Frac Sand Mines: Are they contaminating water?

We have been inundated with the word "fracking."  Most people now recognize that word and know a little bit about it.  But the gas industry would love to distract us with that word, and in some cases, use truthiness to claim that fracking is safe, which, of course, it really isn't, and never will be.  So we have to spread the word that fracking is only a small part of what is wrong with fossil fuel extraction.  We now know about pipelines, spills on well sites, air pollution, noise pollution, truck traffic, and, perhaps the newest worry which has actually been around all along: frac sand mines.  We are starting to notice the ill effects of silica sand and possible water contamination at frac sand mines. 

Here is a news report and article about this issue from Trempealeau County, Wisconsin.

To investigate further, check out this link which discusses the detrimental health effects of acrylamide.  The news report referred to above states:

"Polyacrylamide is used to wash frac sand. It contains the chemical acrylamide, which studies have linked to cancer. The Guza mine in Trempealeau County is allowed to use polyacrylamide in its settling ponds, but the pond must be lined with concrete. During an investigation last week at the mine, Trempealeau County officials discovered two ponds did not have that concrete. Now the mine's neighbors are concerned their drinking water is contaminated."

One of my questions is this: Isn't concrete permeable?  I think it is.  The same kind of problem happens with fracking wastewater ponds which are supposed to be lined with plastic.  I have personally seen with my own eyes these plastic liners falling in on themselves, allowing contaminated frackwaste to seep into the soil.  And several years ago I saw a video showing a bulldozer pushing a liner under the dirt as a well pad was being closed down.  The point is that there are many examples of procedures going awry.  And there is little oversight. 

Fracking: Mr. President, Please Come To PA To See For Yourself

Please watch and share this video. Then take action!
http://TinyURL.com/MessageToObamaFromVera
1: Share it. 2: Contact the Whitehouse. Message:
President Obama ...please watch "Message From Vera in Pennsylvania" on Youtube channel Shaleshock.
Whitehouse Switchboard (202-456-1414) public comment line (202-456-1111)


http://youtu.be/yRcEG78TV9M

Dr. Sandra Steingraber: To Drill Or Not To Drill

Published on Apr 16, 2013

Recorded Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at Grace Episcopal Church, Elmira, NY

Dr. Sandra Steingraber is a biologist, author, and Distinguished Scholar in Residence in the Department of Environmental Studies at Ithaca College. Her research and writing focuses on environmental health and, for the past two years, has explored the health and environmental impacts of shale gas extraction. Steingraber has served as a science advisor for several state, federal, and international initiatives, including the California Breast Cancer Research Program, the National Action Plan on Breast Cancer, the President's Cancer Panel, and the Health and Environmental Alliance in the Europe Union. In 2011, Steingraber received a Heinz Award for lifetime achievement and donated the prize money to the anti-fracking movement in New York State, thus becoming a founder of New Yorkers Against Fracking. She is also a founding principal of Concerned Health Professionals of New York.

Decisions related to fracking should be considered with the safety and well-being of Elmira and surrounding area residents in mind. We encourage you to attend this key presentation to hear leading experts discuss the economic, health, environment, and socio-cultural effects that the gas industry has on communities. Those who attend will have an opportunity to address questions and concerns directly to the presenters. The forum offers a rare opportunity for Elmira and area residents, elected officials, and spiritual leaders to become more informed so that they can better answer the question for themselves: To frack or not to frack.

Silica Sand In Wyalusing, PA

Published on Dec 30, 2012 Welcome to the gasfields of PA. Silica sand is used as a proppent in the hydraulic fracturing process. The Wyalusing Silica Sand Transfer Station is located within a mile of 3 public schools and right next to a large daycare center. Silica dust caused silicosis, which is a fatal disease. Environmental scientist Dr. Yuri Gorby and retired UAW Health and Safety Officer Joe Shervinski are featured in the video.

Frac Sand

FRAC SAND is used as a 'proppant' to hold open fractured Marcellus shale so the natural gas can easily escape, but in this video we see huge clouds of silica sand dust going everywhere except downhole!

Video location: Near West Middletown / Avella, PA GPS: 40.22624 -80.44734 TEMPLE, JONATHAN UNIT Independence Twp, Washington County, Pa.

What is the risk to workers and nearby residents?

SILICOSIS: Silicosis, (previously miner's phthisis, grinder's asthma, potter's rot and other occupation-related names) is a form of occupational lung disease caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust, and is marked by inflammation and scarring in forms of nodular lesions in the upper lobes of the lungs. It is a type of pneumoconiosis. Silicosis (particularly the acute form) is characterized by shortness of breath, cough, fever, and cyanosis (bluish skin). It may often be misdiagnosed as pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), pneumonia, or tuberculosis. SOURCE: Wikipedia



DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY!