Frackfree America National Coalition
(234) 201-8007
  • Home
  • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • States >
      • State Groups
      • State Event Calendars >
        • PA-calendar
        • OH-calendar
  • Blog
  • Resources
    • Mapping
    • Water
    • Field Guide
    • Downloads
    • federal-loopholes
    • YouTube videos
    • Report It
    • reports
    • Recommened Reading
    • Films - Movie Night
    • Yard Signs
    • Posters
    • PA DEP List
    • Well Permits
    • Sand
    • Movie Night 2
    • Leasing hazards
    • airportdrilling
  • News
    • Photos
    • injection wells ohio
    • FANCy in the News
    • Breaking News
    • FrackFreeMa
    • News 1
    • News 2
    • Drill Rigs
    • Bans
    • Q & A
    • Promised Land
    • misc images
    • drilling-violations
    • brinereport
    • Archived Stories
    • archive
  • Youngstown
    • SWAPwells
    • HandsAcrossOurLand
    • Youngstown print files
    • education
    • part1of2partsLA
    • CallYoungstown
  • National Day of Action (Annual)
    • 2016 Participants - Add your town
    • National Day of Action - Details and Updates
    • 2015 Participants National Day of Action
    • 2012 Participants National Day of Action
    • 2012 National Day of Action
    • Photos 2012 National day of Action
  • National Citizens Against Injection Wells
    • Ohio SWDisposal wells 2016
  • Two for Tuesdays

Fracking, Earthquakes, Water, & Local Government Control:  Youngstown, OH, Niles, Ohio Area Concerned Citizens Seek to Affirm Local Self-Governance Rights to Protect Their Public Health, Safety, General Welfare, Property Values, & Rights

12/27/2013

0 Comments

 
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
For Immediate Release:  December 27, 2013
Community Bill of Rights Committee                           News Release  
Youngstown, Ohio, December 27, 2013 
–  The Youngstown, Ohio Community Bill of Rights Committee said they would be back,  and they already are.
       Members of the committee and other local supporters of the Youngstown Community Bill of Rights Charter Amendment, which opposes fracking and upholds citizens’ fundamental right to local self governance and control, are going door to door in Youngstown with petitions seeking voter signatures to place a Community Bill of Rights Charter Amendment question on the Youngstown ballot in May, 2014. They have launched a new website at: http://www.protectyoungstown.org/     
 
      The group says the public is warmly welcoming them. The committee is very pleased that Niles, Ohio concerned citizens are also now collecting signatures for their similar petition effort that seeks to place a ballot question on the Niles ballot in May, 2014.  Niles concerned citizens launched a new website describing their effort to uphold their local rights and to ban fracking within Niles city limits at: www.keepnilessafe.org     

      According to Susie Beiersdorfer, geologist and Youngstown Community Bill of Rights (CBR) Committee member,          “We now have a powerful base of almost 5000 Youngstown voters that could easily sway an election or ballot question. We will win this time because the truth resonates. We needed only 6 percent more YES votes to win on the ballot question in Youngstown on November, 2013. The gap is closing in our favor, and we soundly gained ground in November.  In the November, 2013 election, the opposition spent an exorbitant amount of money compared to what we spent.  In addition to the money, they also spent countless hours to oppose us, and we still gained ground. We are extremely happy about that. It shows the strength and truth of our position.”     

     The Youngstown grassroots, concerned citizens group says that despite massive spending by industry and pro-fracking allies to try to defeat them, the Community Bill of Rights Charter Amendment ballot question picked up 1830 more YES votes in their favor since the May 2013 election (May: 2912 YES votes; November: 4742 YES votes) and narrowed the margin from 13.71% to only 9.72 %.  More Youngstown voters supported the proposed Community Bill of Rights Charter Amendment in November than in May 2013.       

     “Our analysis of the election results is that as Youngstown voters are becoming more fully informed about fracking and local control issues, voters are turning against fracking, and are demanding local control over how they want their community to be – which is the citizens’ fundamental right.  We say the closing gap, which was 13.71 % in the May 2013 election and now is only 9.72%, is evidence of this growing sentiment,” said Lynn Anderson, a Youngstown Community Bill of Rights (CBR) Committee member.            

      Lynn Anderson also emphasizes that the margin is closing in the CBR committee's favor and that the committee soundly gained ground in November even though the CBR group spent only about half as much money as they did in their CBR May, 2013 campaign.  Lynn Anderson also says, "Youngstown citizens can visit the Mahoning County Board of Elections campaign finance website at http://www.voterfind.tzo.org/mahoningoh/webcfs/cfsearch.aspx  .   Type in Plumbers and add the final tally from the two 30-B-2 forms (October and December 2013) and see that the opposition spent over $81,000 against this ballot initiative. It is disgraceful that the opposition hired out of state ad agencies to formulate direct mail to confuse the issue in the public’s mind.”               

     The Youngstown Community Bill of Rights Committee says elections cannot be bought in America – even if the laws allow an unequal financial playing field. The group believes that, in general, it is un-American and immoral for outsiders to try to influence a local ballot question result by injecting massive amounts of advertising or lobbying money that greatly outspends the grassroots community. The public knows that is unfair. They see right through it.       
     The CBR group says that they are raising awareness of citizens’ and their official representatives’ local fundamental right and duty to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare of their communities. It is the 2004 Ohio state law, H.B. 278, that claims it can take away citizens’ local rights, that is unconstitutional. That state law is a bad law. The Community Bill of Rights Charter Amendment upholds American laws and values, and all citizens’ unalienable, natural, fundamental rights.       

