Following is an excellent resolution adopted by the Santa Fe Lake Dwellers Association, Inc. of Melrose, Florida. OSFR is happy to see groups take the fracking threat seriously, a sure sign they are thinking people who care about their water resources.
RESOLUTION 2015-04-06
Santa Fe Lake Dwellers Association, Incorporated
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SANTA FE LAKE DWELLERS, INCORPORATED, BRADFORD COUNTY, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING PROPOSED LEGISLATION PROVIDING FOR A STATEWIDE BAN ON HYDRAULIC FRACTURING, ACID FRACTURING, OR ANY WELL STIMULATION PERFORMED FOR THE PURPOSES OF EXPLORATION OR PRODUCTION OF OIL OR NATURAL GAS IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA; OPPOSING ANY LEGISLATION THAT WOULD KEEP SECRET CHEMICALS OR ANY OTHER SUBSTANCE USED IN FRACKING, OR OTHER METHODS OF OIL OR GAS DRILLING OR RECOVERY.
Overwhelmingly, emerging scientific data show harm and inherent problems with drilling and fracking. We strongly urge the Florida Legislature and Governor to re-evaluate their positions on the state of the science. The science is not divided; research clearly and with strong documentation, shows that drilling and fracking are inherently dangerous to public health, welfare and the environment.
WHEREAS, well stimulation treatments may involve the use of hundreds of chemicals, some of which are known to be carcinogenic or could otherwise be harmful to human health; and
WHEREAS, exposure to the chemicals used in well stimulation treatments will pose a widespread and significant risk to public health and safety and the environment; and
WHEREAS, well stimulation treatments may involve the use of substantial amounts of freshwater at a time when many Florida lakes, rivers, springs and municipalities are already struggling with the impacts of pollution and water scarcity; and
WHEREAS, after being injected into the ground, the chemicals used in the fracking process have leached into groundwater supplies, contaminating drinking water for local residents. There have been more than 1,000 documented cases of water contamination next to fracking sites, as well as cases of sensory, respiratory, and neurological damage.
WHEREAS, in parts of the U.S, where hydraulic fracturing has occurred, including California, Texas, Colorado, Pennsylvania and Wyoming, there have been numerous complaints and legal actions because of contamination of drinking water with arsenic, methane, neurotoxins, and other proven and suspected carcinogens.
WHEREAS, as with oil and gas wells, the material used for the pipelines will age and degrade over time, increasing the likelihood of leaks. Pipeline accidents are a regular occurrence nation- wide, with at least four in January 2015. Legislation or regulations will not stop these leaks and spills as history has clearly shown.
WHEREAS, after decades of work on the Everglades plan with billions of dollars invested, drilling and fracking for oil in the Everglades, Big Cypress, panhandle and other ecosystem areas, is hazardous and unacceptable. Accidents, spills, and releases of air and water pollutants, such as benzene, metals and hydrogen sulfide, will become likely.
WHEREAS, a spill, leak or other accident in Big Cypress or the Everglades would create a nightmare scenario for water supplies, wildlife and drinking water, including the ecosystem, which feeds the spawning grounds of Ten Thousand Islands, affecting much of the state’s fishing industry. Regulation and minimal penalties will have no effect.
WHEREAS, the wise stewardship of our natural resources involves protection of Florida’s water supplies, wildlife and water resources for generations to come; and
WHEREAS, as a result of Amendment One, the Constitution of the State Of Florida now requires that the legislature take immediate and certain steps to protect, restore and preserve Florida’s lands and water resources by prevention of contamination and environmental degradation, rather than attempting to clean up contamination and restore degraded environments, which may not be possible, after the fact;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SANTA FE LAKE DWELLERS ASSOCIATION, INCORPORATED:
- That the Santa Fe Lake Dwellers Association, Inc. supports a statewide ban on the use of hydraulic fracturing, acid fracturing and well stimulation treatments performed for the purposes of exploration or production of oil or natural gas in the State of Florida due to the potential harmful impacts on the environment and natural resources; opposing any legislation that would allow or authorize keeping secret from the public (in effect a public record “gag order,”) health authorities, physicians or governmental entities, the use, type and amount of any hazardous chemicals, or substances used in fracking or other oil or gas extraction methods.
- That the Santa Fe Lake Dwellers Association will send a copy of this Resolution to the Florida Legislature and the Governor of the State of Florida; Florida Department of Environmental Protection; St. John’s River Water Management District; Suwannee River Water Management District; the Bradford, Clay and Putnam County Commissions; and the City of Keystone Heights.
- Effective Date. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption: DULY ADOPTED, this 6th day of April, 2015.
ATTEST:
Jill McGuire Jill McGuire, President
Terry Brant Terry Brant, Legislative Chairman
