4, 2014 at: http://www.starbeacon.com/local/x1186907238/Brine-injection-well-sought-for-Conneaut/print 
“A Fluid-Injection-Triggered Earthquake Sequence in Ashtabula, Ohio: Implications for Seismogenesis in Stable Continental Regions,” by Leonardo Seeber, John G. Armbruster and Won-Young Kim, Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, February, 2004, vol. 94, no. 1, 76-87 at:       http://www.bssaonline.org/content/94/1/76.abstract

       Yet another deep injection well permit has been applied for in Brookfield, Ohio, near Youngstown.    See:  “Injection well planned for site in Brookfield,” by Brenda J. Linert, Tribune Chronicle, January 6, 2014 at: http://www.tribtoday.com/page/content.detail/id/597720/Injection-well-planned-for-site-in-Brookfield.html?nav=5021

     See information about the Ashtabula and Youngstown earthquakes:  “Ohio earthquake was not a natural event, expert says,” by Kim Palmer, Reuters, January 3, 2012 at: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/04/us-earthquake-ohio-idUSTRE80302220120104

       “Our position is that the injection wells must stop now as a measure to protect the public’s health, safety, and well-being. Millions upon millions of gallons of toxic fracking waste are continually being produced. The waste has to go somewhere. Where is it all going to go? There is no good, safe solution for this problem at this time. For the sake of protecting the public interest, the enormous amount of toxic fracking waste needs to stop being produced in the first place. There is no good place to put it,” said geologist Susie Beiersdorfer of Youngstown, Ohio.

       Frackfree America and Frackfree Mahoning Valley believe that science and common sense must prevail over politics and greed when it comes to toxic fracking waste injection wells, risks of drinking water contamination, and man-made earthquakes. The best interest of the public’s health, safety, and well-being must come first.  A solution must be implemented quickly to protect the public.

       The groups say that in addition to safety, public health, private property, property value, and general well-being issues, proper democratic processes must be followed relevant to the gas and oil industry, which should immediately be required to follow the rule of law without special exemptions or special treatment. Local control and self-governance must be upheld. (See the Community Bill of Rights Committee, December 27, 2013 news release below for more details about earthquakes, injection wells, and local control.)

       The groups believe that it is not fair for officials to imply that since studies are being done, injection well operations should continue despite the concerns and real damage taking place now – including serious adverse effects to the quality of life of residents experiencing the earthquakes. Citizens are concerned, and rightly so, that the earthquakes could get bigger or more frequent. Even the effects of smaller, repeated earthquakes on infrastructure, walls, house foundations, bridges, or dams need to be considered.

       Since some officials, who are supposed to protect the public health, safety, and general public interest, seem to be ducking out the back door and apparently refusing to speak with the media, it is important for communities to legally protect their own families and neighborhoods.  The Texas official’s refusal to speak with media after the Azle townhall meeting was yet another shocking example of lack of transparency by state officials who are supposed to be accountable to the public.

Similar ignoring or minimizing the public’s legitimate concerns has also happened in other states, including Ohio. State officials are accountable to the public. The public pays their salaries. They should speak with the public or media in real time when the media request interviews.

       Concerned citizens of Frackfree America and Frackfree Mahoning Valley are reaching out with information, experts, and human compassion and empathy for what residents in earthquake swarm areas must be going through right now. It sounds strikingly similar to what happened in Youngstown in 2011.  So far, the public is left to pay for any earthquake damage, and injection wells continue to be permitted by the state.

       See:  KDFW Fox 4 news video and article, “Lack of answers at earthquake meeting rattles Azle residents,” by Brandon Todd, January 2, 2014 at: http://www.myfoxdfw.com/story/24345933/community-to-meet-on-earthquakes#ixzz2pMBLYz8k

       See:  CNNMoney: “Is drilling causing Ohio earthquakes? By Poppy Harlow and Erica Fink @CNNMoney January 17, 2012: 11:13 AM ET”
[Especially see second video titled, “Ohio's mysterious man-made earthquakes”]
http://money.cnn.com/2012/01/17/news/ohio_earthquakes/?source=cnn_bin
       Frackfree America and Frackfree Mahoning Valley say it is time for clear-thinking adults to stand together in unity and to legally intervene to stop this irrational quest for corporate profits while some ignore the real adverse effects of fracking and related processes and infrastructure, including injection well-related seismicity, and risks of air, soil, and water pollution.  Those of us from different states can learn from each other and share scientific and other valid information among ourselves. The people need to be heard. We are not expendable. No one is expendable.

       For more information, please see the following press release: "Fracking, Earthquakes, Water, and Local Government Control:  Youngstown, Ohio and Niles, Ohio Area Concerned Citizens Seek to Affirm Local Self-Governance Rights to Protect Their Public Health, Safety, General Welfare, Property Values, and Private Property Rights" (12/27/13) that provides information about earthquakes and injection wells, as well as other topics:

http://bit.ly/1bSbBUb
   or

http://www.frackfreemahoning.blogspot.com/2013/12/FrackingEarthquakesWaterLocalControlYoungstownOhio.html

        A Frackfree America National Coalition Facebook post has many informative links regarding Azle area earthquakes and townhall news reports at:    https://www.facebook.com/Frackfree/posts/466240923482697

       The following video is a recording of a large public informational meeting about the earthquakes and injection well in Youngstown, Ohio, that took place in January, 2012, at the Covelli Centre after the Youngstown earthquakes. Especially see the discussion between the state geologist and a Youngstown City Councilman about the inability to predict where a fault lies until “activities” start - “after the fact,”  at minute 1:21:55: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMGmmCQIKPA&feature=player_embedded

       People living near heavy industrial fracking operations talk about their experience:    “Westwood Lake Nightmare” (published June 23, 2013); Trumbull County, Ohio.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UEfXg9km5Q

       Editorial: Star-Telegram, “Texas Railroad Commission can’t just tippy-toe around quakes,” January 4, 2014 at:
http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/01/04/5458804/texas-railroad-commission-cant.html

“Surprise quakes stir up Tarrant County residents, by Jim Malewitz, Texas Tribune, January 5, 2014, Arlington Voice at:
http://www.arlingtonvoice.com/story/news/01/05/2014/surprise-quakes-shake-tarrant-county-residents

       For media inquiries or for more information contact Frackfree America National Coalition, based in Youngstown, Ohio or Frackfree Mahoning Valley:

The Frackfree America National Coalition, based in Youngstown, website is at:
www.frackfreeamerica.org

Subscribe to the Frackfree America Free E-mail Listserv for important updates and information:
http://frackfreeamerica.us4.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=ba7fe7ec95cf7d5295e545089&id=9c918b0843

Find Frackfree America on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/Frackfree

Follow Frackfree America National Coalition on Twitter:
@frackfree

Frackfree Mahoning Valley:
http://www.frackfreemahoning.blogspot.com/

For Media inquiries or for more information, please call or e-mail Frackfree America National Coalition at:
234-201-8007  or  frackfreeamerica@gmail.com
or Frackfree Mahoning Valley at:
234-201-0402   or  e-mail:  frackfreemahoning@gmail.com

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ORIGINAL 2012 IMAGE POST HERE on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=338625309490603&set=a.316172085069259.83444.205575299462272&