Don’t Frack the Delaware

Don’t Frack the Delaware and Risk Our Water and Health

By Betty Tatham, Guest Opinion, Intelligencer, Nov. 16, 2011, and Bucks County Courier Times, Nov. 17, 2011

The Delaware River Basin Commission was created 50 years ago by Congress “to protect the water quality, quantity and scenic beauty of the Delaware River Basin.”  That protection is now in jeopardy, if 3 of the 5 Commissioners: Governor Christy, Governor Corbett, Governor Cuomo, Governor Markell and Col. Larsen, who represents President Obama and the federal government, vote to approve the just published Revised Natural Gas Regulations on November 21.  The public meeting will be held at the War Memorial Theater in Trenton between 10:00 a.m. and noon and it will be followed by a question and answer period.  The regulations are available on the Commission’s website. [Please sign and circulate this petition and fact sheet, to be delivered to the Commission by the Delaware Riverkeeper prior to the November 21 meeting.]

Please "like" Save Plumstead on Facebook

  Support Save Plumstead with a "like" at Facebook.com/SavePlumstead.

Drought watch lifted

9/2/11 Drought watch lifted for 40 PA counties, including Bucks.

8/5/11 DEP Declares Drought Watches and Warnings: Bucks County is among 40 counties under a drought watch.

From PlumsteadTownship.org:
"8/30/11 - Drought Watch Continues...Even with the recent heavy rainfall in our area we are advised by the PaDEP that the entire portion of southeastern Pennsylvania still remains under a 'drought watch.' Residents are being asked to voluntarily reduce their consumption by 5%."

"8/4/11 - As of Thursday, August 4, the water restrictions on Cabin Run and Landis Greene developments are modified to now allow for hand watering of gardens and flower beds. Lawn watering, car washing and all other non-essential uses remain prohibited. Voluntary water restrictions will remain in place for all of the other Township public water systems."

"7/19/11 - Plumstead Township is placing mandatory drought restrictions on water usage for all residents in the Cabin Run and Landis Greene developments. The restrictions prohibit the use of all non-essential water use including lawn and garden watering, car washing and the filling of pools until further notice. A drought watch is in place for all other public water systems in the Township. We are asking for the voluntary reduction in the use of water in those systems."

Cawley's job numbers called "misleading"

"Cawley touts job creation at gas drilling sites," "Research group calls Cawley's statements 'misleading,'" Bucks County Herald, July 14, 2011, C1.

"Game Changer" on This American Life

Episode 440, originally aired July 8, 2011.
"A professor in Pennsylvania makes a calculation, to discover that his state is sitting atop a massive reserve of natural gas—enough to revolutionize how America gets its energy. But another professor in Pennsylvania does a different calculation and reaches a troubling conclusion: that getting natural gas out of the ground poses a risk to public health. Two men, two calculations, and two very different consequences."

Joint letter to PA General Assembly opposing stripping of municipal drilling authority

Signed by 30 organizations detailing the reasons why they oppose SB 1100.
PETITION: Do Not Let Corporate Gas Drillers Trump Local Rights of Pennsylvanians - Say No to SB 1100.

Delaware Riverkeeper's petition to the DRBC

Download the Delaware Riverkeeper's petition to the Delaware River Basin Commission, then press Ctrl+P to print.

"Commission needs to keep moratorium"

Madeline Rawley's letter to the editor of the Intelligencer, June 12, 2011:

As your Tuesday editorial on natural gas fracking rightly said, "if something goes wrong, the result can be catastrophic."

Our elected officials in the Delaware River Basin, influenced by a perhaps illusory promise of economic development and a new source of energy, may soon decide to lift the moratorium they have placed on fracking here, and risk a catastrophe, just as the Japanese government officials did when they responded to a Tokyo energy company and placed nuclear energy plants on an earthquake fault that had a tsunami danger as well. The result was a short-term gain for very long term pain.

The Delaware River Basin Commission, created to protect the waters of the Delaware River, which runs past Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Delaware, hearing about the environmental, drinking water and public health problems that natural gas fracking can cause, wisely put a moratorium on drilling. Now, however, the commission, composed of the four governors of Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Delaware, and the general who heads the Army Corps of Engineers, says they will vote soon on whether to lift the moratorium and permit the drilling to begin.

Unbelievably, the commission is planning to vote before a research study, being conducted by the federal government's Environmental Protection Agency about the effects of fracking on drinking water, is completed, thus risking the drinking water of more than 15 million people, among whom are the residents of Philadelphia, New York City, four Bucks County towns and a portion of Doylestown Township. Other Pennsylvania rivers, like the Susquehanna and the Monongahela, have already been affected by the toxic chemicals, salt and radioactivity that result from breaking Marcellus shale to release the gas. The EPA will not be issuing its preliminary report until next year, with the final report due in 2012.

Why is the Delaware River Basin Commission considering lifting the moratorium before the EPA study is released? Shouldn't they learn before permitting drilling whether it is safe to do so? Why the rush? Why is the commission already considering an invalid application from a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil to draw water from a trout creek in upstate New York? Is it because Exxon Mobil, knowing that millions and millions of gallons of water are needed to drill wells if the moratorium is lifted, believes the moratorium will be lifted soon?