     The group says that nearly every day – either in Ohio or in other states - another serious fracking related accident, evacuation, civil rights or human rights violation, or other event occurs that validates to the public that what the group has been saying is the truth.       

     For example, on December 19, 2013, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued an enormously significant court decision ruling that major parts of Pennsylvania’s shale drilling-related law, Act 13, were unconstitutional. The group believes that Act 13 is similar to the Ohio state drilling-related law, H.B. 278, which claims it can deprive local communities of certain fundamental rights.       

     The group believes that the outcome favoring local control in the  Pennsylvania Act 13 case is a preview of what is to come to Ohio’s similar law that erroneously says it can trump citizens’ civil, fundamental, and human rights to determine how they want their community to be and to protect their community’s health, safety, and welfare.  That Ohio law, they feel, will go the same way as the one in Pennsylvania – it will be ruled unconstitutional.          

     Please see “Pennsylvania Supreme Court declares portions of shale-drilling law unconstitutional,” a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article by Don Hopey, December 20, 2013, at: http://www.post-gazette.com/local/2013/12/19/Pennsylvania-Supreme-Court-declares-portions-of-shale-drilling-law-unconstitutional/stories/201312190254       
     The group bases their information upon valid scientific reports, facts, and other accurate documentation. They say that politics, industry lobbying, and bureaucratic incompetence cannot be put above good science and the well-being of the community. The serious risks and adverse outcomes related to fracking and related processes are real. The public health, safety, and well-being must come first. The group says that to put profits over people is immoral and harmful to communities.       

Especially alarming to the Community Bill of Rights Committee and its supporters is that, locally or nationwide, heavy industrial fracking-related operations or infrastructure continue to be permitted near homes, children’s schools, farms, parks, forests, and cemeteries – in neighborhoods and residential areas.  Private property issues, such as forced pooling, occur. Real estate home property values can decrease as heavy fracking-related industrial operations are permitted near homes or residential areas.       

    The group is concerned about the plight and adverse health claims of those residents living near a heavy industrial fracking operation permitted by the state of Ohio in nearby Weathersfield Township.  Please see the following astonishing video that shows gas flaring and concerns of residents living near the fracking operation:
“Westwood Lake Nightmare” (published June 23, 2013)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UEfXg9km5Q         

     The CBR Committee and supporters say that we, as a community, can learn a lot from other states’ experiences with fracking and related issues, including recent multiple earthquakes in Oklahoma and Texas. According to a KXAN – TV news report, North Texas had approximately twenty earthquakes in one month.  Please see KXAN news report titled, “20th earthquake in month reported in North Texas Latest happened about 20 miles NW of Fort Worth,” December 3, 2013, (includes new video and article) at: http://ww
w.kxan.com/news/20th-earthquake-in-month-reported-in-north-texas
      

     Some scientists feel that the latter earthquakes, and others, may be associated with deep fracking waste injection wells, like the one that caused the now-famous 4.0 magnitude earthquake in Youngstown, Ohio on December 31, 2011.  Scientists have linked Youngstown’s earthquakes to the D&L Northstar 1 injection well.      

     Group members say that the bottom line is that unconventional fracking continually creates millions of gallons of toxic fracking waste that has to go somewhere. There is no good, safe solution to this problem. Where will it all go?  Unfortunately, much of the waste currently goes to Ohio. Ohio is not a toxic fracking waste dumping ground. Ohioans are not expendable. No one anywhere is expendable.      

     In Ohio, an increasing number of toxic fracking waste injection wells are being permitted, built, or operated, such as the one in Weathersfield Township, Ohio, where local officials wisely oppose them. See “City of Niles sides with Weathersfield, opposes brine injection well plans,” WFMJ.com, updated August 31, 2012 at:
http://www.wfmj.com/story/19351516/niles-sides-weathersfield-opposes-brine-injection-well-plans
      

     Even though local officials and some residents opposed the injection wells, the state of Ohio permitted one in their community anyway.  An injection well is now being built in Weathersfield Township. 

      The increasing number of permits issued by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for yet more injection wells is despite the fact that Youngstown has already had at least 109 earthquakes, including the 4.0 magnitude earthquake on December 31, 2011 that scientists acknowledge was linked to the Youngstown D&L Northstar 1 injection well.      

     Furthermore, the group says, earthquakes cannot be regulated. It is reckless and irresponsible for anyone to pretend that earthquakes that could result from injection of fracking waste into deep injection wells can be regulated or kept small in magnitude.  Ohio is not the only state where local officials and residents have serious concerns and legitimate grievances about toxic fracking waste injection wells.       

     According to the Mayor of Azle, Texas, speaking of the almost 20 earthquakes in one month, as reported in Climate Progress, December 6, 2013: “’If it is determined that quakes are caused by the disposal wells, then the disposal wells need to stop. It’s that simple,’ the city of Azle’s Mayor Alan Brundrett said."        

     The latter quote and embedded link is from an article by Katie Valentine titled, “Researchers Link Earthquakes in Texas To Fracking Process,” at:
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/12/06/3029951/texas-fracking-earthquakes/
      
“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 Dr. Ray Beiersdorfer, Professor of Geology at Youngstown State University.       

      Group members say that continuing on the path we are on regarding earthquakes and injection wells makes no common sense. The potential impact of frequent earthquakes, even smaller, under 3.0 magnitude quakes possibly linked to injection wells in any state, should not be minimized. This increased number of earthquakes is not normal.  We, as a society, should not and cannot become desensitized to this situation. The views of some people, whose incomes depend upon giving false reassurances to the public about the possible implications of the earthquakes, should be held to intense scrutiny, increased scientific inquiry, and open, public transparency. More media coverage would go a long way in raising general public awareness of these issues and would be a real community service.       
      It’s time for clear-thinking adults to intervene to legally stop this irrational quest by industry and a few others for a quick way to make money, while the majority of society suffers the costs. Those costs include financial, health- related, and costs to our democratic process. The public health, well-being, safety, drinking water, air, and fundamental rights must be the first consideration.       

