Are Frac Ponds a Public Health Threat?

Chesapeake Energy Frac Pond located at the Fulson Drill Site 
Southeast Arlington, TX
Photograph taken by Fish Creek Monitor on 7-26-2016

Vector Disease Control International conducted round two of targeted ground spraying throughout Fish Creek neighborhood this week.  They applied the first round of a synthetic permethrin insecticidal product manufactured by Bayer the week of July 5th, but on July 22nd another mosquito tested positive for West Nile virus.

Looks like they missed the target.

A single bite from one of these tiny winged insects can produce devastating disease.  Because we noticed such a proliferation of mosquitoes since the installation of the frac pond in our community ~ and since mosquitoes have the ability to travel anywhere from 300 feet to 100 miles depending on the breed ~ we asked the City if they require gas operators to implement any sort of mosquito control program for their frac ponds.

We learned that the City of Arlington does require gas operators to treat their frac ponds with mosquito dunks, but verification of compliance is questionable at best.  There is really no way to confirm whether or not the mosquito pellets [sic] that Chesapeake applies to their pond are working to keep the mosquito population at bay. 

According to a Gas Well Specialist with the City of Arlington, this is how compliance works:  

"We (the City) go by their (Chesapeake's) word. They've been pretty honest about the things they do."

 So, how do we know if the pellets are actually working to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in these ponds?  We don't.  The City does not place mosquito traps on gas operators' private property.

Since it is possible that frac ponds might be contributing to mosquito-borne illness, why not require operators to fill them in with dirt?  Chesapeake hasn't drilled any new wells at the Fulson Site since 2012, so there is no need for a pond at this time.  This would be a legitimate request by citizens to ask of their council representatives. Why take the chance of even one person contracting the West Nile or Zika virus?  In the early days of mineral lease signing, landmen pitched the idea that frac ponds would be amenities to the community.  Now people know better.

 Ban the frac ponds.

Doing away with frac ponds in city limits could actually be a win-win for everyone.  It was done at Chesapeake's Rocking Horse Drill Site back in 2012.   Gas operators would still be able to access water for fracking through the installation of above-ground frac tanks/pools which can be easily taken down after completion of a gas well.  XTO, in fact, uses them on a regular basis. Ridding the city of these stagnant man-made reservoirs which waste acreage would not only free up land for future development, but would eliminate a potential breeding habitat for mosquitoes.  

In 2015 fossil fuel advocates influenced the Texas Legislature to pass HB40.  This bill essentially strips away local control from municipalities to regulate fracking with some exceptions such as truck traffic, noise, and setbacks to some degree as long as these restrictions are "commercially reasonable" for the operator.  However, this bill does not specifically address frac ponds.  Since operators could still gain access to an alternative water source, it would seem reasonable that Arlington, a home rule city, could be a role model for other nearby communities by shoring up its ordinance to address this potential public health threat of mosquito-borne illness.  

Our State's overreach of HB40 may have banned fracking bans, but it doesn't specifically prohibit the banning of  frac ponds. Because of the number of cases of  mosquito-borne illnesses in North Texas, this may be a subject worth thinking about.  

In case you missed Chesapeake's Big Boy, click here to meet him.
 

FLIR on Fish Creek's Fulson

Chesapeake, the Good Neighbor

At least that's what they told us... when the landman talked about a well that we would never know was there...

 Fulson Drill Site located on South Hwy. 360 near Sublett Road in Arlington, TX

Over Thanksgiving weekend Sharon Wilson, Gulf Regional Organizer, came to Arlington with Earthworks' new FLIR GF320 Infrared Camera in tow.  She has received proper certification to operate this specialty camera which carries a hefty price tag of around $80,000.  She travels all around the region detecting and recording gas leaks in real time.  

Our first stop on the itinerary was the Fulson Drill Site.  We saw emissions spewing from the gas lift compressor positioned at the north end of the pad.  The Fish Creek Neighbors have been inhaling these VOC's for several years now.  Because these plumes cannot be seen with the naked eye, it works out quite well for the industry.  Many residents in this area wrestle with health issues, and these pollution plumes which billow and blow in our direction can only contribute to ill health, both physically and emotionally.  It was an extremely windy day, but despite meteorological conditions, the camera did capture a snapshot of what's spewing into our air shed 24/7.

