For Immediate Release:
DISH, TX — A permanent air monitor installed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) in DISH, TX near a massive natural gas compressor complex, is giving inaccurate readings. The Town of DISH contracted independent testing near the permanent monitor, and the independent testing showed level of the carcinogen benzene at triple the levels detected by the state’s permanent monitor. For the carcinogen toluene the levels detected during the independent testing were 50 times the monitor’s detections. Additionally, there were several other chemicals detected that the permanent monitor does not sample for.
DISH is located in the epicenter of the Barnett Shale gas play and is home to a megacomplex of compressor stations, as well as pipelines, metering stations, gathering lines and gas wells. The town of DISH spent nearly 15% of its annual budget on a comprehensive air study after months of complaints to the state regulatory agencies and the operators of the compressor sites, gave the citizens no relief.
DISH mayor Calvin Tillman says that “we really thought our air quality was improving, this is devastating to find this information is inaccurate. The TCEQ permitted this facility, and they have no idea how to clean it up to to protect public health. It is also very disappointing that the State of Texas has spent a million dollars on equipment that is not accurate”.
The monitor has been running since mid April and has detected no major problems with the air quality in the community. It is unclear whether the monitor is not capable of producing accurate results, or if the results are being manipulated. The TCEQ has not given the Town of DISH any explanation for the false readings, or any plans to protect the health of the citizens of DISH.
For More Information
Contacts
* Calvin Tillman, Mayor, DISH, TX
(940) 453-3640, tillman4council@aol.com.
* Town of DISH
5413 Tim Donald Road
DISH, Texas 76247
Alisa Rich, Scientist
Wolf-Eagle Environmental, LLC
(469) 939-1020
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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Pretty serious. I guess TCEQ can't do the job right, so it's time for the EPA to take over.
If you want low numbers, get the WCEQ to make measurements–works everytime!