     It has become extremely obvious that something needs to be done now about the increase in injection well-linked earthquakes that, alarmingly, are becoming more and more commonplace, according to reputable scientists and researchers. In fact, two United States Representatives, Representative Peter DeFazio and Representative Henry Waxman,  are wisely calling for hearings on the man-made earthquakes.  Their efforts to raise national awareness of the earthquake/injection well problem should be commended and supported locally and nationwide.

        According to The Oklahoman, Representative Peter DeFazio and Representative Henry Waxman said:  “… the two panels should hold a joint hearing to study the increase of seismic activity in areas that had previously been inactive and ‘the potential regulatory gaps in current law that put people and property at risk from man-made earthquakes.’”      

       The latter quote is from: “Democrats want hearing on whether earthquakes are linked to fracking: Citing research on Oklahoma earthquakes, two Democrats call on Republican committee leaders to look into unusual seismic activity,” by Chris Casteel, December 19, 2013, The Oklahoman:
http://newsok.com/democrats-want-hearing-on-whether-earthquakes-are-linked-to-fracking/article/3915820
     

      For an increasing number of reasons, including a shocking lack of public transparency on the part of ODNR, many members of the public have lost confidence in the ability of the state bureaucracy, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), to competently protect the public health, safety, general well-being and private property rights of Ohioans.

       One reason for the loss of public confidence in ODNR is that football-field sized, open, toxic fracking waste centralized impoundment pits, or “lagoons,” which were reportedly banned in Ohio, have recently been permitted and are scheduled to make their appearance in Ohio by January 1, 2014.       

     See “Ohio will soon authorize fracking wastewater pools Football field-sized ponds to recycle waste,” by Jamison Cocklin, The Vindicator, October 6, 2013, at:
http://www.vindy.com/news/2013/oct/06/oil-and-gas-drilling-ohio-set-to-ok-pits/


       These pits are still going forward despite apparent problems with impoundments in other states. To Frackfree Mahoning Valley’s knowledge, no one at ODNR fully adequately notified nor informed the general public of this plan – although they are supposed to be accountable to the public.  Nevertheless, plans for the football-sized fracking waste “lagoons” are still in place to proceed. This is unacceptable. The public has a right to be fully informed beforehand – not after the fact - and to have a legal say about issues that can directly impact or involve risks to their public health, safety, or general well-being. See the Frackfree Mahoning Valley press release dated October 14, 2013, at:
http://frackfreemahoning.blogspot.com/2013/10/frackfree-mahoning-valley-calls-for.html       

       The group stresses that the oil and gas industry is not the only business in this area. The oil and gas industry does not deserve special treatment or law exemptions over all other businesses or human beings. We must be aware of possible adverse economic effects of heavy industrialization via fracking upon property values, upon the $43 billion per year Ohio tourist industry, and also upon agriculture, farming, and real estate businesses.       

     We must remain open to healthy family living in our communities, freedom to quiet enjoyment of private property rights, and healthy, ethical, and responsible businesses.   (According to a Vindicator AP article, tourism is the fourth-largest industry in Ohio “supporting 443,000 jobs” and $43 billion annually: See “Ohio House panel discusses attracting tourists,” September 10, 2013), AP: 
http://www.vindy.com/news/2013/sep/10/ohio-house-panel-discusses-attracting-tourists/?nw

       For media inquiries or more information, or to volunteer to help take petitions door to door to get voter signatures in Youngstown or Niles, please contact the petition committees via Frackfree Mahoning Valley at: 
234-201-0402   or  e-mail:  frackfreemahoning@gmail.com

For more information please see the following links:    

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
 

“Fracking hell: what it’s really like to live next to a shale gas well,” by Suzanne Goldenberg, The Guardian , article and video, December 13, 2013:   
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/dec/14/fracking-hell-live-next-shale-gas-well-texas-us  

More regarding Westwood Lake Park and fracking, etc. “Faith motivates Catholics to speak out on gas, oil drilling practices,” by Dennis Sadowski, Catholic News Service, posted December 12, 2013, Catholic Courier at: http://www.catholiccourier.com/in-depth/previous-topics/debate-over-fracking/faith-motivates-catholics-to-speak-out-on-gas-oil-drilling-practices/  

Earthquakes and fracking waste injection wells: 
(The Two - Year Anniversary of the Youngstown, Ohio Injection Well 4.0 magnitude Earthquake is December 31, 2013.)   “Experts Eye Oil and Gas Industry as Quakes Shake Oklahoma,” by Henry Fountain, The New York Times, December 12, 2013, [Youngstown, Ohio is in a caption in the video that goes along with this article.]: 
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/13/science/earth/as-quakes-shake-oklahoma-scientists-eye-oil-and-gas-industry.html?pagewanted=all  

“Induced seismicity associated with fluid injection into a deep well in Youngstown, Ohio,” by Won-Young Kim, Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, Volume 118, Issue 7, July 2013, Wiley Online Library: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jgrb.50247/abstract  

[Athens, Ohio]  “After earthquake, city council sides with county on halting use of injection wells,” December 3, 2013, by Cassie Kelly, The Post, at:
http://thepost.ohiou.edu/content/after-earthquake-city-council-sides-county-halting-use-injection-wells 

