Jordan is much more specific than her replacement about fracking travails. As liaison she had
spoken with hundreds of local residents.
All agreed, she said, on the need for oil and gas as long as it is done right, meaning that property owners, property rights, and public
property are respected. Many are the ways
in which this respect seemed unforthcoming, and to many the commissioners seemed one with the industry. After her
termination Jordan commented
on a blog about injustices she perceived.
A video on the page illustrates indelibly the industry footprint.
In a study
by the Colorado School of Public Health commissioned by the county and halted abruptly before completion, levels of benzene, a carcinogen, at or near some well
sites were hazardous. Even as far as
2700 feet from a well site, levels of toxic chemicals were thought capable of increasing by two-thirds one's chance of
growing cancer. A study by the Endocrine
Disruption Exchange measured more than 44 hazardous pollutants at operating
well sites in Garfield County. Many of
the pollutants measured are known to affect the brain and nervous system; some
are known to affect the hormones of fetuses.
The pollutants were detected over half a mile from well sites. One operator seeks
to drill 200 wells about 500 feet from local houses.
As much as some may wish it, what happens in Garfield County
will not stay in Garfield County.
***
[1] With a BS in
geology and a background with USGS, Kirby Wynn has been the oil and gas liaison
in Garfield County, Colorado, since 2011.
Past articles on fracking:
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Fracking But Should Be Afraid to Ask--An Overview
Fracking: Water Issues--Colorado-centric, But Applicable to All
Who the Frack's Really in Charge? (on regulation)
Water-Free
Fracking--Why Not? (on LPG fracking).
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
