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Setting record straight on natural gas water
A recent Associated Press article printed in this newspaper (“Fracking discharge a worry,” Jan. 4) goes to great lengths seemingly to convince readers that Pennsylvania streams and rivers are under attack by the state’s natural gas industry – stating matter-of-factly that these surface waters have become the “primary disposal place” for the water that’s produced in the process of developing the Marcellus Shale.
In fact, the “primary disposal place” for this water is no disposal place at all – a function of the fact that Pennsylvania’s natural gas producers on average recycle more than 90 percent of the water that returns to the surface. The rest is delivered to underground injection sites, often in neighboring states, whose location, construction, maintenance and inspection is regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Everything else falls under jurisdiction of the federal Clean Water Act, which directly regulates the type and amount of water allowed to be treated at wastewater facilities.
Still, the industry is committed to being a zero-discharge operation in the state’s surface waters, and it continues to lead the nation in recycling technologies and practices.
Indeed, thanks to advances in technology, producers today are able to access more clean-burning natural gas by drilling fewer wells, lessening impacts to the land and greatly reducing the volume of water needed to do the job.
To the AP’s credit, some of these facts did find their way into the 3,000-word article. Unfortunately, they were buried so deep, it’s possible those facts might have been missed by many of The Times Leader’s readers.
Elected officials urged to tone down the rhetoric
I’m watching the breaking news on MSNBC about U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona being shot in the head, more people in critical condition and, sadly, a 9-year-old girl has died. Conflicting reports are being made by our newscasters, who are trying hard to report to the world what is going on.
So far, a lone gunman in his 20s reportedly shot at the crowd. Not knowing too much at this time, I hope to God it’s not about our politics. We have so many crazy people out there; maybe they lost their jobs or homes. Maybe they have mental issues. A lot have been pushed to the brink and just don’t care anymore.
Our politics are a mess. What is this world coming to?
To our politicians on both sides of the aisle: Take a step backward, and think before you speak. Republicans and Democrats alike, be gentle how and what you say to the American people. Forget about who is going to be president in 2012. How about doing the right thing for all our citizens? They need your help.
Haiti a year after quake still in recovery mode
One year ago, at 4:53 p.m. on Jan. 12, 2010, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti with devastating results. By Jan. 20, the Haitian government confirmed that 230,000 people had been killed and 300,000 injured. More than 1 million were left homeless and in desperate need of aid.
In the first hours and days after the quake, as the international relief effort was being organized and deployed, Plains Township native Matt Marek was on the scene evaluating the situation and helping to direct early efforts to where they were needed most. His work for Haitian people on behalf of the American Red Cross began more than five years ago and continues to this day.
As part of a massive relief effort, the American Red Cross has provided transitional homes for 150,000 people, cash grants and microloans to 220,000 people with basic needs and to invest in small business, clean drinking water for 317,000 people each day, disaster preparedness programs to protect 500,000 people, medical treatment at health facilities for 217,000 people, community-based health services for 288,000 people, emergency shelter materials for more than 860,000 people and latrines for 265,000 people.
The American Red Cross responded to a major cholera outbreak in October that killed at least 138 people in Haiti’s rural Artibonite and Central Plateau regions. Additionally, the Red Cross has provided emergency supplies for 125,000 people in the aftermath of Hurricane Tomas, which struck in early November.
At the 1-year anniversary of the disaster, the American Red Cross has spent and/or signed agreements to spend $245 million to meet the most pressing needs of earthquake survivors. During the past year, more than $479 million has been raised by the Red Cross to respond to the Haitian disaster. Nearly $162,000 has been raised so far in the Wyoming Valley Chapter, and more than $300,000 has been raised in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Your generosity truly has helped to make a difference. With this letter I wish to thank you for once again answering the call to help others who have been affected by disaster.
If you are able to provide a gift to this ongoing international relief effort in 2011, it will be used effectively for efforts to restore some semblance of normalcy to the people of Haiti. Our efforts on behalf of Haiti will continue until that goal has been reached.
If you wish to make a donation, please contact the Wyoming Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross at (570) 823-7161 or at wyomingvalley.redcross.org.
Writer: ‘Senator Wallace’ deserves a tip of the hat
I have read in recent weeks about the loss of longtime elected officials at both the state and national levels. The reality is most successful senators and congressmen would accomplish very little if it were not for their talented and dedicated staff.
With that in mind, I would like it to be noted that another longtime public servant is transitioning from his post. For nearly 30 years Andy Wallace has served the people of our region as Northeastern Pennsylvania executive director for U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter. Over the years he became known to many people as “Senator Wallace,” a name given to him by Arlen because he knew, as many of us did, that Andy was the man behind the curtain. Andy got things done and made Sen. Specter look good while doing it.
I had the privilege of working for Andy as his deputy for three years. I learned a great deal from my friend. I saw firsthand his commitment and love for our region and its people.
Whether it was preparing for another round of Defense Base Closure and Realignment meetings regarding Tobyhanna Army Depot, improvements at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, flood protection on the Susquehanna and Lackawanna rivers or the needs of local farmers, Andy Wallace was often the first person people called.
In recent years, Andy has continued his service as a champion in the fight against cancer. I have no doubt that he will continue to help our community in another capacity, but for now I hope all those who have been helped by Andy will join me in thanking “Senator Wallace” for his service to Northeastern Pennsylvania.
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