|
Jen
Expedition Leader
1384 Posts
Jennifer
Calico Rock
AR
USA
1384 Posts |
 Posted - Dec 01 2009 : 7:26:48 PM
|
Hi Outposters!
I've been busy with an environmental effort close to home, and I want to share information with you regarding potential risks to the Arkansas Ozark region. Multiple "frac sand" operations are developing in Izard and several nearby counties in order to extract silica sand for gas drilling. These are open quarry mines that will span hundreds of acres each, affecting neighboring landowners, the natural landscape, water quality, and our local roadways. The State of Arkansas and our counties are NOT prepared to evaluate and manage the risks of this new method of mining. Briefly, a few of the risk factors include:
* Water usage (hundreds of thousands of gallons per day): How will it affect residential wells in surrounding areas? Will this deplete the Ozark aquifer over time?
* Discharge of excess water into local creeks that feed the White River: How will the chemicals and sediment load of the discharge water affect of waterways?
* Air quality: Frac sand is silica sand, which will be released into the air and is hazardous when inhaled.
* Impact on our roads and driver safety, for example: 70 semi-trucks of sand per day will be shipped from one sand plant that is being constructed just east of Calico Rock, causing wear-and-tear on already dangerous roads and posing danger to other drivers.
* Limited liability of mining companies: If operations fail, companies with limited liability (LLCs) can declare bankruptcy and leave extensive damage behind with little or no penalty.
While it's unrealistic to think that frac sand mining can be completely eliminated from the Ozarks, it IS reasonable to demand regulations and enforcement that will keep these operations in check BEFORE damage is done. Frac sand mining will likely affect all of us in the near future, so if this industry concerns you, here's how you can speak up:
THE PLACE TO START:
Even if you're not living in the Mt. Pleasant area, your views on frac mining will impact the operation of the mine in Mt. Pleasant as well as the entire industry developing throughout the region. The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) will hold a public hearing regarding a "waste water sedimentation pond construction and discharge permit" for the Bluebird operation in Mt. Pleasant. Public participation and commentary is encouraged. The meeting will be held this THURSDAY, December 3rd, at 6 p.m.at the Mt. Pleasant Community Center, 569 Main street in Mt. Pleasant. If you cannot attend, PLEASE submit a statement about your concerns before 4:30 pm THURSDAY December 3rd using one of these 3 formats:
Easy Online Form:
http://www.clayparton.org/FriendsRiver/BluebirdComments.html
Email:
Jennifer Harmon, ADEQ, Water Division
harmonj@adeq.state.ar.us
Mail written letters to:
ADEQ, Water Division
Attention: Jennifer Harmon
5301 Northshore Drive
North LittleRock, AR 72118-5317
INVESTIGATE YOUR LOCAL AREA:
You can also contact the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality and voice concerns about your specific area.
* ADEQ Email Form: http://www.adeq.state.ar.us/poa/forms/questions.asp (you can comment anonymously)
* Local Field Office Contact Info: http://www.adeq.state.ar.us/home/field_offices.asp
FINAL NOTE:
On Friday December 11 at 6:30 pm, Joyce Hale from the League of Women Voters will be showing the award-winning documentary "Split Estate" at the Music Hall in Calico Rock. The FREE show runs 76 minutes with questions at the end. "Split Estate" discusses the risks associated with this new method of drilling and fracting of the rock to release natural gas. Learn more or buy your own copy of the video here: http://www.splitestate.com.
If you'd like more information, please visit www.friendsoftherivers.org/Frac_mining_Izard.html and pass the word.
Thank you!!
Jen
Farmgirl Sisterhood Member # 9
www.bovesboots.blogspot.com
Jen
Farmgirl Sisterhood Member #9
The View From My Boots: www.bovesboots.blogspot.com
|
|
Speak Up to Protect Arkansas, "The Natural State"
