An environmental catastrophe is unfolding in Pennsylvania, and it's poised to sweep across the as-yet untouched parts of the state in 2011. Neighboring states are facing this problem too.
Marcellus shale drilling has caused a barrage of environmental problems. Residents in drilling areas are coping with explosive, undrinkable tap water.
Contamination of surface water.
A leaking waste water pipe from a Range Resources Marcellus shale gas well drilled in Washington County's Cross Creek Park has polluted an unnamed tributary of Cross Creek Lake, killing fish, salamanders, crayfish and aquatic insect life in approximately three-quarters of a mile of the stream.
And more...
Increased air pollution from huge numbers of trucks and compressors that run 24/7. Destruction of forests. The "produced water" that returns to the surface after fracking is radioactive and toxic.
PA has a governor-elect who has already promised to lift outgoing Governor Rendell's ban on new drilling in state forests. He also opposes any severance tax on the gas, in spite of the fact that a majority of Pennsylvanians support such a tax.
I fear for the future of my state and I'm doing what I can to raise awareness of the situation. The first step was to hold a screening of the documentary film Gasland on my university campus. It got some students interested in the issue and also attracted viewers from the community. Not surprisingly, it also drew negative comments from drilling supporters who are crying foul because we didn't provide for the "opposing viewpoint" to be presented. Never mind that the drilling industry has done a fine job of touting the economic benefits of drilling! In fact, there's a half-hour infomercial being aired on a local TV station as I write this diary.
If you live in or care about Pennsylvania, there are actions you can take. People who love the natural beauty of Pennsylvania will be grateful for any help in this battle!
UPDATE: Thank you for putting this diary on the rec list! The rest of the country needs to know about what's happening in PA. The frustrating thing is that similar situations exist in other states but no one seems to be able to stop it.