Please google "Delaware River Basin Commission" for contact information. Tell the DRBC to keep the moratorium in place until the EPA study says gas drilling will not destroy our clean Delaware River water, our most basic need.

Madeline Rawley
Doylestown Township

PennEnvironment's 2011 Lobby Day, June 7

Details at https://secure3.convio.net/engage/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1965

PennEnvironment petition: "Protect our rivers from gas drilling"

At https://secure3.convio.net/engage/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1971

"Why we need to study first and drill when it's safe"

Elizabeth Tatham, Intelligencer Soapbox guest opinion, April 8, 2011:

Letters will be accepted by the Delaware River Basin Commission until April 15 at 5 p.m., and emails can be sent to Stephanie@delawareriverkeeper.org before April 14 at noon, to be printed and delivered to the DRBC office. Unless there are enough of them to convince the governors of Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Delaware and President Obama's representative to wait two years for the EPA study to show how gas drilling can be done safely in the Delaware Basin, drilling can begin this fall.

From Nockamixon and Buckingham in Bucks County to the Delaware River's headwaters in New York state, gas drilling will seriously impact the people and environment in this basin. The proposed regulations will unfortunately not protect our water because they allow practices that have been harmful to drinking water in western and northeastern Pennsylvania and other states.

Gasland at County Theater Feb. 15 & 17, 5:30 p.m.

The documentary Gasland will be screened at the County Theater this Tuesday and Thursday, February 15 and 17 at 5:30 p.m.

Submit your comments to the DRBC by April 15!

DRBC Extends Comment Period on Draft Natural Gas Development Regulations

West Trenton, N.J. (March 2) – The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) today announced that the period for submitting written comments on the proposed natural gas development rulemaking will be extended an additional 30 days through the close of business (5 p.m.) April 15, 2011. The comment period was to have ended March 16. . . .

Written comments will be accepted by two methods only:
1. Electronic submission using a web-based form available on the DRBC web site (preferred method); or
2. Paper submission mailed or delivered to: Commission Secretary, DRBC, P.O. Box 7360, 25 State Police Drive, West Trenton, NJ 08628-0360. Please include the name, address, and affiliation (if any) of the commenter.

The Delaware Riverkeeper offers a sample letter on their action page. A volunteer with Damascus Citizens for Sustainability offers a personal letter of her own as a sample and adds, "Urgent! Please write your own letter or print, sign and send this one. Thanks for helping save our drinking water! New York City saved theirs with 10,000 letters; we can do it too."

DRBC Commissioners

25 State Police Drive

P.O. Box 7360

West Trenton, NJ 08628-0360

Dear DRBC Commissioners:

As a citizen of PA who lives in the Delaware River Basin, I strongly urge you to heed the advice of the Philadelphia Inquirer editorial “Is our water safe?” published March 20, 2011, which states, “Growing doubts about the safety of high-pressure drilling for natural gas should persuade the Delaware River Commission to extend its drilling ban.” The gas has been in the Marcellus Shale for millions of years and it can wait several more years for the EPA Study that is underway to show us how hydraulic fracturing for gas can be done safely and if it can be done without risking our water and health.

These are my recommendations regarding the regulations you have proposed:
1. Don’t allow any toxic chemicals from gas drilling to be discharged into our streams and rivers through sewer plants or in any other way. Our drinking water and health must be our top priority and the DRBC is responsible for protecting us.
2. Don’t allow uncovered “impoundments” or holding ponds to be used to store toxic wastewater and don’t allow importing of toxic wastewater from gas drilling outside the Delaware Basin. The wind can carry methane gas with carcinogenic and/or radioactive materials more than 100 miles and we can’t risk asthma in children or other health problems.
3. Don’t allow deep injection wells to be used to dispose of toxic wastewater because they have been linked with induced earthquakes in four other states and there is also the risk of aquifer contamination.
4. Don’t allow toxic and sometimes radioactive drill cuttings to be disposed of in landfills since they can leach into the ground and pollute aquifers.

In summary, please wait for the EPA study to provide guidance and direction before finalizing regulations!

Sincerely,

_____________________________________     

                               Signature                                                                                

_____________________________________

                          Name printed

_____________________________________                            

                               Address                                                               

_________________________________________________

                    City, State and Zip Code

"Pa. official defends rules on gas drilling waste"

By David B. Caruso, Associated Press, January 5, 2011:

Pennsylvania's top environmental enforcement official said Tuesday that he is confident that wastewater discharged into rivers and streams by the booming natural gas industry hasn't degraded the state's drinking water.

At least 3.6 million barrels of the ultra-salty, chemically tainted wastewater produced by gas drilling operations were discharged into state waterways in the 12-month period that ended June 30, according to records reviewed by The Associated Press. Drinking water for hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians is drawn from those rivers and streams.

