City Approves Fracking: Residents Voice Concerns
By: Scarlett Greyson
Updated: February 4, 2013
The Lubbock City Council has agreed to allow an oil company to pursue
'hydraulic fracking' in different areas in Lubbock.That decision has
some residents who live in those areas concerned about possible health
risks.
Water contamination is one of the biggest concerns for residents near the proposed fracking sites.
Private wells especially, run the risk of being directly affected by the chemicals used in the fracking process.
We spoke to Dr. Anne Epstein who said fracking can cause serious air contamination and severe water contamination.
"Millions of gallons of chemical fluid that would go into the ground they come back. And that becomes a water storage issue, that becomes an issue of environmental leaks and accidents," said Epstein.
Texland Petroleums' made requests to expand its oil drilling operation to a horizontal, hydraulic fracturing well.
According to Epstein this type of drilling uses more water and more chemicals than other forms of fracking.
We spoke to several Lubbock residents in the area who own private wells nearby, and they are not happy about the decision.
"Because you know thats what we have to drink you know what I mean and bathe and all of that and i dont want no nasty water, said Pauline Johnson a resident near one of the fracking sites.
Texland must still receive both state and city permits before drilling operations begin.
Water contamination is one of the biggest concerns for residents near the proposed fracking sites.
Private wells especially, run the risk of being directly affected by the chemicals used in the fracking process.
We spoke to Dr. Anne Epstein who said fracking can cause serious air contamination and severe water contamination.
"Millions of gallons of chemical fluid that would go into the ground they come back. And that becomes a water storage issue, that becomes an issue of environmental leaks and accidents," said Epstein.
Texland Petroleums' made requests to expand its oil drilling operation to a horizontal, hydraulic fracturing well.
According to Epstein this type of drilling uses more water and more chemicals than other forms of fracking.
We spoke to several Lubbock residents in the area who own private wells nearby, and they are not happy about the decision.
"Because you know thats what we have to drink you know what I mean and bathe and all of that and i dont want no nasty water, said Pauline Johnson a resident near one of the fracking sites.
And since the Johnsons live outside city limits and get water from a nearby well, it would be an expensive adjustment.
"I love drinking that well water, you know, its cold and its good coming out its clean. Other than that you know going to town to get water its going to be expensive," said Ruffus Johnson, Pauline's husband.Texland must still receive both state and city permits before drilling operations begin.
