New private testing confirms high level of toxins in Barnett Shale air

I’m seeing a pattern. Private testing shows high levels of toxins in Barnett Shale air. TCEQ testing shows clean air. Who to believe?

Last week, DISH, Texas released the results of emergency air testing in December that were consistent with the air testing done in August.

This week, Deborah Rogers released results from testing in November and December by SMU and those results were consistent with her testing from last summer.

New private tests renew concerns about air quality problems tied to gas drilling
Friday, Jan. 22, 2010
Mike Lee

Meanwhile, tests coordinated by Fort Worth business owner Deborah Rogers found a variety of dangerous compounds near gas wells in the city. The tests, conducted in November and December by researchers from Southern Methodist University, found carbon disulfide at higher than the state and federal limits at sites near Trinity Park.

The tests also found hydrogen sulfide, benzene and other compounds at sites in Fort Worth, although they were well below the screening levels. Hydrogen sulfide is a corrosive gas that can be lethal at high concentrations.

Yet, TCEQ “testing” found no toxins in Fort Worth or Flower Mound.

To see maps showing how far the toxins in DISH travel, click HERE.

NOTE: I re calibrated my sarcasm meter. So, although it was oh, so tempting, I resisted.

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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