Clarification needed
It is time a few things be brought out into the public. Over the past several years, a lot of investigations have taken place, and only certain findings have been released to the public. In the following, I will try to give you updates and the bigger picture of what is occurring with our water quality and environmental problems.
Probably the first item that needs to be addressed is the latest article that was published on the results of water well testing in West Virginia by Duke University. The testing stated that there was no contamination of the drinking water wells by fracking. I am going to put up a caution flag on this research. This may be true of the wells tested, but we also must look at the area in question, the geological formations in the area and the time that has elapsed after drilling.
Another problem I have with Duke is that over two years ago, university representatives took samples from the South Branch of Ten Mile Creek. The Harry Enstrom Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA), Greene County, was promised the results of the testing. Still today, the IWLA has not received these results. Eight months ago, Duke representatives were back in the area taking water samples with the promises that the IWLA would receive the results within six months. The testing was done in summer 2016. Even after repeated attempts to contact Duke representatives for the results, the IWLA has received nothing. The IWLA phone calls have gone unanswered.
If the results are safe, that would be wonderful. If the results are bad, then the people have a right to know what is in their water. After doing a little research, it was found that the gas industry does contribute to the university. I would sincerely hope this does not affect the lack of test results. I do not really believe this is the case, but many people have suggested this may be possible. The only thing I know for sure is that the IWLA has not received any results of the testing. My question is “Why?” Many attempts have been made to contact Duke and to get the results whether they are good or bad. The people have a right to know the truth.
Let us look at the Clyde Mine issue. The issue is not dead. The DEP released its findings on Radium 226 using the 903.1 testing; however, the DEP has not repeated the Gamma Spec 21 day hold test for Radium 226. Why? Many requests from the IWLA to redo the Gamma Spec test for Radium 226 have been ignored by the DEP. This will force legal action. Don’t you think it is outrageously ridiculous that private groups must threaten agencies to do their job? What is the job of the DEP, if not to protect the public’s well-being? Why there is no cooperation from the DEP?
Let us take it one step further. Below the drained lake in Ryerson Station State Park there is a new outfall of water entering the North Dunkard Fork of Wheeling Creek. The discharge is actually basic mine drainage (BMD). It is the first time I have ever encountered such a discharge. This outfall began after Consol Energy mined the coal from the area. When the DEP was contacted, the comment was that it is not related to active mining (duh). Why is the DEP not forcing Consol Energy to clean or treat the discharge? I bet if it was a private citizen, the enforcement would be a lot different.
Also, Consol will be mining in the headwaters tributaries of the park. Who is to say there will not be more of these outfalls? The dual standard is not acceptable. If you pollute, then you clean it up!
In the future, I will keep giving you as much of the true facts as I can discover. It is sometimes hard to get all of the facts.
On a happier note, the IWLA will be holding its annual Kid’s Day and Lady’s Day of fishing events on Ten Mile Creek near Chartiers by Clarksville. The Greene County commissioners have given a grant to the IWLA to help sponsor the event. Thank them when you see them, and if you are at Ozie’s Sports Shop, thank them for all their hard work over the years in making the events successes.
Remember: What you learn in church on Sunday lasts the whole week not one day.