  “Distant Earthquakes Trigger Tremors at U.S. Waste-Injection Sites, Says Study,” ScienceDaily, July 11, 2013:    http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130711142401.htm  

“Oil Addiction, Not Fracking, Caused the 2011 Oklahoma Earthquakes,” by David Biello, March 27, 2013, Scientific American Blogs, [Youngstown 4.0 mag. earthquake mentioned in video with article] http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/2013/03/27/oil-addiction-not-fracking-caused-the-2011-oklahoma-earthquakes/    

  “…’There’s something important about getting unexpectedly large earthquakes out of small systems that we have discovered here,’ he said. The observations mean that ‘the risk of humans inducing large earthquakes from even small injection activities is probably higher’ than previously thought, he said.” [Excerpt from:] “Wastewater Injection Spurred Biggest Earthquake Yet, Says Study March 26, 2013  2011 Oklahoma Temblor Came Amid Increased Manmade Seismicity,” Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, Earth Institute at:  http://www.ldeo.columbia.edu/news-events/wastewater-injection-spurred-biggest-earthquake-yet-says-study

  “In Oklahoma, water, fracking – and a swarm of quakes,” by Carey Gillam, November 19, 2013, Reuters at:  http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/19/us-usa-earthquakes-fracking-oklahoma-idUSBRE9AI12W20131119   

“Mineral Wells quake follows another temblor near Azle,” by Barry Shlachter, December 9, 2013, Star-Telegram; [includes list of some area earthquakes:]
http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/12/08/5402450/ice-storm-cant-put-the-freeze.html   

“Residents in Azle told CBS 11 News that they are concerned about the rising number of earthquakes rocking the area.” [Excerpt from:] “Earthquake Strikes North Texas Saturday Night,” CBSDFW.com, December 15, 2013, http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2013/12/15/earthquake-strikes-north-texas-saturday-night/?utm_source=web&utm_medium=twitter  

“Officials with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources would not go on camera for this report, but they responded to questions about the issue.” [Excerpt from:]  “Ohio dumping ground for fracking waste?” November 8, 2013, WKBN-TV 27 First News: http://www.wkbn.com/news/local/ohio-dumping-ground-for-fracking-waste  

“Since oil and gas drillers are exempt from key provisions of federal hazardous waste law, they are also exempt from the earthquake prevention rules when they inject wastewater from hydraulic fracturing.”        [Excerpt from:] “Earthquakes: Drilling waste wells exempt from earthquake testing rules,” by Mike Soraghan, E & E Publishing, LLC., March 22, 2012: http://www.eenews.net/stories/1059961795 

“A commission spokeswoman said inspectors visited one of the disposal wells in the area and found it in compliance with agency rules. But agency rules don't address earthquakes.” [Excerpt from:] “Earthquakes: Texas agency doubtful as it investigates link to drilling-waste injection,” by Mike Soraghan, E & E Publishing, LLC., December 18, 2013: http://www.eenews.net/stories/1059992009 

“Yet another earthquake, the 30th since November 1, rattles Azle Monday morning,” by Robert Wilonsky, The Scoop Blog, Dallasnews, December 23, 2013: http://thescoopblog.dallasnews.com/2013/12/yet-another-quake-the-30th-since-nov-1-rattles-azle-monday-morning.html/ 

“Along with the cracks, the nail heads appear to be popping out of the sheet rock, and Kim believes the quakes feel stronger upstairs, hence the cracks in the walls.” [Excerpt from:] “More earthquakes hit near Azle,” updated December 23, 2013, by James Rose, KDFW Fox 4, [Includes news video and article]: http://www.myfoxdfw.com/story/24285588/33-earthquake-hits-azle-again 

“Continued Shaking Has Texans Considering Earthquake Insurance,” December 23, 2013, by Bud Gillett, CBS 11 News, http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2013/12/23/continued-shaking-has-texans-considering-earthquake-insurance/#.UrnAR4zb7kI.twitter 

“Scientific American’s Top 10 Science Stories of 2013,” by The Editors, December 19, 2013, Scientific American [see Number 7: “Confirmed: Fracking and Related Operations Cause Earthquakes,”] http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=top-10-science-stories-2013&page=5     

“Fracking firm Cuadrilla pulls out of Lancashire ‘quake’ site,” BBC News Lancashire, December 17, 2013: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-25415187      

See election results here:  Mahoning County Board of Elections:  http://vote.mahoningcountyoh.gov/ November, 2013 election results:  http://vote.mahoningcountyoh.gov/election-information-results/local-election-results/ See May 7 election results here:  http://vote.mahoningcountyoh.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/13p-official.pdf  

Additional Important Information:
[Video with English subtitles:]
“Pope Francis unmissable interview by film director Fernando E. Solanas, Cinesur, SA, YouTube, “Published on Dec 13, 2013
Multi award winning film director and argentinian senator Fernando E. Solanas made this amazing interview where Pope Francis talks about environment contamination unemployment and culture. Please help us. Sign in www.argentinasinfracking.org “  at:
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAX4mrhw0zw
Pope Francis interview video In Spanish without subtitles, “Imperdible entrevista al Papa Francisco por Pino Solanas,” Cinesur SA, “published on November 27, 2013,   is at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1DyLbmOBSU 

“Debate over fracking,” “…series of stories from Catholic News Service …” Catholic Courier, posted December 11, 2013, Updated: December 18, 2013 at: http://www.catholiccourier.com/in-depth/previous-topics/debate-over-fracking/    

“Straight talk – Pennsylvanians speak out to Governor Corbett about fra …” Delaware Riverkeeper Network: YoTube video, January 9, 2013: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VhDXNEEVCs  