Please know that this camera is NOT merely detecting heat as the industry would have you believe.   It pinpoints GAS LEAKS.  Click HERE for the detailed list of what this FLIR GF320 camera is able to detect.  There is scientific evidence proving that exposure to these gases carries serious health risks to humans.  In addition, the volatile nature of these gases places entire communities at risk for fires and explosions.

We have been asking our City to acquire one of these cameras because we have not felt safe since nearly 60 of these heavy industrial mining sites got permitted in our city.  It's been perplexing trying to understand why our gas well inspectors haven't been utilizing these cameras all along when conducting quarterly inspections of drill sites.  So, we presented this suggestion at a town hall meeting.  Our City Manager, Trey Yelverton, concluded that this was not necessary since our State (TCEQ) handles air complaints, and our City would not want to over-regulate.  Now that this video and others have been released showing definite leaks ~ and they all leak ~ we wonder what Arlington will do now to protect the people who live here or visit the "American Dream City."  
 
So, who benefits from all this clean energy? (sarcasm)  The Fish Creek neighbors do ~ a little.  On rare occasions a royalty check comes in the mail averaging $7 or $8 per month.  This neighborhood owns 50% of their minerals, while Union Life Insurance Company retained the other half.   Also, since there are three leaseholds on the Fulson Drill Site, (Fulson, West Wing, and Forks) neighbors only receive royalties off of ONE lease.  Wells drilled and fracked off the other two leases produce collateral damage to nearby residents while people living elsewhere get to enjoy the monetary benefits.  But, that's a story for another day... 

Backyard Chickens in the Gas Patch

Rest in Peace Maisy

March 11, 2008 - May 14, 2013

Our first baby chicks.  (March 2008)

The chick on the left is a Buff Orpington.  After researching various chicken breeds, we selected her because we read that they have docile temperaments and are good with children.  That turned out to be true.  We named her Daisy because I love daisy flowers, and the name's meaning ~ "Day's Eye" seemed fitting as chickens religiously get up and going at sunrise.

While Daisy survived Maisy, we believe she has endocrine disruption.  Immediately following a huge gas release on April 11, 2011 Daisy quit laying eggs.  She was laying regularly until our property was covered in toxic fracking chemicals and gas from the Fulson Drill Site in southeast Arlington, Texas operated by Chesapeake.  She hasn't laid an egg since.

The chick on the right was our beloved Maisy.  We selected her because we thought it would be novel to have a chicken that lays blue/green eggs and were intrigued by the fact that her breed originated from South America.  While not meeting all of APA's (American Poultry Association) breeding standards of  Ameraucanas, Maisy had the characteristic muff and beard and layed green eggs.  She was known as an Easter Egger.

She also quit laying eggs after that toxic gas release, but she did resume laying after one full year of cessation of drilling activity at the Fulson Drill Site.  This observation  leads us to believe that drilling activity next to our homes, schools, and parks is harmful.  We must ban shale gas drilling in our residential communities until it can be proven it is absolutely 100% safe, and we know intuitively it is NOT safe.  NO WAY.  NO HOW.

Maisy thought she was a lapdog.   We miss her.

Chickens are great pets providing enjoyment and relaxation.  They also provide wonderful, healthy eggs and free organic fertilizer.  While our chickens ate a superb diet consisting of freshly grown organic veggies and insects, Maisy's life span was cut short due to ~ what we believe ~  is toxic gas drilling near our home.  If gas drilling can cut a chicken's life span in half, what is it doing to your life span, health, quality of life, or your developing child's body?   When will people get disgusted enough to say, "Enough is enough!"

Until then, "Welcome to life in the Gas Patch."

If you live near gas drilling activities and are experiencing new health effects, please e-mail us.

Pluck Cluck. Pick Pikulinski for Arlington, Texas Mayor

  It was a pretty day on Saturday.  After our Fish Creek Community Garden gathering, some neighbors set out on a block walk  because the local elections are just around the corner.  Many people were out in their front yards, so we had the opportunity to meet and talk with a bunch of residents and listen to their concerns.  We learned that public opinion is one hundred percent unanimous on the gas drilling issue ~ citizens are disgusted with the industrialization of their residential neighborhoods. 

There are quite a few homes up for sale ~ several back up to the Fulson Drill Site.  Hmmm...  

