Citizens' Concerns Fall Upon Deaf Ears

Feedback is pouring in from the June 5th Arlington, TX City Council meeting.   We would like to share one citizen's observations:

"Yes. I found out where the meeting was held at City Hall and was enlightened, as well as disappointed, by the conversation and lack of support our elected officials have for our safety. I was only able to sit through the first Chesapeake request for "Rocking Horse Drill Site", because I had to work. I wish I could have stayed for the remaining 3 resolutions for Chesapeake.

I also provided 4 cards opposing their requests until Chesapeake owns up to their existing responsibilities for Arlington. It was only when the rep from Chesapeake could not confirm that he could provide an alternate source of water to the site that affected other investor's property (not the citizens) that deferred their decision to move forward with their action.

I'd like to propose a class-action lawsuit against Chesapeake. The current practice is not working.

 It was nice to see the Arlington citizens come out and support the community against Chesapeake and hope to see you and others at the next meeting."

(e-mail from concerned southeast Arlington resident)

Here is the link from that meeting.   Scroll ahead 44 minutes to the Rocking Horse hearing.  Then scroll ahead to about one hour and 13 minutes where Mayor Cluck tells Charles Davis of Chesapeake, "You go ahead and drill 80 wells if you want to."  Wow, did anybody hear the citizens?

http://arlingtontx.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=1074

Overcoming Faith and the Little Children

Mansfield gas release March 23, 2012 Fort Worth Star Telegram photograph Arlington Fire Department

Two mansfield schools go into lockdown mode as incident occurs at 7:44 a.m. 

On Tuesday, April 3rd Arlington, TX City Council will take a final crucial vote on a controversial ordinance change which will allow Overcoming Faith Drill Site to be permitted at Village on the Green at Tierra Verde.  The vision for this overlay is to maintain a village-like atmosphere and rural character.  Commitment to that vision is being jeopardized, and children may be placed in harm's way if this ordinance change is approved.  Click HERE to view agenda details. 

The proposed Overcoming Faith Drill Site brings to the table many complex issues.   A big problem exists as its close proximity to RF Patterson Elementary School in Kennedale lies a mere 1,875 feet to the northeast (less than 1/2 mile).  This public school educates young children in grades K-4.  Imagine dropping off your son or daughter to school unaware of the dangerous chemicals they may get exposed to on the playground during recess because of a nearby drill site.  Since Arlington still does not make available to its citizens a gas drilling status report, it would be difficult to obtain specific activity information for any given location. 

A Kennedale school official indicated that he did not receive notification about this ordinance change and added that he would not be in favor of this drill site if it will be a detriment to the kids. 

We believe it will be a detriment to the children, and here are just a few of the reasons why: (click on the links below.)

"Middle class schools in Denton and Tarrant get drilled and fracked more"

"New research on the air quality around natural gas wells provides additional evidence and controversy about the possible health effects from hydraulic fracturing or "fracking." In Colorado, scientists found that fracking wells emit potentially toxic hydrocarbons into the air."

"Cancer rates in Barnett Shale climb, residents want answers why"

 "We know that the toxic compounds travel farther than 1/2 mile. In Argyle – Bartonville, the community did baseline testing when drilling was just starting. The results showed 7 detects of the 84 chemicals TCEQ routinely tests for. Follow up testing, on the lot where the high school band practices–1/2 mile from the offending facility–showed 65 detects. We have asked many scientists to explain the increased risks when our children go from breathing 7 chemicals to breathing a cocktail of 65 different chemicals. None can explain that risk because that science has not happened yet."

How could we as a society allow the greed of mankind to transform our once beautiful communities into industrial zones?   Very few people would choose to live next door to industry or deliberately place our children in harm's way.  It is with heavy hearts that parents across North Texas plead with lawmakers to stop this dangerous activity in our backyards before it's too late.   Amen.

Overcoming Faith About to Get Fracked

Has the oil & gas industry reached an all-time low by coming up with a brand new strategy?  At last night's Arlington, TX City Council Meeting Edge Resources announced that they are the first oil & gas member of a signature program of the Audubon Society International.  (Editor: Really??)

A wildlife inventory will be conducted followed by recommendations on how to reduce environmental impact.  They are proposing to drill on a new site  near Highway 287 and Eden Road which is currently heavily wooded but have proposed to preserve vegetation. 

A pastor of Overcoming Faith Church spoke about how excited he is about the proposed drill site because it will bring in so many jobs to the community.  I wonder if their gas will be supernatural just like Highpoint's?  I am happy that he feels blessed to be on the Barnett Shale.  He is also a fanatic on aesthetics and care of the land.  He said that twice.  Something tells me this preacher man has never seen an active drill site in his life.

http://youtu.be/js5vVSpWwEw

A psychiatrist from the adjacent Sundance Hospital and Alzheimer's Facility spoke in opposition stating he did not even hear about this project until this week.  He reasoned that many patients are suicidal or psychotic and come to their facility to experience a serene environment.  A drill site would also hinder their plans for expansion. 

In spite of there being over 60 individuals in favor and only a small handful in opposition, the three women on the Arlington Council -  Sheri Capehart, Kathryn Wilemon, and Lana Wolff had the sensibility to vote 'NO' on approving the newly proposed drill site.  Kudos to the ladies!!  The four men on the council voted unanimously to approve it.  I guess women are just smarter than men at some things.