It has been a long 24 hours. We went to the meeting put on by the Michigan State University Extension service. My hubby and I and a friend put together 75 copies of information forwarded to me, thank you Lisa and Ogap. Within 15 minutes we had given those out and there were at least 200 people there. We don't have anyone helping me financially with the fight so we made the copies we could afford to. Funny kinda, when I went to pick them up there was another woman there making copies of the The Nation article and gave me several copies of that. Their story was about what had happened in Pennsylvania. Nice to know someone else is out there.
There was the Department of Environmental Quality geologists there. A lawyer was there, as well as the industry ducking in the back. 5 years ago we would have never heard this. They were telling the downside of signing these leases and how the companies can do things they shouldn't to get you to sign a lease and then changes things later. People seemed hungry for information.
I had to wear my face mask and I had 5 people ask me if I was wearing it for AFFECT. I said I couldn't breathe the air without it.. Need to educate!!!
Here is what was found out that someone might find of interest. Oh Texas, a rig is on its way to us here in Northern Michigan. They are not a rig we would use up here. Saying that.....listen to what the State is saying.....there are no rules on deep wells in this State. The companies waiting don't know what to do. That would mean to me that they will have free reign like all the others.
There are 8 geologists to inspect at least 1000 wells now (I say it is 5000 wells). They are inspected 3 times a year (not true) . And this one could make your jaw drop-BLOW OUT PROTECTORS ARE TESTED 3 TIMES A DAY. I have not seen a company that would do that. The DNRE don't know how much treatment the product will need, there is the Fear Of The Unknown-right out of the DNRE's mouth (used to be DEQ).
And this is good-the company has patented the fracking chemicals used so they don't have to tell us. From the DNRE's mouths also. So they are going to go ahead with this and don't have a clue. Sounds right for Michigan.
The main players are ENCANA using leasing companies Mason Dixon, Energy West. CHESAPEAKE using Western Land and OIL Niagaran services to get leases. Continental isn't playing here anymore.
Not only is the test well in Missaukee County but one in the Upper Peninsula at 1000 feet in Pickford.
I can't wait for hubby to get home from the meeting with Encana, hey I had a way of getting into the private meeting. I was so sick from last night. I had my mask on but standing outside with cars going by and standing on new asphalt put me into a crisis.
That's what I have found out this week, looking forward to comments.
(I seem to have something wrong with the blog that I'm working on trying to get rid of that cutsy thing.)
jaime
The fight of small group of people in Northern Michigan against the oil and gas industry. All we want is it done safely and know the health hazards! Ah, the dreaded pink tape. Just two women who health has been so drastically changed since 2003 fighting the big boys and educating those who want to be educated and even those who don't.
Do get people to post their stories with gas drilling company Landmen. Click on : http://www.oneifbylandbuckscounty.com.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on a successful meeting and your excellent coverage. Michigan is fortunate to have so many participants and their stories are necessary on the map. Stories are needed quickly!
Emily: where is the site in Pickford?
ReplyDeleteTanya Cabala