One mother in the gas patch shared her story.  After the drilling frenzy began in southeast Arlington,  her daughter was diagnosed with leukemia.  She was so ill that she missed the entire 8th grade while undergoing treatment.  The mom believes that the drilling activity was responsible for her daughter's illness, and she also complained about frequent gas odors on her property.  While the doctor did not definitively confirm that the drilling activity caused the disease,  he did not deny it either.  Fortunately, her daughter is in remission now,  but she shared that other neighbors in the area are also suffering health issues. 
 
These types of stories seem to be commonplace in the gas patch.  Approximately two years ago we met a middle-aged man who was diagnosed with terminal bone marrow cancer.  At that time, he lived in close proximity to the Fulson Drill Site.  His doctor asked if he had been exposed to benzene.  If anyone in the Fish Creek Neighborhood has an update on this gentleman,  please contact us via e-mail. 

During the early part of 2013 we met a young widower  who lives next to the Rocking Horse drill site.  His wife passed away suddenly after Chesapeake drilled a well a little over 400 feet from their back door.  

People purchase homes in  residential neighborhoods because they expect to enjoy a good quality of life.   If they wanted to live in an industrial zone, they  would have purchased a home in an industrial zone.  Now ALL Arlington, TX homeowners are at risk because their communities can be turned into drilling zones at any given moment.  This is  now possible because on October 23, 2007 the Arlington, TX City Council  changed the zoning ordinance to allow gas drilling in residential neighborhoods.  When you link over to that blog post, notice that Mayor Cluck was absent that night, and  District 3 Councilman Robert Rivera seconded the motion to approve this monumental change that would transform our city into a gas mining town dotted with drill sites, compressor stations, and dangerous gas pipelines transporting UNodorized gas past our homes, schools, and parks.

There is hope.  Election day is May 11th.  We desperately need to stop the build out of gas wells and revise the City's gas drilling ordinance.  Jerry Pikulinski is committed to doing just that.  He understands community development and zoning priorities  ~ something our officials of local municipalities make decisions about on a regular basis.  If elected, he will also ensure public safety and build strong community while giving every citizen a voice. 

Click HERE to check out Jerry Pikulinski's Facebook page. 

PLUCK CLUCK,  

PICK PIKULINSKI 

for Arlington, TX Mayor!!  

REMEMBER TO VOTE!

  

For voting information, click HERE.

More Code Violations at an Arlington, TX Gas Drill Site

We think the trees are dead. 

A City of Arlington employee (formerly with TCEQ) went out to the Fulson Drill Site operated by Chesapeake to inspect a complaint about the dead trees which were planted in the brutal heat of July.  Here is the e-mail dated Friday, November 30, 2012 of her findings:

From: "Jessica Minley" <Jessica.Minley@arlingtontx.gov>
To: "Brian Sample" <Brian.Sample@arlingtontx.gov>
Subject: Complaint

Hello Brian,

To address the tree aesthetics complaint, I found that there is a mixture of living and dead trees on the Fulson site. As it is not planting season, the trees have been noted as an area of concern to be addressed during the appropriate season. Also, the trees are upright and blend aesthetically with the surroundings (fall season). Please contact me with any further questions or concerns. Find attached a picture of a living tree on the site.

Thank you

 

We wonder if the City worker removed her blinders before conducting the investigation.  Did she note this breach??  This is not the first time we have had  gaps in these walls at this Chesapeake drill site. 

We really appreciate the ongoing  partnership between the City of Arlington and Chesapeake in keeping our communities safe.  Thank you.

(Click HERE to view the City's link of the Gas Drilling Ordinance.  For fencing requirements, scroll down to pages 39 and 40.) 

The Barnett Sinkhole

This photo shows a sinkhole by the parking lot entrance to Barnett Junior High School in southeast Arlington, Texas.  It has been there for some time, but since it wasn't clear as to whether this was on  City or School property, it remained in a state of disrepair.   We just learned that it is the School District's responsibility.  Originally, the issue was suspected to have been caused by a leak in the City's water main; however, that turned out not to be the case, according to an AISD official.  The reason for the ground collapse remains a mystery. 

Sinkhole at Barnett Junior High between parking lot and Prescott Drive, Arlington, TX

Barnett Junior High School located in the heart of a shale gas extraction zone in Arlington, TX

Now take a look at this Railroad Commission of Texas GIS map showing the horizontal well bores coming off the Fulson Drill Site operated by Chesapeake in Arlington, Texas:

 

Notice that the West Wing 1H well was drilled beneath the location near that sinkhole.  Could all of this drilling, fracking, and extraction of natural gas be the culprit?  It certainly may be plausible, but only time will tell... 

