Only public pressure can undo industry-friendly fracking rules
On Nov. 16, the Sandoval County Commission is expected to adopt the Stoddard Oil and Gas Ordinance. This ordinance would streamline and shorten the processing of fracking applications and minimize scrutiny of fracking operations. This ordinance, backed by the oil and gas industry, does not provide either adequate protection for our environment or adequate financial penalties for environmental damages due to fracking.
The Stoddard Ordinance would allow gas emissions, noise and toxic fracking fluids as close as between 300 feet and 750 feet from homes, churches, schools, etc.
Fracking has enabled substantial amounts of natural gas to be extracted from shale, and it utilizes some chemicals that are toxic to both human and animal life. It can use massive amounts of water, which is problematic in our desert climate. It can also cause permanent and irreparable damage to aquifers through leaks or spills, especially because drilling is often through the aquifer itself. Peer reviewed scientific publications have documented that fracking can cause ground water contamination as well as increased seismic activity. Fracking has also caused leaks of flammable and explosive hydrogen sulfide and methane gas. Unregulated fracking could damage existing dams, cause sinkholes and provoke volcanic activity.
The Stoddard Ordinance provides no public safety plan for dealing with these potential emergencies, nor is there any provision for damage caused by fracking to our info structure. It provides no protections for prehistoric sites, cultural properties or archaeological resources.
The commission believes that state and federal regulations are enough to protect our health and safety. But in 2005 the federal government exempted the oil and gas industry from following federal regulations provided under the Safe Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Air Act. And New Mexico state regulations are antiquated and inadequate.
In their enthusiasm to please the oil and gas industry, the county commissioners have violated democratic procedures and ignored almost every concern voiced by citizens and experts, even when these concerns were backed up by published peer reviewed environmental research. The commission did not allow testimony from two doctors from Physicians for Social Responsibility, as well as other experts. They have ignored tribal concerns and they have even ignored the recommendations of their own Planning and Zoning Commission.
The Sandoval County Commission needs to incorporate stricter penalties and protections into their oil and gas ordinance, and they will not do this without public pressure.
What happens in Sandoval County affects everyone. Whether you live in Sandoval County or not, please come to the next meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, and express your opinion. To find out where the meeting is or get more information, please go to www.commongroundrising.org Also, please express your opinion to the Sandoval County Commissioners by phone, letter and/or email. For contact information, call 505-867-7500 or go to: http://www.sandovalcountynm.gov/commission. Rio Rancho resident Lynda Hayes is an architect licensed in California who has worked closely with building, planning and zoning departments in California and New Mexico, ensuring building projects meet public health and safety code.