[The Texas Tribune] “Fort Worth Sues Driller, Citing Millions in Lost Royalties,” by Jim Malewitz, published December 21, 2013, The New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/22/us/fort-worth-sues-driller-citing-millions-in-lost-royalties.html?smid=fb-share&_r=3&    

For media inquiries or more information, or to volunteer to help the local efforts, please contact the group via Frackfree Mahoning Valley at:  234-201-0402  
or  e-mail:  frackfreemahoning@gmail.com  
                                                          
                                                                                    # # #
0 Comments

Drinking Water Threat Leads to Request to Ohio Governor to Revoke CNX’s Drilling Permit #34099231840000

2/25/2013

0 Comments

 
click to Share this on facebook
John Kasich, Governor / James Zehringer, Director of ODNR / Mike De Wine, Attorney General State of Ohio
Riffe Center
30th Floor
77 S. High St.
Columbus, Ohio 43215-6117

Governor Kasich, Mr. Zehringer, Mr. DeWine:

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has recently granted CNX Gas Co., LLC a permit to drill a hydrofracking well in Mahoning County, known as the Cadle Well, MAHN-7, on Blott Road, in Jackson Twp. This
well lies within the protected Meander River watershed which is the source of drinking water for Youngstown,
Niles and numerous other communities within Mahoning and Trumbull Counties.
The undersigned organizations and residents of Mahoning County strenuously object to this permit due to CNX
Gas Co. LLC’s horrid record of environmental violations related to its hydrofracking activities in the State of
Pennsylvania. These violations include the following:

Violation Details - Source: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
CNX Gas Co., LLC (since Jan. 2009) UPDATE: CNX Gas Co., LLC's Department of Environmental
Protection in Pennsylvania's record: Grand Total of  Inspections: 76; Inspections With Violations: 76; Violations: 148; Enforcements: 82; Wells Inspected: 61.  Inspections from 1/1/2008 to 3/3/2013

Apr 21st, 2008: Code: 201F - Failure to notify DEP, landowner, political subdivision, or coal owner 24 hrs prior
to commencement of drilling
Feb 5th, 2010: Code: 78.56PITCNST - Impoundment not structurally sound, impermeable, 3rd party protected,
greater than 20’’ of seasonal high ground water table
Jun 23rd, 2009: Code: 402POTNLPOLL - There is a potential for polluting substance(s) reaching Waters of the
Commonwealth and may require a permit.
Jan 19th, 2010: Code: 401CAUSEPOLL - Polluting substance(s) allowed to discharge into Waters of the Commonwealth.
Jan 14th, 2010: Code: 78.56FRBRD - Failure to maintain 2’ freeboard in an impoundment by handling materials that create a danger of pollution.
Dec 9th, 2010: Code: 78.54 - Failure to properly control or dispose of industrial or residual waste to prevent pollution of the waters of the Commonwealth.
Dec 9th, 2010: Code: 78.56PITCNST - Impoundment not structurally sound, impermeable, 3rd party protected,
greater than 20’’ of seasonal high ground water table
Jan 9th, 2012: Code: 401CSL - Discharge of pollultional material to waters of Commonwealth.
Jan 9th, 2012: Code: 78.54 - Failure to properly control or dispose of industrial or residual waste to prevent pollution of the waters of the Commonwealth.
Nov 16th, 2011: Code: 78.54 - Failure to properly control or dispose of industrial or residual waste to prevent
pollution of the waters of the Commonwealth.
Nov 16th, 2011: Code: 402CSL - Failure to adopt pollution prevention measures required or prescribed by DEP
by handling materials that create a danger of pollution.
Jul 5th, 2011: Code: 301CSL - Stream discharge of IW, includes drill cuttings, oil, brine and/or silt
Jul 5th, 2011: Code: 78.54 - Failure to properly control or dispose of industrial or residual waste to prevent pollution
of the waters of the Commonwealth.
Nov 30th, -0001: Code: 212CMPLRPT - Failure to submit completion report within 30 days of completion of well
Oct 27th, 2011: Code: 78.83GRNDWTR - Improper casing to protect fresh groundwater
Apr 6th, 2012: Code: 401CLS - Discharge of pollultional material to waters of Commonwealth.
Apr 6th, 2012: Code: 78.54 - Failure to properly control or dispose of industrial or residual waste to prevent pollution  of the waters of the Commonwealth.
Apr 6th, 2012: Code: 401CLS - Discharge of pollultional material to waters of Commonwealth.
Mar 12th, 2012: Code: 102.4NOPLAN - No E&S plan developed, plan not on site
Mar 12th, 2012: Code: 102.11 - Failure to design, implement or maintain BMPs to minimize the potential for accelerated erosion and sedimentation.
Mar 12th, 2012: Code: 102.4NOPLAN - No E&S plan developed, plan not on site
Jan 25th, 2012: Code: SWMA301 - Failure to properly store, transport, process or dispose of a residual waste.
Jan 25th, 2012: Code: 78.54 - Failure to properly control or dispose of industrial or residual waste to prevent pollution of the waters of the Commonwealth.
Nov 30th, -0001: Code: 401CSL - Discharge of pollultional material to waters of Commonwealth.
(The agency releases well data semi-annually, so the records in the application represent wells in the system from
January 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012. Gas production totals and days represent activity during that period. The application also reflects violations reported from Jan. 1, 2009 to June 30, 2012 on any wells that were active during the first half of this year.)

We expect you as governor and the state agencies you oversee to provide leadership in protecting the well-being
of Ohio’s communities and citizens from the irresponsible and potentially deadly practices of companies like
CNX. You can demonstrate your leadership in this instance and concern for all Ohio citizens by directing ODNR
to revoke CNX’s drilling permit.