In the meantime, while we're waiting for these revelations, click Here to read about subsidence.  And click Here to read about the Wink Sink on Texas Sharon's blog.   We hope to bring you more updates very soon...  Shortly after this blog story was published, this weird event happened in Ohio. 

Good Grief!

It appears that yesterday's gusty winds blew over the newly planted trees at the Fulson Drill Site in Arlington, Texas.  What a shame because we really love trees.

Trees are wonderful. We have all observed their beauty. In childhood we climbed them.  As adults we lie in hammocks beneath their shade.  Trees provide food and shelter for wildlife.  They cool and cleanse the air.  At this location, they will serve as screens to hide all the ugliness that goes on at that drill site. Nothing in this world is more serene than strolling through a grove a trees. 

As Charlie Brown said, "I've killed it.  Oh, everything I touch gets ruined!"

Arlington, Texas: It's Christmas in July!

It's Christmas in July! 

The scraggly trees died a long time ago. 

 Time to plant more trees.

These look much nicer than the first ones.

Voila ~ a tree lined drill site and highway...

to hide all the horrible things that go on behind that fence line.

No digging here, please.

It's 100 degrees! Time for a snow cone break! 

Season's Greetings from our neighborhood drill site to yours!

 Click here to see last year's Holiday Extravaganza at the Fulson Drill Site. 
...and stay tuned for more exciting news!

Arlington, TX: A Damaged Land

 June 2009

Plans proposed to the City of Arlington, TX in June 2009
Corner of South Hwy. 360 and Sublett Road

Fast forward three years to the present, June 2012...

Nine acres of undeveloped commercial property surround the Fulson Drill Site.

In a recent conversation with an Arlington land developer, he told us that Chesapeake misrepresented what they were going to do.  When all the wells got drilled, they were going to be able to develop that piece of property.  Chesapeake's five acres would be reduced down to 1.3, and the Temporary Frac Pond would be gone.  It is three years later and Chesapeake still has not reduced the pad site to 1.3 acres and the surrounding land still lies barren.   Chesapeake was a Big Gorilla.  The City was dreaming about the $$gas revenues$$. 

Unfortunately, they created an Achilles' heel for potential land development for this Arlington location.  Even if someone wanted to develop this once, prime piece of commercial real estate, it is now covered in gas gathering pipelines, and you can't put a structure on top of gas pipelines. 

Gas Gathering Line Marker
We could have had this.

Finally, here is a letter that Chesapeake sent out to the Fish Creek neighbors in July of 2009:

"Chesapeake has recently learned of opposition to the Fulson drillsite from a development company whose property is adjacent to the property owned by Chesapeake.  The development company feels that our drillsite hinders future development potential for their property."

During our conversation with this same Arlington land developer, he agreed with us 2000% [his words] that they [Chesapeake] damaged any future land development for this cornerstone of Arlington, Texas which at one point in time held such potential as an important gateway to our vibrant city.

Broken Promises: Fulson Drill Site

Notice that when the June 23, 2009 public hearing for the Fulson Gas Drill Site begins no one bothers to correct Mayor Cluck's blunder announcing Glory Park as the item being discussed.   No one is paying attention - not even the City Manager.   

Although this proposed drill site on South Highway 360 near Sublett Road is in Robert Rivera's district, notice how he doesn't even ask a single question about turning this prime piece of real estate into heavy industrial use.

Sheri Capehart, however asks good questions.  She asks Chesapeake's Public Affairs Coordinator, Sarah Griffis, how long it will be until residents receive their royalty checks.  Ms. Griffis  indicated  it would be six months to one year.  It's a good thing it's not written in stone!   That Fulson well began production in February 2011 and we still have not received royalty money.   Word has it that some lessors are just now beginning to receive division orders.    Here is a copy of  e-mail correspondence from May 10, 2012 between a Fish Creek Neighbor and Chesapeake:

Nature of Inquiry: Regarding the Fulson Well 1H Lease No. 259101 which has begun producing as of 2/16/11, has this gas been sold at market?... Why have the mineral owners not been paid royalties yet?

Hi:

Thank you for contacting Chesapeake Energy. The title opinions for the Fulson unit are still not yet complete. The division orders were due to be distributed at the end of June 2011. After this date, due to the delay, we will pay interest (2% over prime) on the revenue which will be passed onto the royalty owners on their second royalty check...

Marissa Gibbs

Notice how Chesapeake is not paying the penalty on the first check.  Why not?? 

