Update: Gas Found in Private Water Wells

This latest news seems to prove what I wrote in my earlier post: Natural Gas Found in Private Water Wells: How the oil and gas industry is exactly like the tobacco industry.

Water Problems in Susquehanna County

By Kurt Aaron

Some people in Susquehanna County claim all the drilling for natural gas has contaminated their water supply and in some cases, is making them sick.

“This used to make me sick before we had our water fixed. I would turn the water on and these awful vapors would come up,” said Jean Carter.

She and her husband, Ronald, said they had to spend thousands of dollars on a new water treatment system. They’ve lived near Dimock for 44 years and said, until recently, they’ve never had a problem with their well water. They told Cabot Oil and Gas the water problems started after the company started drilling for natural gas in the area.

“They said they absolutely wouldn’t help us with any problems with our water. They said we would have to prove it,” Carter said.

The Carters said they can’t afford expensive testing or attorney’s fees. They contacted the department of environmental protection and just this week, DEP crews took air and water samples from about a dozen homes. They’re waiting for the test results.

“What else could it be? I’ve never had an explosion before. I’ve never had a problem with my water before,” said Norma Fiorentino, who has lived in Dimock Township for nearly 30 years.

Fiorentino’s well exploded on New Year’s Day. Pieces from the concrete slab that protects the well can be seen on the front lawn. DEP said the explosion may have been caused by a natural gas build up in the well, ignited by a spark from the wells pump.

Fiorentino is retired and has trouble getting around. She’s been left to fend for herself and carry jugs of water. “I want to see my well fixed so I can have some water! I’m living hand to mouth with jugs,” she added.

A spokesperson from Cabot said the company will send a crew to Fiorentino’s house soon to look at her well.

As far as the other homes near Dimock, Cabot is waiting for DEP’s test results.

In haste from Starbucks,
Far-left Radical

About Sharon Wilson

Sharon Wilson is considered a leading citizen expert on the impacts of shale oil and gas extraction. She is the go-to person whether it’s top EPA officials from D.C., national and international news networks, or residents facing the shock of eminent domain and the devastating environmental effects of natural gas development in their backyards.

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