Sincerely,
concerned citizens of Mahoning County, Ohio

# # #

Read more about the Cadle - MAHN7AHSU well (located in drinking water source protection area for the MVSD [Mahoning Valley Sanitary District] ): http://frackfreemahoning.blogspot.com/2012/09/mahoning-fracking-rig-drive-through.html Longitude 41.074312 , Latitude - 80.882643

Read More
0 Comments

Frackfree America National Coalition (based in Youngstown, Ohio) Seeks Youngstown Registered Voter Signatures Required To Put a Local Control, “Community Bill of Rights” Question On The May Primary Ballot - Rally Jan. 26, 2013.

1/24/2013

1 Comment

 
Frackfree America National Coalition  -  News Release

www.frackfreeamerica.org
_______________________________________________________

For Immediate Release:  January 23, 2013

Contact: Susie Beiersdorfer or Jane Spies, M.S. Ed.:  Phone: 234- 201-8007

 or E-mail:  frackfreeamerica@gmail.com
 ______________________________________________________

Frackfree America National Coalition (based in Youngstown, Ohio)
Seeks Youngstown Registered Voter Signatures
Required To Put a Local Control, “Community Bill of Rights” Question
On The May Primary Ballot:
The Group Will Hold a 10 AM Rally On Saturday, January 26, 2013, 
To Kick Off The All-day Signing Event
That Will Include Local Canvassers Going Door-to-door
With A Local Control Petition Seeking Signatures Of Registered Voters
And An Opportunity For Interested Voters to Sign The Petition
at The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Youngstown on Saturday.
Youngstown, Ohio-1/23/13 – Frackfree America National Coalition (based in Youngstown, Ohio www.frackfreeamerica.org ) anticipates that for many Youngstown residents who felt the now-famous fracking waste injection well-related 4.0 magnitude earthquake on Dec. 31, 2011 or who are concerned about protecting Mill Creek Park from fracking, the following rally will be a must-attend event.

Concerned citizens of Frackfree America National Coalition (based in Youngstown, Ohio) will hold a rally at 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM, Saturday, January 26, 2013, on the front steps of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Youngstown to kick off their special petition-signing event planned for the entire day beginning at 10 AM to 8 PM, Eastern time.  The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Youngstown is located at 1105 Elm St., Youngstown, Ohio. (Elm & Illinois.)

This Saturday event is part of an ongoing effort to get the required number of signatures from Youngstown registered voters in order to put a question on the May Primary ballot for voters to decide if they want local control to protect their water, air, and land.  The effort is also known as the Community Bill of Rights.  

Media and the public are encouraged to please attend.

This Community Bill of Rights seeks to re-establish local control that concerned citizens believe was unjustly taken away in 2004.  Frackfree Mahoning Valley and Frackfree America National Coalition have been providing educational efforts and going door-to-door to seek signatures.

After Saturday’s 10 AM rally, canvassers plan to go door-to-door in the local area to seek prospective signers.

“We welcome and invite anyone who wants to sign the petition, or would like more information about the effort before signing, to come to the church on January 26 at any time between 10 AM and 8 PM where members of Frackfree America will be available to help and to provide educational literature.  Canvassers report that the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.  People who felt the earthquake and who love Mill Creek Park and want to keep it safe from fracking comprise a great number of signers, so far. We are extremely pleased with how this is going, and we thank the community for their positive response,” said Susie Beiersdorfer, co-founder of Frackfree America National Coalition.

In addition to the January 26 signing event and rally, other times and places where Youngstown citizens can sign the petition can be found at the following website address:

http://www.frackfreeamerica.org/youngstownpetition.html

Frackfree America National Coalition says that local self-government control is essential for local officials to safeguard the public health, safety, and welfare of their constituents and protect drinking water sources, air, and soil, including farmland. All citizens have a right to drink clean water, breathe clean air, and live on unpolluted land.

Especially in light of the growing number nationwide of reports of accidents or mishaps related to gas and oil drilling and related processes and infrastructure, this is a timely concern. The recent Sissonville, West Virginia gas line explosion that damaged homes and part of the freeway is one example of the need for citizens and officials to address these kinds of issues immediately.

See: NBC Nightly News, December 11, 2012: “Gas line explodes in West Virginia; homes burn, freeway damaged":

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/11/15845530-gas-line-explodes-in-west-virginia-homes-burn-freeway-damaged?lite

Furthermore, when spills, leaks, or contamination occur, first responders and physicians must know precisely what substances they are dealing with in order to protect themselves and the public from harm. Company “trade secrets” policies and exemptions of the oil and gas industry from some laws inhibit adequate knowledge at this point in time.

For example, an excerpt follows from a news article about an Ohio oil well leak. The article is titled, “Ohio closes oil well, questions remain,” January 17, 2013, by Shelley Grieshop, The Daily Standard. The author quoted Auglaize County EMA Director Troy Anderson:

“… St. Marys Township Fire Department, which received the initial call about the leak, also has no information on file, he added.

Owners of oil and gas wells legally do not have to provide local authorities with any information even though they must respond to public health threats. Permits and other requirements are on file only with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.”

http://www.dailystandard.com/archive/story_single.php?rec_id=20053

The  oil spill in St. Marys, Ohio is also discussed in an article (updated on January 21, 2013,)  by Tricia Bell, titled,  “Officials investigate St. Marys oil spill,”  (hometownstations.com ) An excerpt follows:

“St. Marys, Ohio - What seemed to be a small oil spill on Friday has grown into a much more difficult to contain crude oil release into waterways in Auglaize County.”

http://www.hometownstations.com/story/20584854/officials-investigate-st-marys-oil-spill

The latter Ohio example shows that not only are reports of concerns from residents or officials coming in from other parts of the country where drilling or hydraulic fracturing has been going on for a while, Ohio residents are presenting their own increasing number of concerns about problems they claim are related to drilling or fracking and related processes.   

