Protecting TX Families From Flaming Tapwater "Washington Politics Of The Worst Kind", Sez TRC Chair

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Fort Worth-based Range Resources Corp. said in a statement today that its own investigation has shown that its drilling activities were not responsible for methane contamination of two water wells in southwest Parker County, contrary to findings by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. "Based on our findings to date, it's very clear that our activities have not had any impact on the water aquifer in Parker County or the subject water wells," Range said. "The investigation has revealed that methane in the water aquifer existed long before our activity and likely is naturally occurring migration from several shallow zones immediately below the water aquifer." Methane is the primary component of natural gas.

"Range¡'s wells are completed in the Barnett Shale formation, which is over a mile below the water zone," the company said in the statement posted on its website, www.rangeresources.com. The EPA said Tuesday, however, that two Parker County homes have water contaminated by natural gas drilling activities and face the risk of fire and explosion. The EPA issued an emergency order against Range, telling the drilling company to provide the homes with safe drinking water and take other measures to protect the nine residents after the Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates gas drilling, declined to take immediate action.

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Railroad Commission Chairman Victor G. Carrillo blasted the EPA's actions, saying it is "unprecedented in Texas, and commissioners will consider all options as we move forward." The commission said in a statement that it has "made no conclusions about possible sources of natural gas and hydrocarbons found in a water well. Additionally, no pathways from a deep hydrocarbon source to the water well have been identified."

Commissioner Michael Williams called the EPA's actions "Washington politics of the worst kind." "The EPA's act is nothing more than grandstanding in an effort to interject the federal government into Texas business," Williams said. "The Railroad Commission has been on top of this issue from Day One. We will continue to take all necessary action to protect Texas lakes, rivers and aquifers."

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http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/12/07/2687646/drilling-to-blame-for-methane.html