Those discharges have troubled some environmentalists. Most of the big drilling companies digging thousands of new wells in Pennsylvania have committed to curtailing or ending the practice.

John Hanger, the outgoing secretary of Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection, said he believes the new regulations are adequate to protect water supplies. . . . [continued]

"Authority: Discharge met its regulations"

By Rich Pietras, Intelligencer, January 5, 2011:

The Hatfield Municipal Sewer Authority said it did nothing wrong in accepting treated wastewater from Marcellus Shale drilling operations.

Wastewater used for Marcellus Shale gas drilling was treated by the Hatfield Municipal Sewer Authority over a one-year period starting in April 2009, but the water was treated twice and met authority regulations for discharge into the Neshaminy Creek, the authority's director said Tuesday.

The authority stopped handling the water, however, because of regulations restricting trucking wastewater from one watershed into another.

"Pa. allows dumping of tainted water from gas boom"

By David B. Caruso, Associated Press, January 3, 2011:

The natural gas boom gripping parts of the U.S. has a nasty byproduct: wastewater so salty, and so polluted with metals like barium and strontium, that most states require drillers to get rid of the stuff by injecting it down shafts thousands of feet deep.

Not in Pennsylvania, one of the states at the center of the gas rush.

There, the liquid that gushes from gas wells is only partially treated for substances that could be environmentally harmful, then dumped into rivers and streams from which communities get their drinking water. . . . [continued]

"Natural gas drilling issue heating up for new year"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, December 22, 2010:

At the beginning of 2010, we knew gas drilling was an issue in Nockamixon. Today, we know it's an issue for all of us.

"DEP: Well cleanups progressing"

By Freda R. Savana, Intelligencer, December 15, 2010:

Officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection took Plumstead residents through a detailed presentation Tuesday on its efforts to address well contamination that, authorities say, was the result of fighting an industrial fire on Stump Road in June.

"Water rates on the rise in some locales"

By Peter Hall, Bucks County Courier Times, December 3, 2010:

Residents and municipal water companies supplied by Bucks County's public water and sewer authority will see the price of H2O increase in the new year.

"Nockamixon officials deserve credit"

Letter to the Editor of the Intelligencer, November 28, 2010:

On Nov. 11, the Intelligencer published an ill-informed letter from Tom Linzey, the executive director of the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund. The letter baselessly attacks Nockamixon Township officials and the Delaware Riverkeeper, who achieved a significant victory over Arbor Resources, which was seeking to develop gas drilling in the Township.

"Pa. activist unsure why surveilled by state"

By Bernard Harris, Scranton Times-Tribune/Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era, November 17, 2010:

Lancaster, Pa. (AP) -- Until recently, Virginia Cody's community activism extended to being president of the arts council in Wyoming County.

That was before she found her rural north-central Pennsylvania home surrounded by land leased to natural gas drilling companies. That was when she began asking questions and trying to get information.

That led to her and her husband writing letters to the editor of the local paper, posting those letters and other information on an Internet blog and posting comments on Facebook.

Handing out brochures at a picnic was the most direct action she took, she told a group of about 30 people at a public meeting Tuesday evening in Lancaster city's Southern Market Center.

"We merely spoke our minds," she said.

Yet, on Aug. 31, a whistle-blower leaked a confidential bulletin from the Pennsylvania Office of Homeland Security that listed her and her activities as subversive and under surveillance.

"Public water to cost up to $8,350"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, October 27, 2010:

West Schwenkmill Road residents will have access to water, but at a price.

"Officials credit resolve in forcing gas firm out"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, October 22, 2010:

But some people in Nockamixon are not happy they may lose royalties after Arbor Resources withdrew its state permit to drill in the township.

David may have toppled Goliath, but the gas drilling beast might still get back up in Nockamixon.

Arbor Resources withdrew its state-issued permit to drill for natural gas in the Upper Bucks community this week, and township officials are celebrating their victory in a hard-fought battle.

"Driller cancels permit"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, October 21, 2010:

Michigan-based Arbor Resources has withdrawn its state permit to drill for natural gas in Nockamixon.

A gas driller has given up the fight in Nockamixon.

Arbor Resources has withdrawn its state permit to drill in Nockamixon, seemingly ending its battle to begin exploratory drilling for natural gas in the Upper Bucks community.

"Business, DEP fight over water pollution"

By Freda R. Savana, Intelligencer, October 10, 2010:

Owners of an industrial business destroyed by fire three months ago are challenging the state over who is responsible for water contamination linked to fighting the four-alarm blaze.

Gas Drilling and Your Rights

 Drilling for Natural Gas in the Marcellus Shale and in Bucks County:

Your Community Rights as a Tax Payer in Pennsylvania

Saturday, October 23, 2010, 1:00–3:00 p.m.

James Michener Free Library

401 West Mill Street, Quakertown, PA 18951

In response to high interest from landowners, lease-owners, their neighbors, and the people who live downstream of proposed gas drilling, the Bucks Transition Group is offering a free public forum for helpful information about the rights and protections for the people of Pennsylvania. 

