Natural Gas Drilling: "the likelihood of water quality impairment … cannot be eliminated."

I’m late getting Abrahm Lustgarten’s latest article posted because I’ve been busy with the DISH, TX air quality study and preparations for the public meeting Monday. In his latest article,Gas Drilling Vs. Drinking Water: New York City Consultant’s Report Sets Stage for Fight With Albany, Lustgarten shares the findings of a consultant hired by the City of New York:

Let that statement sink in for a moment and realize that Wise County Texas currently has 3998 active Barnett Shale gas wells.

A preliminary report from a consultant hired by New York City warns that “nearly every activity” associated with natural gas drilling could potentially harm the city’s drinking water supply and that while the risk can be reduced with strict regulations, “the likelihood of water quality impairment … cannot be eliminated.”

The choice is clear:

Even with strict regulation, they cannot prevent water contamination. It’s the same with air pollution and remember: air contaminants are carried to soil and water each time it rains.

I like the protest sign in the picture posted here.