To Drill or Not to Drill?

     That, I believe is the question at this point in time. Much controversy has resulted from the utilization of hydraulic fracturing. Whether you are for drilling or against it, I ask that you please take a moment to read my position.

     Hydraulic fracturing as a practice and shale harvesting in general have been under fire in the recent years, and for good reason. Hydraulic fracturing is still a relatively new method of mineral and gas extraction, and not coincidentally, further study, examination, and analysis of its workings should and must be considered before it can be implemented as a recognized and trusted method of extraction. I do not claim to be any sort of authority on the geological or scientific subtleties of "fracking," but I will ask those authorities to exercise their undoubtedly reputable logic and common sense when dealing with something as critical as drilling. I speak for the welfare of all those involved when I say that I am for drilling, but I am also for nature. I recognize that drilling is utterly essential to satiate our fueling needs, however I know that if more time is invested into the observation and experimentation of hydraulic fracturing, we can have our fuel and minimize our environmental impact simultaneously. Drilling is, as it has always been, a lucrative business; and obviously our economy will benefit significantly from its revenues which I think is wonderful. I also understand this argument from an environmental perspective which, at least in my opinion, is just as important. I have learned that nature is to be respected, and should always be considered because it is necessary for our existence and survival. I would kindly and respectively ask anyone who would attempt to argue that to provide me with one substantial proof that says otherwise. That being said, I ask you readers, what is your position, and why do you stand for that particular position? I look forward to reading your thoughts, comments, and opinions concerning what I have said and what you believe. Thank you for your time and understanding. Any constructive criticism is thoroughly welcomed.

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Permalink Reply by dr j on December 16, 2011 at 7:56am

From what I learned so far-after about a year of reading everything I can get my hands on, talking to geologists and evaluating the objective information available with a critical eye (and historically good reading comprehension), while the occasional "mishaps" -often due to human error- are going to occur ( and those are exceedingly rare) drilling and hydraulic fracturing have a significantly less impact on the environment than a subdivision.

I know which I would rather have on my back 40.   

Permalink Reply by Dave on December 16, 2011 at 11:05am

question1

do you own leasable property

2 did you sign a lease

3 are you just cracking-fracking our marbles for good fun?

Permalink Reply by Finnbear on December 16, 2011 at 2:30pm
Ian Reith's page

What has been your experience in the Marcellus Shale?
I understand that the use of Hydraulic Fracturing to harvest natural gas from the Marcellus Shale formation will result in numerous job opportunities, provide the United States with another source of on-shore fuel, and will also greatly benefit the economy. However, I have my own opinions I would like to share. That is why I am here.
Permalink Reply by Ian Reith on December 17, 2011 at 9:02am

I wouldn't say many people have experience "in" the shale Finn, as one is drilling from far away, is he not?

Permalink Reply by Ian Reith on December 17, 2011 at 8:56am

I am not directly involved with hydraulic fracturing or leasable property, nor would I like to be. I have already stated that I believe the practice needs more review before it can be further exercised. There are numerous reports of the damages largely concerning chemicals used in the "shooting" process.

Permalink Reply by ji on December 17, 2011 at 5:12am

Methane gas is migrating thru bedrock into water wells, springs and rivers in PA from sub standard oil and gas well casing.  The industry dumped millions of gallons of drilling and production waste into the Monongahala River thru ineffective treatment plants causing everything from factory equipment to dishwashers to corrode not to mention the 350,000 people who drink the water from the river intakes.  Disposal into deep disposal wells is causing earthquakes in several states.  Who in their right mind fracks a 1200 foot deep oil and gas formation below a 500 deep drinking aquifer like was done in Wyoming. I could keep on going.  To drill or not to drill is not the question.  We have to drill. The question is to think or not to think or to care or not to care.  