Drilling for natural gas is happening in the Marcellus Shale formation. Leases have also been signed in Nockamixon Township, Bucks County, PA.

Speakers:

1.   Paul Schmidt will address legal avenues for affected communities and potential lawsuit claims related to injury to individuals and property. Schmidt co-chairs the Zarwin Baum Environmental Practice Group in Philadelphia and provides environmental legal services to a wide range of clients.

2.   Shireen Parsons will discuss Pennsylvania citizens’ constitutional rights and possibilities of redress.  Parsons is a community organizer for the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund in PA. CELDF is a nonprofit, community-interest law firm. 

3.   Nancy Janyszeski, Supervisor for Nockamixon Township, where over 300 property owners have signed leases.

Speakers will also discuss local rights to clean air, water, and soil and will address your questions and comments.  Please join us.

Contact:  Henry D'Silva

                  The Bucks Transitions Group

                  267-679-0617 – henrydsilva@comcast.net

"Water authority may extend lines"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, September 27, 2010:

East Rockhill: A group of homes with shallow wells along West Schwenkmill Road may get the chance to connect to public water.

The Perkasie Borough Authority is considering extending its lines to bring public water to residents with shallow, failing wells on West Schwenkmill Road in East Rockhill.

"DEP Issues Drought Warning for 24 Counties"

"Drought Watch for Remainder of State," September 16, 2010. Bucks County is under a drought warning. View drought map.

"Dry conditions draw warnings"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, September 9, 2010:

Scott Miller is hoping for a hurricane.

The Doylestown-based landscaper says his business is down about 25 percent this summer, a direct result of a lengthening spell of hot and dry weather that has scorched lawns, triggered drought concerns, cut into local crop yields and prompted fire danger warnings.

"Precious resource needs comprehensive oversight"

Intelligencer editorial, September 3, 2010:

Residents who rely on shallow (generally speaking, less than 100 feet) private wells for their water have long been familiar with the anxiety brought on by extended periods without rain.

"Region's water supply mapped out"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, September 2, 2010:

As Bucks County planners consider future land development, water is a major part of the equation.

"We've got a limited amount of fresh water and we have to do what we have to do to sustain that as a renewable resource," Dennis Livrone, senior planner for the Bucks County Planning Commission, told the board at its meeting Wednesday.

As development and the county's population expands so does the need for clean drinking water and wastewater treatment technology, he said.

"River basin project gets grant"

By Rachel Canelli, Intelligencer, September 2, 2010:
GRAPHIC

One of the groups involved in the project would like to see a tax placed on natural gas drilling in the river basin to support restoration of wildlife habitat and towns impacted by the drilling.

The Nature Conservancy has received a $450,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to fund a comprehensive conservation project in the Delaware River Basin, officials said.

"Lack of rainfall, geology bring water restrictions"

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, August 30, 2010:

Geology contributes to regular groundwater shortage problems in the Furlong area.

"Residents blame PBA for dry wells"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, August 29, 2010:

Last month, Robert Schlitz, 75, turned on the tap at his East Rockhill home, and nothing happened.

After 42 years with no problems, his 90-foot well, which had weathered several droughts, had run dry. He spent nearly $10,000 to drill a 280-foot-deep replacement well.

"Polluted ponds drained at site of fire"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, August 29, 2010:

The effort to determine the scope of water pollution in Plumstead continued last week as a contractor for the state began draining two contaminated ponds located near the site of a June 29 fire that destroyed an industrial building.

"Residents get lesson in 'fracking' dangers"

By Annie Tasker, Intelligencer, August 29, 2010:

Dozens of locals gathered in Quakertown Saturday for a discussion on hydraulic fracturing for natural gas, a practice that's boomed in recent years and prompted studies on its possible impact on the Delaware River and the 15 million people who rely on it for drinking water.

"Learning the ins and outs of gas drilling"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, August 27, 2010:

Bucks attorneys gathered Thursday to learn more about lease agreements with companies that are drilling for natural gas.

"Residents question why E. Rockhill wells went dry"

By Erin DuBois, MontgomeryNews.com, August 26, 2010:

For 40 years Robert Schlitz, who lives . . . [on] West Schwenkmill Road in Perkasie, has been able to rely on his well, even filling his 24,000-gallon swimming pool without a sputter. But that all changed July 23 when his approximately 100-foot-deep well went dry.

About the same time, . . . another West Schwenkmill Road resident, who did not wish to comment, discovered that his well had dried up; and neighbors . . . began experiencing intermittent water supply from their wells.

The growing epidemic led well owners to question whether they should blame the hot, dry summer or if a troubling coincidence was the culprit.

The day before Schlitz’s well went dry, Menlo Aquatic Center’s competition pool accidentally drained overnight. Perkasie Borough Authority used 300,000 gallons of water to refill the pool July 23. . . .

"Commissioners OK storm water plan"

By Peter Hall, Intelligencer, August 23, 2010:

The Bucks County Commissioners approved a storm water management plan for the Neshaminy Creek watershed that will allow the region to develop a coordinated approach to controlling erosion and flooding.