For instance, the NBC News “Today Show” did a report about an Ohio family’s concerns about their drinking water. The report is titled, “Rossen Reports: Family discovers their tap water is flammable,” January 11, 2013:

http://todaynews.today.com/_news/2013/01/11/16462830-rossen-reports-family-discovers-their-tap-water-is-flammable?lite

Another Ohio example is shown in a WKYC- TV news video and article from December 5, 2012, titled, “Portage County: Drilling blamed for home damage”:

http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/272365/6/Portage-County-Fracking-blamed-for-home-damage

These reports are in addition to the growing list of community concerns, including a 5- mile long “brine” waste spill in Fowler and countless fish dying in Brookfield, which Frackfree Mahoning Valley has brought to public attention in previous releases.  Even though fracking and related activities have not yet reached anticipated levels in Ohio, concerns and the number of reports of problems are growing.  These incidents have not been adequately addressed, in the groups’ opinion.

Transparency, honesty, scientific information, and public dialogue are essential in resolving these issues. Frackfree America National Coalition renews its call for open public dialogue, preferably televised, on these crucial issues that so profoundly affect our community. This conversation would be a great community service.

The previously cited news stories are relevant to a discussion of the local Community Bill of Rights petition because nationwide, and in Youngstown, community officials who represent their constituents’ public interest need local control to fulfill their official obligations to safeguard public health, safety, and well-being.

Frackfree America’s position is that, based upon mounting evidence, the risks to public health and safety along with social costs posed by fracking and related processes are too high to accept, and the technology is not far enough advanced to do fracking and related processes safely, therefore it must be stopped.

Frackfree America says that the public has a right to decide how they want to address these concerns in their own local communities in order to protect the public welfare…hence the need for the local ballot question for the Community Bill of Rights.

It is the responsible thing to do to have an informed public making informed decisions about how they want their communities to be, based upon science and principles of good ethics.

For a basic overview of fracking –related issues please see:  “Unearthed: The Fracking Façade” YouTube:  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPIEzSwPwT0

For more information, please see a previous press release (12/26/12)  RE: “March to the Promised Land Rally”:
http://www.frackfreeamerica.org/#pressrelease12-26

The Frackfree America National Coalition 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

Join the upcoming Second National Rally Day:  Spring, 2013 at:
www.frackfreeamerica.org

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

For Media Inquiries or for more information, please call or e-mail:

frackfreeamerica@gmail.com     234-201-8007

                                                           # # #
1 Comment

Local “Promised Land” Movie Extras and Concerned Citizens of Anti-Fracking Group, Frackfree America National Coalition (based in Youngstown, Ohio), Plan to Attend a Friday, January 4, 2013 showing of Matt Damon’s “Promised Land” movie in

1/2/2013

0 Comments

 
Frackfree America National Coalition                             News Release

www.frackfreeamerica.org
_______________________________________________________

For Immediate Release:  January 2, 2013
Contact:  Phone: 234- 201-8007  or E-mail:
frackfreeamerica@gmail.com

______________________________________________________
Local “Promised Land” Movie Extras and Concerned Citizens of Anti-Fracking Group, Frackfree America National Coalition (based in Youngstown, Ohio), Plan to Attend a Friday, January 4, 2013 showing of Matt Damon’s “Promised Land” movie in a Boardman, Ohio Theater

Youngstown, Ohio-1/2/13 - As the clock on the Frackfree America National Coalition website counts down to the big day – January 4, 2013 – the opening of Matt Damon’s and John Krasinski’s “Promised Land” in movie theaters nationwide, a group of concerned citizens of Frackfree America National Coalition who oppose fracking, along with local residents who were actually filmed as “Promised Land” extras, are planning to attend the 2 PM showing of the movie at the Regal Cinema South 10 theater at 7420 South Avenue in Boardman, Ohio, on Friday, January 4, 2012.

(Detailed plans for Friday’s trip to the movies can be found on the homepage at:  http://www.frackfreeamerica.org/promised-land.html  ).

Patti Gorcheff, a “Promised Land” movie extra and local fracking opponent who will be attending the movie on Friday, said:

“Being on the “Promised Land” movie set in the Pittsburgh area around June of 2012 was very exciting and a new experience for me and my family.  We got to speak with Matt Damon briefly. It was also a very moving experience because, for me, this wasn’t solely a fictional movie. It was about experiences similar to what I’m going through right now living near a proposed fracking waste injection well and living near farms that have already leased.  We don’t want any more earthquakes or other problems.  I’m optimistic, though. I hope this movie inspires people to really research the problems associated with fracking and related processes and to take a stand. I can’t wait to see how the movie came out.”

Patti Gorcheff, her husband David Gorcheff, and their daughter Kelsey appear in the “Promised Land” movie trailer that is airing nationally. David Gorcheff will also attend the movie on January 4th.

Another theme in “Promised Land,” according to the movie trailer, is a vote that residents of the fictional town of McKinley are taking to determine whether or not they, as a community, want to lease their land for gas drilling.

In a real-life scenario reminiscent of the fictional vote in the movie, Frackfree America says a Community Bill of Rights initiative is underway right now in Youngstown, Ohio.  Concerned citizens say they want to put the fracking issue to a vote and get back local control for the community to protect their water, air, and land.

