DISH is located in North Texas. Just north of the Texas Motor Speedway, in Denton County approximately 25 miles directly north of Fort Worth
DISH has a geographic size of two square miles and a population of about one hundred and eighty
Including our extra territorial jurisdiction, the population increases to roughly five hundred
DISH was originally incorporated as Clark in 2000.
In 2005 the name was changed to DISH in exchange for ten years of free dish network.
The media coverage of this name change was comparable to Apple’s release of the iPod.
DISH’s annual budget is around $70,000.00
For the past several years has been the most active natural gas shale in the United States.
During the boom just a few years ago added 8-10 Billion Dollars annually to the Texas economy.
During the same period the Barnett Shale accounted for 100,000 jobs in Texas.
Eleven high pressure natural gas pipelines converge on DISH.
Five companies have installed eleven natural gas compressors as well as associated treating facility.
Home to four natural gas metering stations.
Around eighteen natural gas wells, inside our corporate limits.
Fifty plus wells just outside of our corporate limits.
Enbridge – Originally permitted September 2004◦ Three compressors, 1250 HP, 1232 HP, and one electric powered
◦ Glycol Dehydrators, and an oxidizer.
Energy Transfer – Originally Permitted October 2006◦ Four 1680 HP compressors, amine unit and dehydrator reboilers
◦ Added two glycol dehydrators October 2008
Atmos – Originally Permitted by Energy Transfer November 2005, purchased by Atmos May 2007◦ Two 3550 HP compressors
Chesapeake – Originally Permitted January 2008◦ Two compressors, 1380 HP, 1340 HP, and a 1250 HP Generator
Crosstex – Originally Permitted November of 2007◦ One 620 HP compressor
• Complained about odor for over a year.
Industry and state regulatory agencies alleged odorant was cause of smell.
Odor increasingly got worse.
Industry performed study.
After several complaints from the town of DISH, five operators performed a joint air study in the vicinity
The industry study showed no major leaks that would cause odor
The industry did not look for any specific chemicals or toxins
Quote from study “no natural gas leaks were found that would be detectable to the human nose”
Town of DISH paid approximately 15% of our annual budget to have an independent air study .
Quote from air study:◦ “Laboratory results confirmed the presence of
multiple Recognized and Suspected Human Carcinogens in the fugitive air emissions present on several locations tested in the Town of DISH”.
Study was performed by Wolf Eagle Environmental
Samples were taken at seven locations on private property
All but one of the samples showed exceedances of Effects Screening Levels (ESL).
A total of sixteen toxins were above ESL
Several toxins exceeded both short term and long term ESL
Assessed 31 citizens and former citizens of DISH.
Citizens answered a questionaire
61% of the health affects reported are known health affects of the chemicals detected in the DISH air study.
These health affects include: difficulty in breathing, brain disorders, chronic eye irritation, dizziness, frequent nausea, increased fatigue, muscle aches, severe headaches, sinus problems, throat irritation, and allergies.
Tested 25 to 30 Residents
Chemicals detected in my system
◦ Blood
Chloroform
1,4-Dichlorobenzene of 1,3
◦ Urine
Metabolites of 1,3-Butadiene
Toluene
N,N-dimethylformamide
◦ WaterEthylbenzeneStyreneo-Xylenem/p-Xylene
Several of the citizens in DISH had similar results
All of these chemicals were found in our air study
The town of DISH once got 60% of its property tax revenue from minerals
The average well loses 50% production after the first year
Mineral leases range from $75.00 to $30,000.00 per acre, and 12 to 30 percent royalties
Many times there will be a “mole” who gets a small percentage of all minerals in a leasing area
Depending on the lease signed your royalty checks will vary dramatically.
In DISH one person who has 25% of the minerals on 14 acres, gets $150 to $200 a month on average
In Texas drilling is getting closer and closer to residential homes
Many in Texas are subject the “split estate”
Mineral owners rights are dominant in Texas
Most who have owned large parcels of property and sold their minerals have moved elsewhere once drilling started
We should recognize that there need to be setbacks from residences
Drilling can be accomplished using “green completions”◦ Gathering line in place prior to drilling
◦ No flaring
◦ No pit for drilling waste
Vapor recovery on condensate tanks and other emission sources
Zero emission dehydrators
Pneumatic valves
Used to fracture the shale to release the natural gas
Process is exempt from the Clean Water Act
Reportedly that over 250 chemicals are used in the process
Of the chemical found, over 90 percent have negative health effects
Operators do not have to disclose the actual ingredients used.
Each well site may have a different mix, and therefore each chemical may not be used at a particular site
There are documented cases of water pollution◦ Prior to drilling tests have been taken
◦ Post drilling testing shows contaminates
Well bore integrity compromised◦ Methane leaking into aquifer
◦ Other toxins such as BTEX chemicals will be present
Immediately impose a severance tax on minerals
Develop a separate group from the environmental group to perform permitting function
Develop regulations that require green completions
Regulations should also require the latest green technology on all aspects of natural gas production
Require certification to conduct drilling operations
Develop ordinances related to oil and gas exploration prior to permitting any wells. ◦ Local Ordinances should require road use
agreements
◦ Local ordinances should require green completions
Understand that there are places that should be off limits for drilling. ◦ Wells should not be located in school playgrounds,
and pipeline should not be run through front yards
◦ Do air and water testing prior to drilling operations
Impose a severance tax
Require green completions
Require the latest emission lowering technology, including vapor recovery, and zero emissions dehydration, and pneumatic valves
Make some areas off limits for gas exploration
Work together in groups when signing leases
Do not be the mole, working against your neighbors
Perform air and water testing prior to drilling operations
Do not issue another permit until these things are accomplished
www.townofdish.com
Calvin Tillman, (940) 453-3640, [email protected]
www.ogap.org
http://baddish.blogspot.com/
www.nctca.com
http://www.nidellaw.com/
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