With the commissioners' adoption of the plan last week, 41 municipalities in Bucks and Montgomery counties within the watershed will have six months to modify and adopt a model storm water management ordinance contained within the plan. . . .

The plan is available on the Bucks County Planning Commission's website.

Wells running dry in East Rockhill

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/video?id=7615278

Town Hall meeting on hydraulic fracturing for natural gas

A Town Hall Meeting Presenting Information and a Discussion on Hydraulic Fracturing for Natural Gas
Focus on Nockamixon Township, Bucks County
Saturday, August 28, 2010, at 1:00 PM
The James Michener Free Library
401 West Mill Street, Quakertown, PA 18951-1248

"Water report nears completion"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, August 22, 2010:

As officials grapple with a declining supply, the goal is to translate complicated information into an understandable form.

After a decade of collecting and charting well water samples they say show a looming groundwater crisis in Upper Bucks, residents and local officials will soon have the information in hand.

"Tests of wells were wrong on benzene"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, August 20, 2010:

The state DEP said the tests mistakenly showed increased the levels of the chemical. A second round of testing showed acceptable levels in the water.

"Bucks could blame engineering firm"

By Peter Hall, Intelligencer, August 19, 2010:

Bucks County Commissioners will investigate whether its engineering firm may be liable for a mistake that lead to the release of sediment into two Central Bucks streams, killing thousands of fish last fall.

The commissioners on Wednesday approved settlement agreements with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the state Fish and Boat Commission that include more than $62,000 in fines.

An investigation by the DEP found that erosion and sediment control measures were not in place when the county began to drain water from flood control basins above Robin Run in Buckingham and Little Neshaminy Creek in Warrington, according to the settlement agreements. . . .

"Board votes to approve farm preservation"

By Bill Devlin, Intelligencer, August 18, 2010:

One of Bucks County's most popular pumpkin picking patches will continue as a working farm thanks to a decision Tuesday night in Plumstead.

The township supervisors agreed to pay more than $600,000 for the preservation rights for Hellerick's Family Farm on Route 611 and Haring Road.

"Bucks faces hefty fines for fish kills"

By Peter Hall, Intelligencer, August 18, 2010:

State environmental agencies could receive more than $60,000 in fine payments from Bucks to settle an investigation into two fish kills last year.

"Tankers pump in water"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, August 15, 2010:

For more than a month, . . . [a Plumstead resident] was unable to take a shower at his home on Ann Drive in Plumstead after water traveled from the site of a fire and polluted his private well.

But the 34-year-old finally got to rinse off at home last week after tanker trucks were brought in to pump water into his house and other residences that have contaminated wells.

"From 'Dump the Pump' to kill the drill"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, August 15, 2010:

Thirty years ago, the Point Pleasant Pump motivated thousands of Bucks County residents to link arms against an energy utility and the government. As natural gas drilling looms, "the emotional components are right in place for 'Pump Two,' " says a veteran of the Pump era.

Thirty years ago, an environmental movement swept through Bucks County, uniting thousands of residents and activists against a government they didn't trust and corporations they believed sought profit over public health.

Similar forces are aligning themselves today.

This time it's not the Point Pleasant Pump, which intertwined the lives of people across the spectrum, from housewives and lawyers to social and political activists such as Abbie Hoffman.

Now, it's natural gas drilling. And much has not changed.

Nukes, yesterday. Fracking, today. . . .

"Plumstead copes with fire's environmental aftermath"

"Water samples show contamination," by Rebecca Fink, Bucks County Herald, August 12, 2010, A1.

"Residents want answers on wells"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, August 11, 2010:

More than 100 people packed the Plumstead Municipal Building on Tuesday night looking for answers about well water contamination that authorities say is the result of runoff from a June 29 fire that destroyed an industrial building at 5189 Stump Road.

"Water contamination linked to fire"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, August 5, 2010:

DEP plans to test at least 30 wells near where an industrial building caught fire. Fighting the fire apparently caused water runoff that carried chemicals into homeowners' wells.

"Resident: High benzene levels in pond at fire site"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, August 4, 2010:

Worried that their well water might have been tainted by toxins following a Plumstead industrial building fire, residents went before township officials seeking answers Tuesday night.

Instead, Plumstead supervisors were the ones getting information.

. . . [A resident] of Stump Road, and his attorney came armed with a report Tuesday from the state's Department of Environmental Protection that revealed high benzene levels were discovered in the pond at the warehouse site, located on the 5000 block of Stump Road.

"Well testing continues"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, August 1, 2010:

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has sampled well water that served a Plumstead industrial building ruined by fire as part of a widening investigation into water contamination in the township.

Samples were also taken from nearby ponds during the Friday visit from DEP, which will test the water in its Harrisburg laboratories, said spokeswoman Deborah Fries.

At least four Plumstead homes have tainted water in their private wells and additional residents are reporting possible contamination.

"Tainted water probe widens in Plumstead"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, July 30, 2010:

At least four homes have wells that are contaminated, and officials are concerned more wells might have been affected.

