Since we've written extensively about dams and fracking, specifically, the Joe Pool Lake Dam, we believe there should be a more heightened sense of concern from our Texas oil and gas regulatory agency, The Railroad Commission of Texas.
We don't see any recent Press Releases about this issue on the RRC's web site. Our local North Texas news outlets are reporting on this issue daily.
BREAKING--3.7 Magnitude earthquake reported overnight near Mineral Wells.
— WFAA TV (@wfaachannel8) December 9, 2013
We are baffled since it is such a serious matter for those living near this dam and for all of us who live in North Texas. The industry has clearly and irresponsibly drilled and fracked directly below this earthen dam.
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So the Westchester Gasette's question is this:
What is the Railroad Commission of Texas's Plan of Action regarding this North TX earthquake swarm in the vicinity of the Eagle Mountain Lake Dam? This is an earthen dam ~ already designated as "High" for hazard potential because of the people and property in such close proximity. We will post the reply here when we see or get a response.
Have a very nice day, y'all.
Have a very nice day, y'all.
*2nd UPDATE* OK. Now we've learned that Texas Railroad Commissioner David Porter will conduct a Town Hall in Azle, Texas on January 2, 2014 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Azle High School's Auditorium. Here's the News Release:
The Westchester Gasette is certainly glad to see at least one RRC Commissioner coming to North Texas for such an urgent matter! Stay tuned...
We look forward to hear the Railroad Commission weigh in on this crisis. Perhaps Christi Craddick will discuss this issue with us over a latte. She did say she plans to come up to North Texas and wants to meet with us.
ReplyDeleteWe hope these residents living in close proximity to the epicenter of these fracking quakes do not lose the investment on their homes. The myriad of problems associated with the experimental process of shale gas exploration inside our communities just never ends.
At the very least, we expect the State to place a moratorium on drilling and production activities near all dams and to close down all injection wells where seismicity is occurring. We can't bear to deal with any more catastrophic events related to fossil fuels. Can you imagine your city under water due to a dam failure?
Texas really ought to think about harnessing the energy from the sun. While it may not be shining brightly today, it does a good percentage of the time.
We seem to be in a time warp...unable to be innovative about the future because there is too much attachment to the nostalgia of the good old days in the oil fields. Time to move on from a fossil fuel economy.
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