THE ANSWER IS BLOWIN' IN THE WIND

Amazing how long it takes government-local or state-to finally accept what everybody already knows or assumes to be logical.
For instance...
Today, I read in the Denton Record Chronicle (a fine paper with excellent coverage) that folks testing air at drilling sites might stand near the actual active drilling equipment with a hand-held detection device, and not rely on canisters at the edge of the drilling site. Fantastic progress-and common sense?
Also revealed is this gem: the source of emissions is not just one specific part of the rig, but comes from various parts-a valve left open by a worker, a tank, etc. Remember from 6th grade science: A machine has parts and does work! Any part can malfunction or be used improperly.
And we now know that chemicals move through the air - even one mile from their source. That one hits "close to home" since it warns that vapor may reach your subdivision and mine!
Of course, there are naysayers who can't trust these shocking results and think a vast "left wing" of citizens is conspiring to destroy the drilling industry just to save their homes, property, health, and general economic survival.

Likely an unpopular sentiment, but I'm afraid that while state experts skate around the truth, the level of education among Texans is low as feared, and the ability to draw reasonable conclusions, and even access imagination/creativity among many citizens might be subterranean. Strangely appropriate for a drilling discussion...but enough of my negativity. I work in the education field, after all, and give my energy in hope that we can all be better and more knowledgeable citizens.

Prove me wrong, fellow citizens. Prove me wrong with your acute awareness of reality, quick response, and effective action to protect yourselves.
I am personally discouraged reflecting on comments made on websites where people-perhaps drunk people! called "posters" who agreed with them (me) insulting names! The N Texas drilling conflict is apparently no place for sanity and sensitivity.
Lastly, I hope you'll read The Denton Record Chronicle story at
>http://www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontent/dws/drc/localnews/stories/DRC_maps_0124.

Update: YES! People in Argyle, Dish, and Flower Mound seem to be taking back their communities from polluters. They are just saying NO to tanks of toxic water and pipelines within their lovely towns.
TCEQ results show one-fourth of tested Barnett Shale wells have over the top benzene levels; and-of all things-natural gas drilling money is being used to buy the Texas Rangers baseball team!
Hope fans can stand to breathe the air at charming Ranger Stadium. Aren't those UTA wells fairly close by?
Hot dogs, beer, and masks, anyone?



May you never feel the earth move in your backyard!