"Tests detect benzene in well"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, July 29, 2010:

Residents complained their drinking water had been fouled by runoff from a nearby industrial fire.

"Post-fire water woes"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, July 28, 2010:

Residents near last month's fire in Plumstead said their water has become too tainted to drink or bathe in.

"Federal study to tackle fracking impact"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, July 25, 2010: "Those who say gas drilling will poison the region's drinking water and threaten public health might finally get their wish for a $1 million federal study of its potential impact on the Delaware River Watershed. . . ."

"Summer forecast: Wilting profits"

By Colleen Boyle, Intelligencer, July 21, 2010: "Hot days and less rain have stunted some crops and may inflate prices of local produce as the summer continues. . . ."

Buckingham: "Drought warnings for township neighborhoods"

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, July 16, 2010: "Buckingham has issued a drought warning with voluntary restrictions for residents in the Furlong and Cold Spring water systems. . . ."

"Hundreds say ban gas drilling"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, July 15, 2010: "Passions ran high at a meeting of the Delaware River Basin Commission, which is in the process of writing regulations governing drilling in the river basin. . . . ."

Springfield: "PPL power line fight continues"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, July 12, 2010: "Officials and residents are anxiously awaiting a court ruling on PPL's plan to string power lines and plant a substation in a rural section of the township. . . ."

Bucks County Comprehensive Plan Community Survey

Let your voice be heard! Only 9 questions: Bucks County Comprehensive Plan Community Survey http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22AVGDYSWFW

"Mother Nature getting even"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, July 8, 2010: "The winter brought record-breaking snowfall, now we're getting hot, dry weather to balance a wet spring. . . ."

"Water supplies are safe--for now"

By George Mattar, Intelligencer, July 7, 2010: "Rainfall has been below normal the last two months, but heavy winter snows have staved off drought, according to officials. . . ."

"Fish kill prompts testing of ponds"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, July 1, 2010:

. . . As firefighters continued battling flames the day after a major blaze destroyed an industrial building in Plumstead, environmental officials tested for chemicals in two ponds at the facility where fish were killed.

Mulholland named to BCWSA board

Stacey Mulholland has been appointed by the Bucks County commissioners to a seat on the board of the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority, announced Frank Froio at a meeting of Plumstead's Board of Supervisors last night.

"Celebration set to welcome public water lines"

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, June 15, 2010:

Township officials and local businesses will boil hot dogs and make iced tea to celebrate public water at Cross Keys.

Tinicum: "Development ruling will be appealed"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, June 3, 2010: "A Bucks judge ruled that Tinicum has gone too far in its efforts to limit development, in response to a developer's appeal of the restrictions. The township is appealing. . . ."

Upper Delaware named Most Endangered American River

American Rivers named the Upper Delaware the #1 Most Endangered River in 2010: "The Upper Delaware River provides drinking water for 17 million people across Pennsylvania and New York. However, this clean water source is threatened by natural gas extraction activities in the Marcellus Shale, where chemicals injected into the ground create untreatable toxic wastewater. Until a thorough study of these critical impacts is completed, the Delaware River Basin Commission must not issue permits that will allow gas drilling in this watershed. In addition, Congress must pass the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act of 2009 to help protect all rivers within the Marcellus Shale region." [Read more.]

"Company hopes to find gas in Upper Bucks"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, May 23, 2010:

New permits have given a gas drilling company a way in. Nockamixon officials and environmentalists are taking more legal steps to keep them out.

"Gasland" at County Theater June 2

Special screening of Gasland, a documentary film by Josh Fox
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
6:00 p.m. Reception
7:00 p.m. Screening
Panel discussion following the film
County Theater, Doylestown

Delaware Riverkeeper Network invites you to attend a special screening of Gasland, a documentary film by Josh Fox. The showing in Doylestown on June 2 will be the kick-off of a 20-stop tour of Gasland across Pennsylvania and New York in a run-up to the June 21st HBO premiere of Gasland, winner of this year’s Sundance Special Jury Prize. Josh Fox will appear at the screening and you can meet him at the reception beforehand; a lively panel discussion will follow the film. For more info: delawareriverkeeper.org. Watch the trailer at youtube. RSVP on Facebook (optional).

Letter to the Editor, May 13, 2010

State forests under attack

Intelligencer

To the Editor:

Most Pennsylvanians would be surprised to hear that our wild forests are often being sold off to the highest bidder for destructive practices that will do irreparable harm to these beautiful places.

For example, state officials have already opened up 700,000 acres of state forest lands for harmful gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale region. That's more than 40 percent of Pennsylvania's state forests. This means more roads, pipelines, well pads and truck traffic in our state forests. In turn, this means further lost habitat for our state's species and more pollution in pristine streams that serve as drinking water sources for downstream communities.

Sadly, this trend may continue. Many politicians in Harrisburg only see the short-term financial gain that can be reaped from our state forest lands, profit that will go to many of the richest corporations in the world, like Exxon-Mobil and Halliburton.

