Is history repeating itself?
Is history
repeating itself?
By now we all know that the area is in a gas drilling boom. This can either be a good thing or a bad thing. The key to the final outcome is very questionable. One thing that is not being addressed is the future of the area’s environment. In what condition will the environment be when the gas drilling is over? Will we go back in history or will we move forward?
If I may, I would like to look back over the years as to what has happened to this area and what effects the mineral booms have had on the area. In the late 1800’s, oil was discovered in the area. At that time many boom towns sprang up throughout Washington and Greene Counties. As wells were drilled, much of the oil was lost into our creeks and rivers. Millions of gallons of oil entered our waterways and headed down the Ohio River. The North and South Dunkard Forks of Wheeling Creek are good examples of the oil damage. If you are not familiar with these streams, they run near and through Ryerson State Park. They now are stocked with trout and have become a recreational area for many fishermen. During the area’s oil boom era, gallons and gallons of oil drained and entered into streams. In addition to these losses of major amounts of oil, was the subsequent extensive impact on health of the environment and the streams.
The town of Higbee was considered one of the area’s many oil boom towns, and was also impacted by the industry. Most of you probably have not heard of Higbee or even know where it was located. Years ago, the town boasted between 1,500 and 1,700 occupants. Now, there are only about three houses left. One of those houses is presently in my family. It was built in 1857 and still stands today. A lot of work went into keeping the house intact and much remodeling was needed to preserve the home. After keeping you in suspense, the town of Higbee was located in the Long Run area of Greene County near the present day Elk farm owned by Paul Braddock. As with most towns after a mineral “boom” era pitters out, Higbee also slowly went “bust.” Now there are only a few sparse reminders of the oil boom days in this ghost town. A dilapidated, weathered “Higbee” sign still exists near one of the old unpaved roadways, if you look hard enough. Along with those three remaining older dwellings, (and a few undocumented stories from old timers about ghost sightings during full moons), the only other evidence that a boom town existed at all are the many oil drilling artifacts that remain. Old wells, which have not been properly plugged, are the most numerous remnants.
Let us move ahead in time to the late 1800’s and early 1900’s — the Coal Era. Today, many places in our area still suffer from the aftermath of the coal mining industry. Many stream sections still run red with iron and still have a pH not suitable for any aquatic life. These acid mine drainages have been spouting their contaminates into our waterways for more than 100 years, with no end in sight. All of these wastes are going into our rivers and streams upon which many people (850,000) rely for their drinking water. The problem is massive, but at the time of the booms both the oil and coal industries provided many jobs. Most of the jobs have come and gone, but the contaminated water still runs daily.
Now, in fact, a new culprit of contamination has appeared on the scene. The new kid on the block is bromide. Bromide is one of the main parts of Trihalomethane (THM). If you are not familiar with THM, ask someone who lives in Carmichaels, Fredericktown, Marianna or many other river towns that draw raw water from the Monongahela River. Why bromides are coming from mine discharges is a mystery, and everyone I asked about the source of the bromides has no idea where or why they are coming from mining discharges. Someone must know the source of bromide, yet to us, it still remains a mystery.
Now let us take a look at the modern boom. Gas is the new gold rush, the sought-after product at present. Trucks, well rigs, pipes, etc. are appearing everywhere on the scene. Along with equipment and supplies, the industry brings with it promises of abundant jobs and promises about the “safe and clean” nature of the drilling process. Yet, time after time, we are hearing reports concerning the appearance of contamination in water supplies and in streams.
People are getting sick and chemicals are being found in their blood that should never be there.
Where are these chemicals coming from? How are things like benzene, arsenic, toluene, phenol, ethyl glycol, etc., finding their way into our bodies, into our drinking water, our air? What is changing in our area that may cause, or introduce, these new chemicals in our water? There are many questions, but to-date, few answers. I really feel that our biggest problems are yet to come.
If our ground water becomes chemically contaminated, I know of no way to clean the problem. This ground water will eventually find its way into our rivers. Then what will happen? As with all booms in mineral resource extractions, the gas boom will end. What will be left behind?
The Izaak Walton League of Greene County has been aggressive in monitoring water quality in the area, and some of these results do not look promising. In 100 years from now, will our grandchildren be trying to clean up the water from this latest boom? The best part of this whole boom cycle, is that we do have the technology to prevent the poisoning of our drinking water before it happens; but for some reason, the regulatory agencies seem to be bewildered as what to do. It is very simple. Regulate the industry and protect the populace as they are supposed to be doing. Jobs are great, but water is life-giving and will be needed long after the gas-rush goes bust.
As always, let us pray for the knowledge of Solomon and the strength of Samson to find the answers needed to protect our generations to come. Let us not sacrifice today’s boom for tomorrow’s destruction.