In addition, this site plan was to include evergreen trees along the east perimeter of the pad site to hide all the horrible things that would be going on in there.  They all died.

We are still waiting for those seven or eight prime tracts of land to be developed as Cliff Mycoskie mentions in his speech, but let's get real.  That's just not going to happen.  Who in their right mind would want to develop land on the back side of a gas pad?  Plus, there are gas gathering lines snaking all over the place.  More about that topic later...

Sarah Griffis states that Chesapeake has an aggressive drilling plan for that site with the first six wells being drilled within the first 15 months.  Thank God that did not happen because it was sheer torture living through three.  Many nearby residents were complaining of health issues during the drilling of the first wells, and we have good reason to believe their symptoms were directly related to Chesapeake's industrial activity taking place in such close proximity to our homes and schools.  In addition to the health effects, we heard that two neighbors downwind from that pad site died in February 2011.   

With one sweeping vote on the night of June 23, 2009 our Arlington City Council turned our community into an industrial zone.  This decision has already had serious repercussions, and  folks, it's not going to get better anytime soon.  If we only knew then what we know now...     

In the Name of Audubon

Previously, we mentioned  that Edge Resources announced  their acceptance into the Signature Program of Audubon.  We've corrected that original blog post  since there was confusion regarding the use of the use of the name Audubon.  CLARIFICATION:  Audubon International is in no way affiliated with the Audubon Society.  They are two entirely different entities. 

In fact, in 1991 the Audubon Society tried to sue in order to prevent Audubon International from using their name, but a judge ruled that the Audubon Society did not own exclusive rights to that name nor did it cause confusion.  Well it certainly confused us! 

Audubon Society’s Mission is "to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity."

Audubon International primarily partners with golf courses or hotels by promoting "green consciousness".

Since Tierra Verde Golf Course and the Martin Luther King Sports Complex - both adjacent to the proposed Overcoming Faith Drill Site -  are already certified Signature members of Audubon International, Edge thought they would try that too.  What a novel idea!

First of all, we must clarify that Edge is NOT currently certified.  They have merely been ACCEPTED into the program through an application process similar to that of a student being accepted into a university.   The next step would be a long process according to Mike Martinez, partner of Edge Resources.

It sounds like the big gas mafia may be trying to put lipstick on a pig again, but nevertheless we eagerly await to see how Edge plans to show Audubon International how they will protect a sensitive natural environment while exploiting natural gas on a 8.446-wooded acre tract of land.  That is where the rubber will meet the road!   Is this another public relations stunt by a desperate industry whose popularity is waning in communities? 

During our discussion Mr. Martinez shared these questions that the industry is asking:

• "Can we co-exist?" 
• "Can we do things to be accepted by environmental groups?" 

His final comment ended with,  "We believe we are good stewards of the land on our other properties."

Perhaps you need to decide whether this:

Tandy Hills Natural Area, Fort Worth
http://fwcando.org/node/394

and this:

Tierra Verde Golf Club

  

and this:

 

Can Co-exist with this:

and this, (click here)

 

 

Fulson Drill Site, Arlington, TX

or even worse - this:

http://nyad.org

During the council meeting Shea Kirkman, representative of Edge Resources, admitted that Audubon International "doesn't know alot about this business".  Perhaps those of us on the shale can clue them in.  The Signature office telephone number in Henderson, KY is (270) 869-9419.  Nancy Richardson, their director, can also be reached via e-mail:  nrichardson@auduboninternational.org 

If Edge Resources becomes a certified member of Audubon International, will this set a precedent for others in the oil & gas industry to paint a faux green image to the public? 

Good Neighbors Keep Their Noise to Themselves

Our Good Neighbors don't know how to keep their noise to themselves.  It is now day 11 of this:

Fulson Drill Site, Arlington, TX

Operated by Chesapeake

Wouldn't a good neighbor simply abate the noise?

Here is the City of Arlington's response to these noise complaints dated 2/21/12:

   

Staff from the Fire Department and Community Development departments have investigated your complaints, including one from the weekend, regarding this issue on multiple occasions. Based on those investigations, there is not a violation of current city ordinances.