Luckily, there is a proposal to halt further leases for drilling in our state forests, House Bill 2235, introduced by Rep. Greg Vitali of Delaware County. If passed, this legislation will help keep parts of Pennsylvania's state forest wild for now and for future generations.

David Masur, Director
PennEnvironment
Philadelphia
www.PennEnvironment.org

"Gas industry pumping in funds"

By Gary Weckselblatt, Intelligencer, May 12, 2010:

GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett has received the most from the industry - $361,000.

"Court upholds Nockamixon zoning in battle with quarry"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, May 6, 2010:

Hanson Aggregates had challenged the validity of the township's ordinances after attempting to expand quarry operations along Route 611.

A Bucks County judge on Wednesday dismissed procedural challenges that not only would have allowed a Nockamixon quarry to expand but also would have invalidated the township's entire zoning ordinance.

Nockamixon officials said the decision vindicated everything they had been fighting for. . . .

"Tainted wells in Bedminster, Hilltown may get filters"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, May 4, 2010: "The DEP plans to add carbon filtration systems to 35 homes in Bedminster and Hilltown with high levels of TCE. . . . On Wednesday, the state Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public hearing outlining its proposal to install whole-house carbon filtration systems. . . ."

"Report: A clean Delaware River is vital to area's economic growth"

By George Mattar, Intelligencer, May 3, 2010:

While government officials say the economy is improving, an environmental group says officials have undervalued the importance of the Delaware River, which provides drinking water for millions and economic benefits for the region.

The Delaware Riverkeeper Network in Bristol focuses on that issue in a new report called, "River Value - The Value of a Clean and Healthy Delaware River." . . .

"DEP sets hearing on contaminated water in Bedminster"

Bucks County Herald, April 29, 2010:

The state Department of Environmental Protection will accept public comments on a proposal to protect Bucks County residents in Hilltown and Bedminster townships from contaminated well water at 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 5, in the Bedminster Township administration building, 3112 Bedminster Road. . . .

To present comments, register in advance by calling DEP Community Relations Coordinator Lynda Rebarchak at 484-250-5820.

DEP will accept written comments until June 18. The comments should be sent to David Ewald, HSCA project officer, DEP Southeast Regional Office, 2 E. Main St., Norristown, PA 19401-4915. . . .

Visit depweb.state.pa.us, or call 484-250-5900.

"DEP: Some sewer hookups possible"

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, April 21, 2010: "Property owners in Doylestown might now be allowed to connect to the sewer system, but property owners in Buckingham, Doylestown Township and Plumstead are still out of luck. . . ."

"Black fly spraying along Delaware"

Intelligencer, April 21, 2010:

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection will conduct a black fly suppression operation beginning at 10 a.m. today, in Northampton County and continue south and east throughout the day.

Residents of Bucks County's Delaware River communities are advised that helicopter pilots may use several landing sites during this operation, including Riegelsville Borough Park, the Erwinna/Delaware Valley Fire Co. in Tinicum, and the Slack Road Farm in Upper Makefield.

The operation will include a gray (with green stripes) Bell 206-BIII helicopter with the tail number N302MG.

Pilots will be applying VECTOBAC 12AS to waterways to reduce the numbers of adult black flies that hatch from the river and streams. The product being used is a brown, slightly sticky liquid with a fish-like odor. Its active ingredient is a naturally occurring soil bacterium and not a synthetic pesticide.

It will be applied perpendicular to the stream flow in multiple locations along the rivers and streams by a low-flying helicopter. A product label is available upon request.

More info: http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/blackfly and the Delaware Riverkeeper's 4/20/10 press release.

"Gas drilling debate rages in Del. River watershed"

By Michael Rubinkam, Associated Press, April 18, 2010:

Pleasant Mount, Pa. — A few hundred yards from Louis Matoushek's farmhouse is a well that could soon produce not only natural gas, but a drilling boom in the wild and scenic Delaware River watershed.

"County officials seek to push Delaware River dredging plan"

By Peter Hall, Intelligencer, April 15, 2010:

The Bucks County commissioners will join the county redevelopment authority in an effort to persuade the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to support dredging to maintain the Delaware River shipping channel from Philadelphia to Trenton.

"Sewer problems becoming a messy situation"

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, April 5, 2010:

Property owners in four municipalities in the Doylestown area will have to go through an extended sewer usage planning process that will cost them more time and money to build or to expand or change the use of an existing building.

The state Department of Environmental Protection determined that Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority exceeded capacity at three of its treatment facilities in 2008, so owners of property that would be connected to those facilities now will have to submit full sewer planning modules.

Planning modules are typically required only for large developments while DEP and the sewer authority typically exempt smaller developments and changes in use from the months-long planning process. The DEP has decided that it will no longer grant the exemptions.

Property owners in parts of Doylestown, Doylestown Township, Buckingham and Plumstead are affected by the decision. . . .

"EPA to study natural-gas drilling's effect on water"

By Juliet Eilperin, Washington Post, March 19, 2010: "The Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday that it will launch a $1.9 million study into how drinking-water supplies are affected by hydraulic fracturing, a method used to turn shale rock into natural gas wells. . . ."