Permalink Reply by Ian Reith on December 17, 2011 at 9:00am

No one is holding a gun to your head instructing you to drill, there is always a choice or another alternative. I believe you are right on track with to care or not to care, however. Too many people succumb to greed over how to make the quickest dollar, and disregard anyone or anything in their way.

Permalink Reply by dr j on December 17, 2011 at 11:07am

Ian- your agenda is obvious - and certainly not "new" to these forums.   By your own admission-"I am not directly involved with hydraulic fracturing or leasable property, nor would I like to be." 

 Then why are here?  And to you and Mr Irwin both - I assume by your comments you benevolent souls "care" more than those who actually have skin in the game?  Think again.  

I have been reading here for over a year.   I have been researching, critically thinking and living with the possibilities for over a year.  The whole drilling discussion in all it's aspects has dominated almost every single gathering in our community for over 18 months.   I am getting damn tired over "well-meaning" folks coming around ( here and elsewhere) and trying to "educate us,  shove propaganda at us, or get us to critically think".   You are rude and insulting.    I DO have leaseable land, I do have to live with the DIRECT consequences.  I do raise children and livestock on my land, have lived here a very long time and plan to continue.  If you don't think this matters to ME at least as much as it does to you- you are sorely mistaken.  The difference is - I live in the real world.   I have to actually make a decision on this with everything ON THE LINE.  I can't afford to not "critically think".   Sensationalizing minor "nothings" desensitizes us all ( especially the general public)  and will eventually hurt us if real issues arise.   Get the facts straight and make sure you understand them before spewing.   The "boy who cried wolf" among us could really hurt us in the long term.   

Permalink Reply by Ian Reith on December 17, 2011 at 11:41am

I respect your position, your research, and the situation in which you are in. I respect the fact that you deal directly with these issues and areas of concern, and especially that you have family in mind, and that you really do care about this topic. I however do not understand the accusations of trying to educate, shove propaganda, and my being rude and insulting. Never did I once insult anyone here on this forum, nor did I resort to propaganda of any kind. I might also mention, since when did writing about a topic from a rhetorical perspective become offensive or insulting? I think my intentions on this forum are being misunderstood, and I am not speaking directly to you by any means. I know this issue greatly concerns you and your family, but understand that my article is not addressed to you personally, at all. You came to a discussion that I started with your opinions in mind and you shared them, that is wonderful and I appreciate it greatly. I do not appreciate being generalized and depicted as the "bad guy/troll", so to speak, for no good reason whatsoever. I am not the general public. I am not a group. I am an individual and I will exercise my every right to express that however I choose. Finally, I would like to bring to your attention that making an attempt to point a finger and try to analyze who I am and what I believe does no service to you, to me, or to the readers and followers of this website.

Permalink Reply by Frankie Jo on December 17, 2011 at 11:57am

Why are you here?  Please drop the "to stimulate critical thinking". Specifically, what is your agenda? You just stumbled across GoMarcellus.com and had nothing better to do?

Permalink Reply by dr j on December 17, 2011 at 12:15pm

Whatever.   Passive aggressive.  I am not analyzing "who" you are.  Believe me you are not an "original" here.  Spend the night reading back through some of the postings over the past couple of years.  I honestly don't think most of us really care who you are.   What is your agenda is the question.   ie Why do you care?  And even better why would you presume that you care more than those who have right in their back yard?   

Permalink Reply by ji on December 17, 2011 at 3:04pm

I give Ian credit for being interested in the issues and coming here and asking for "constructive criticism" from the people who are directly involved in the oil and gas development. People like Ian are always criticized for only getting their information from the  from the NY Times or Anti frack groups. At least he's asking for the other side of the story.  I'm not offended and I and my family live in the Utica play in eastern Ohio and have leasable land.  I am also faced with making critical decisions like you about the risks and benefits of this wave of oil and gas development springing up in our  countryside. Quite frankly, I'm glad there's Ian's out there that are concerned about the environment. The "public outcry" about oil and gas problems like casing and disposal issues are one of the main reasons they are being corrected.  

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