Concerned citizens are seeking signatures of Youngstown residents to get the issue put on the local ballot that would enable voters to say whether or not they want to take back local control in Youngstown.  Frackfree America National Coalition has information on their website (http://www.frackfreeamerica.org/youngstownpetition.html ) that informs any Youngstown resident who wants to sign the petition where they can go to sign it.

Frackfree America has been eagerly anticipating this January 4th opening day saying they hope the national dialogue that they have been calling for to highlight the many risks of fracking and related processes to public health and safety will finally strongly take hold.  They are especially pleased that Matt Damon has said that he would like his film to start a conversation.

In an effort to help promote a national conversation, Frackfree America has been calling attention to the “Promised Land” movie and held a very successful “March to the Promised Land Rally” on Dec. 28, 2012 in Youngstown. Some rally attendees drove hours to show their support for the cause – even with lots of snow on the ground and cold weather. 

The rally keynote speaker was Douglas Shields, featured in “Gasland” filmmaker Josh Fox's film "The Sky is Pink" and former Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania City Council President, who in 2010 sponsored and secured the first ban of shale gas extraction drilling in the city of Pittsburgh.  Attending the rally were families, mothers, fathers, children, men, and women - a true cross-section of American citizens.  We thank them all.

See:

Youngstown, Ohio (AP):
“Drilling opponents plan rally in northeast Ohio,” December 28, 2012.
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/12/28/28-movie-inspires-protest.html

See WYTV 33 News video and article, “Drilling Opponents Hold Rally in Youngstown,” December 28, 2012:
http://www.wytv.com/content/news/local/story/Drilling-Opponents-Hold-Rally-in-Youngstown/_e7g2YKAOkiI8M6RYqCEEg.cspx

Frackfree America hopes that other groups nationwide will create their own similar rallies to help keep the new conversation started by Damon and Krasinski going and getting louder.
Frackfree America says Matt Damon and John Krasinski deserve kudos and thanks for helping to raise the level of necessary national dialogue about how we, as American citizens, want our communities to be.
The group encourages others to view “Promised Land” when it comes to their area theaters.
Movie extras will be available to give media their take on the movie “Promised Land” that they will be viewing for the first time.

For more information, please see a previous press release (12/26/12)  RE: “March to the Promised Land Rally”:
http://www.frackfreeamerica.org/#pressrelease12-26

See the Facebook Event page, “We’re all going to the movies” at:
http://www.facebook.com/events/296628993773859

The Frackfree America National Coalition 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

Join the upcoming Second National Rally Day:  Spring, 2013 at:

www.frackfreeamerica.org

Find Frackfree America on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/Frackfree

For Media Inquiries, to speak with movie extras, or for more information, please call or e-mail:

frackfreeamerica@gmail.com     234-201-8007

                                                           # # #

0 Comments

Cows The New Canaries? March To Promised Land Youngstown With Doug Shields & Rally December 28, 2012

12/23/2012

0 Comments

 
Are Cows The New Canaries?
Important event !  Friday, Dec. 28

The public is invited to please come to Youngstown, Ohio, on Friday, December 28, 2012, for an exciting  rally and march to help raise public awareness of fracking and related processes.  
This is a great opportunity for all of us to tell more people about
what is really going on as it relates to fracking:
Event details follow:

March To The Promised Land Rally
- a Promised Land-movie-related rally!*


Dec 28, Friday, 12:30pm - 2pm

The event will assemble** near the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Youngstown (UUYO), 1105 Elm St. (Elm & Illinois), Youngstown, Ohio 44505, and other locations to be determined. Great speakers and Promised Land movie extras are scheduled to appear! The rally keynote speaker will be Douglas Shields, who is featured in Gasland filmmaker Josh Fox's film "The Sky is Pink" and is a former Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania City Council President, who in 2010 sponsored and secured the first ban of shale gas extraction drilling in the city of Pittsburgh.

Matt Damon's and John Krasinski's new movie "Promised Land" will be opening soon on December 28 (select locations) and January 4 nationwide. The film posters have the conversation-starting tagline, "What's your price?..."

Frackfree America encourages everyone to see the movie, Promised Land, when it comes to a theater in your area.

More exciting details will follow. Please keep checking back to the links below.
(And / or subscribe to the free Frackfree America National Coalition listserv http://eepurl.com/oHOKr for more updates and other fracking-related information). Thanks! Please share and distribute widely.

 *Just to clarify: movie, Promised Land, will NOT be shown at this "March to the Promised Land Rally." This rally/march, facilitated by Frackfree America National Coalition, is meant to encourage conversation, public awareness of fracking & related issues, & to encourage your attendance at the movie when it comes out in your local area.

**NOTE - transport and seats available for those that need to ride to, and to be seated at the rally :)

Here it is on FB: http://www.facebook.com/events/419501181455439/   Please FB SHARE / INVITE Guests as able ~ thank you!

Here's the Rally page on our website (FANCy):  http://www.frackfreeamerica.org/promised-land.html

It is also at FFMa calendar: http://bit.ly/12BOZ8m

ALSO , PL Extras FB Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Promised-Land-Extras-2012/332913823423104
March to Promised Land
Picture
March to the Promised Land movie
0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>

    All Posts

    March 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    December 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    August 2015
    September 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    May 2012


    WATCH PROMISED LAND
    TRAILER (CLICK)
    Freedom From Toxic Fracking Waste

    About

    Current issues covered by Frackfree America National Coalition based in Youngstown, Ohio - F.A.N.C.Y.

    Categories

    All
    City Council
    Illinois
    Ingraffea
    Injection Well
    Injection Well
    New York
    Odnr
    Ohio
    Rally
    Toxic Wastewater
    Toxic Wastewater
    Youngstown

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.