"Vapor testing to begin April 12"

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, March 26, 2010: "The EPA will test for intrusion of chemical vapors into the site of the former Chem-Fab plant and nearby buildings. . . ."

"EPA to test near former Chem-Fab plant"

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, March 23, 2010:

The Environmental Protection Agency plans to soon begin testing buildings on and near the former Chem-Fab plant on Broad Street in Doylestown for "vapor intrusion" - that is, the possible leaching of chemical vapors through the soil and into the air.

"Judge rules against developers"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, March 22, 2010:

Bedminster officials were "cautiously optimistic" after a panel of Commonwealth Court judges sided with their zoning law, affirming a decision made by a Bucks County judge in August.

Two developers - Bedminster Associates and the Piper Group - had been seeking the ability to increase housing density in the township's agricultural preservation district to build a total of more than 500 homes, arguing that a 2002 state Supreme Court ruling on behalf of C&M Home Builders cleared the way for their plans.

"Aqua Pennsylvania seeks rate hike"

By Rich Pietras, Intelligencer, March 3, 2010:

A public hearing tonight in Hatboro will hear testimony concerning a proposed 11.8 percent rate increase for Aqua Pennsylvania Inc. customers in Bucks and Montgomery counties.

Aqua filed the request with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission last month requesting a $5.51 a month (18 cents a day) increase in rates for a typical residential customer.

The hike would raise monthly residential bills to $53.79 and, if approved, would begin in August.

In Bucks County, Aqua provides water to about 30,000 customers in parts of Chalfont, New Britain Borough and Township and Solebury, as well as in Bensalem, Bristol, Bristol Township, Lower Southampton and Upper Southampton. . . .

"Critic seeks to join sewer and water agency board"

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, February 26, 2010: "Borough council's president has applied for a seat on the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority. . . ."

"Activists: No backing for natural gas fracking"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, February 26, 2010: "'Down river' residents who have great concern about natural gas drilling's effect on the environment traveled hours by bus to tell the Delaware River Basin Commission about it. . . ."

Nockamixon: "Panel to address water problems"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, February 24, 2010:

After rounds of detailed research on a growing water crisis in Nockamixon and the surrounding communities, scientists are ready to flush out an overview.

Scientists with the Bridgeton-Nockamixon-Tinicum Groundwater Committee will have the floor at Thursday night's work session in Nockamixon, which will bring together township supervisors and planning commission members.

The committee is expected to highlight years of collected data, showing increased stress on the rural Upper Bucks region's groundwater supply. . . .

"Drilling application draws crowd upriver"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, February 23, 2010: "Fearing the effect on our area's drinking water supply, local environmentalists will head north to fight natural gas drilling. . . ."

"House panel to investigate ‘fracking’"

By Marty Reddington, AP/Phillyburbs.com, February 19, 2010: "An oil and gas drilling technique that is becoming more widespread is drawing scrutiny from lawmakers concerned that it may pose a hazard to human health by tainting drinking water and harming the environment. . . ."

Nockamixon: "County promises more openness on defunct dump"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, February 18, 2010.

"Shale group: Rendell tax unfair, Pa. laws outdated"

By Marc Levy, AP/Intelligencer, February 12, 2010: "The natural gas industry in one of the nation's hottest exploration spots is bracing for a political tussle over whether and how Pennsylvania will tax methane from the potentially lucrative Marcellus Shale formation. . . ."

Bridgeton: "Updated regulation limits drilling for oil, natural gas"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, February 12, 2010:

Bridgeton updated regulations Thursday night, restricting oil and natural gas drilling within the rural Upper Bucks township.

The guidelines for oil and natural gas piggyback on the township's well-established regulations for mineral exploration and extraction, which have been on the books since at least 1999, supervisors said.

That ordinance restricts drilling to areas of Bridgeton designated industrial.

Those seeking to drill would also have to submit water resources and traffic impact studies if the location merited such actions. . . .

"Gas drilling in Appalachia yields a foul byproduct"

"Gas drilling in Appalachia yields a foul byproduct that can pollute drinking water, kill fish," by Marc Levy and Vicki Smith, Associated Press/Intelligencer, February 2, 2010.

Nockamixon: "Township wants answers on landfill"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, February 2, 2010:

There are too many things hiding in Hidden Valley, say Nockamixon officials.

Newly discovered bright orange leachate could be masking unknown and possibly dangerous compounds that might be seeping out of the landfill and into nearby waterways, according to the township's environmental advisory committee and the Gallows Run Watershed Association.

"That's part of the reason we want to talk with the county - to see what their stewardship is," said chemist Stephen Donovan, co-chairman of Nockamixon's environmental advisory committee and the Bridgeton-Nockamixon-Tinicum Groundwater Committee. . . ."

"Susquehanna residents wary of gas-drilling operation"

By Andrew Maykuth, Philadelphia Inquirer, Dec. 13, 2009.

"Pa. to hire more oil and gas drilling inspectors"

By Andrew Maykuth, Philadelphia Inquirer, Jan. 28, 2010.