Jay Twp Fracking Moratorium Discussed, Elk County, PA

There was a story published in the October 19th Tri County Sunday concerning future fracking around the Byrnes Run watershed in Jay Township, Elk county, PA. I would provide a link but the story is no longer on the site in any useful form that I could find. In short, in the article, township supervisor Fran Gustafson is requesting feedback from the people, whether to enable a moratorium around the watershed itself, or a moratorium for the entire township. If you are a landowner in Jay Twp, it is critical you voice your opinion to Fran before this is voted on. Once again, a few people are unfortunately believing the media driven hype concerning alleged widespread water pollution, and repeating cliche'd generalities, without offering up any credible evidence to support that argument.

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Permalink Reply by Paul Heckbert on October 31, 2014 at 1:02pm

This item looks related:

Are Heavy Metals Causing Havoc Near Jay Twp. PA Homes? - Bradford E...

It remains a mystery as to what is causing water to pool around homes in Jay Township and dry into white flakes. However, often the formation of white flakes in aquatic environments is indicative of high levels of heavy metals in the water.


At a recent meeting of the Jay Township Supervisors, residents of Spring Run Road,which runs along Spring Run Creek in Weedville, expressed their concerns about the strange occurrence on and around their property.

The township supervisors are recommending that residents living near the local creek have their water tested after levels of aluminum— more than 25 times over the normal average— were found in the water there.

Supervisor Francis Gustafson, the vice chairman of the board, said that a sample of water was tested by a private company specializing inwater testing related to Marcellus Shale activity.The company’s results showed very high levels of aluminum in the water, as high as 51.6 percent compared to norm of less than .2 percent. Gustafson said the aluminum levels found in the township’s testing are high enough to kill fish.

https://www.facebook.com/ElkCountyCARES/notes

Permalink Reply by BA on October 31, 2014 at 2:16pm

Now, that is interesting. Has anybody heard any updates on what the DEP determined? Naturally, ElkCountyC.A.R.E.S. jumped on that one even before it was determined as to what was actually causing the aluminum problem. I read that aluminum and maganese contamination isn't uncommon in acid mine drainage, even in this area. http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/success319/pa_gumboo.cfm

The Bradford Era's story says aluminum is 51.6%? Is that a typo? That is more aluminum than water. There are indeed numerous old deep mines in that area, but they usually discharge sulfur, which turns bright orange/gold, not white. It pretty much ruined Bennett's branch. I guess it is getting much better, though. Have they determined the aluminum composition and where it is leaking from the ground?

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