James F. Parajon, AICP

Community Development and Planning Director

101 West Abram Street

Arlington, TX 76004

Perhaps Arlington isn't aware that their 'recently revised' ordinance disregards the 1974 EPA noise rules to protect public health.  Here is what the Arlington ordinance says: 

The adopted ordinance does contain specific standards in regard to noise, including low frequency sounds. Ordinance 11-068 says that no operator shall produce a low-frequency outdoor noise levels that exceed the following decibel levels:

16 Hertz octave band:	65 dB
32 Hertz octave band:	65 dB
64 Hertz octave band:	65 dB

In a recent interview with a neighbor she said that she isn't bothered by the noise.  Did we mention she wears earplugs and takes Ambien?

Looking on the sunny side, all of this sleep deprivation is giving us more waking hours to write lots of blog stories and we hope to have many more to come.  

The Arlington Hum

Perhaps you have heard of the Bristol Hum (England), Largs Hum (Scotland), Copenhagen Hum (Denmark), Vancouver Hum (Canada), Taos Hum (New Mexico USA), and the Kokomo Hum (Indiana USA).  Let us now introduce to you the Arlington Hum.

We were unaware when those sound walls came down the other day at the Fulson Drill Site that the 'temporary' compressor which had been there since November was going to remain.   The city has not responded to our inquiry as to how long temporary means.  We are currently on day 4 of sleep deprivation possibly due to industrial low frequency noise that appears to be coming from that site.

Compressors and other types of industrialized machines produce annoying low frequency noise (LFN), which can cause Vibroacoustic Disease (VAD).

Vibroacoustic Disease (VAD) is a whole body noise-induced pathology caused by long-term exposure to low frequency noise that is not necessarily related to the ear.   

Long term exposure to low frequency noise may lead to severe medical conditions such as heart problems, stroke, cancer, epilepsy, rage reactions, and even suicide.

Individuals, particularly children living within several miles of low frequency noise generating gas compressor stations or other noise generating equipment can be at risk of vibroacoustic disease. 

VAD can be diagnosed with the echocardiogram which can reveal any thickening of  the heart structures. 

There are countries that recognize damage to the human body caused by low frequency noise - Canada, Netherlands, Britain, Portugal, Japan, and Australia to name a few.   Notice the United States is not mentioned? 

As Arlington marches onward with the industrialization of natural gas mining, we might be hearing more of  THE HUM.

Welcome to Fish Creek Neighborhood

Fulson Drill Site located in the Fish Creek Neighborhood, Arlington, TX

Neighborhood Goals

1. Promote Fish Creek Neighborhood as a Welcoming Place 
2. Create a Safe Environment for the Fish Creek Neighborhood 
3. Encourage Community Partnerships and Academic Excellence for Fish Creek
   Neighborhood Schools
4. Promote Pedestrian Accessibility in the Fish Creek Neighborhood 
5. Promote Fish Creek Neighborhood as a Clean and Beautiful Place 
IMPORTANT UPDATE:  Click HERE to discover what's in that steam.

http://www.arlingtontx.gov/planning/asni/pdf/FishCreek/Neighborhood_Boundary_Map_with_landmarks.pdf

Partnership?

Since our home was gassed at two in the morning back in April 2011 due to a large emissions release at the Fulson Drill Site, I thought it might be a good idea to attend the Arlington City Council work session on February 7, 2012 to hear about the fire department's new preparedness effort.

At that meeting Fire Chief Don Crowson presented a proposal to the council whereby they would charge a nominal fee of $2,454 per well x 326 wells totaling $800K.   That cost would cover a half dozen firefighters, monitoring equipment, detectors, protective suits, and some other stuff.  The confusing part came in when he explained that the fee would be significantly reduced when, for instance, we have 1,000 wells permitted.  1,000 Wells????  That's what I call a bulk discount! Yep, that's right.  The total program will still cost $800K. 

The chief also emphasised the City's "Partnership with the industry"  stating that, "They are not our enemy."    Perhaps he is not aware that the industry views drilling opponents as insurgents.   

Arlington City Councilman Mel LeBlanc - who is also  Founder and Managing Partner of Shale Play Advisors, LLC -  seemed uneasy about these fees saying that he "doesn't have a feeling from industry experts and wants their perspective first" and suggested that, "we get industry feedback  getting three or four of those companies to critique this."  Gee, I don't see any conflicts of interest here - do you?   

And finally, Chief Crowson emphasized how "we are not trying to regulate the industry."  Since when did it become taboo to regulate such a potentially dangerous industry operating mere yards from homes, schools, and public spaces which has the capability of blowing up an entire neighborhood?   Let's hope that never happens.