Here is the link:
“Currently no way to treat million of gallons of wastwater in NEPA” (Scranton Times-Tribune 8-25-2008)
Archive for August, 2008
Gas Muse 8-25-2008 Front Page Story Regarding Fracing and Toxic Wastewater - Scranton Times-Tribune
Monday, August 25th, 2008Gas Muse 8-23-2008 - Op-Ed in Scranton Times, Susquehanna County Railroad Authority and More
Saturday, August 23rd, 2008OP-ED IN SCRANTON TIMES
Finally, there is some notice in the regional media regarding the potential problems with fracing gas wells. Here is the link:
SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY RAILROAD AUTHORITY
One fairly simple way to get rid of most of the frac water is to contract with an approved recycling plant (the nearest is in Western, PA) and send it out there in rail tank cars. Certainly it would be much more efficient than using trucks and a whole lot more ecologically sound than building retention ponds or injection wells. Shipping could occur from the proposed rail transload facility in the New Milford area.
Oh wait, no it couldn’t either. Our fine county commissioners have not seen fit (other than minimal lip service) to support the railroad authority at all. Maybe the Central Bradford Progress Authority (the economic development arm of Susquehanna County) could work with them to get some funding for this project.
No wait, that won’t happen either. Anthony Ventello, the executive director of the Central Bradford Progress Authority was scheduled to attend a recent meeting of the railroad authority. He never showed. He was immediately called by a commissioner and made some lame excuse for not attending. Over the past couple of years, both the current and past commissioners have directed Ventello to work with the railroad authority. According so some current and past members, he won’t even respond to written correspondence sent him by the railroad authority. Just remember, we taxpayers are paying for his services (or lack of same). It is this same lack of action on the part of former commissioner Roberta Kelly and former and current commissioner MaryAnn Warren which caused the railroad authority to lose a $2.5 million release of funds to create a transload facility. This has lead to the loss of some needed infrastructure.
As has been noted here previously, commissioner Michael Giangrieco has never supported the railroad authority - from the time when he was county solicitor and wrote this letter:
letter-from-michael-giangreco-4-8-2003-stating-no-muni-code-for-rr-authority.PDF
Obviously, there is no commitment to railroad related economic development in this county.
GAS LEASES AND WELLS
Going back to the op-ed piece, not knowing what will happen with your legislators regarding injection wells, etc., you may want to get a really good baseline water test on you private water well before a gas well is fraced in the area. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to keep tabs on John Hanger, the next secretary of Environmental Protection in Pennsylvania.
It has been said that Chesapeake and one or two others have stopped writing leases in Susquehanna County. It is the understanding of this writer that Chesapeake does not have any drilling permits in the area. So, are they just going to sell their existing leases (at a substantial profit of course) or just wait?
Apparently the newest leases offered by some companies have finally gotten rid of the arbitration clause. This is really a win for the landowners. But don’t rush off to sign. There are still the above noted environmental issues as well as the fact that there isn’t enough money or percentage offered yet.
If you don’t NEED the money, don’t sign. If you can wait, the numbers will only go up, especially after some of these wells are connected to the transmission line.
Here is the link to the map of gas wells, permits for wells and permits to connect to the Tennsessee Gas Transmission Pipeline in the area:
This map is updated on a regular basis. By the way, it is not the product of the author of this blog or anyone associated with this blog. So, thank the author, Railroad - RR, for all the work it takes to keep this map updated.
Your thoughts?
151st Harford Fair
Friday, August 22nd, 2008I had a chance to go to the Harford Fair the other day. Although nothing changes much there, at least not quickly, (of course over the years it has changed a great deal) I still like going there as it is sort of like an “old home week”. Here I get to run into neighbors and other acquaintances I don’t see at many other times of the year, as well as put on a few pounds for winter (always have to get a Montrose Metors Milk Shake). Maybe the best way to descibe the fair is “comfortable”. You pretty much know what to expect, and you get it. This is not meant to be anything but complementary to the Board of Driectors of the Harford Agricultural Society and the various volunteers and paid help which put on this event. Over the years, it has become almost seamless. And that, by itself is a huge credit to these women and men.
151 years is a long time. It is really easy to dismiss the whole thing, especially if you grew up here. Over the years, I have heard the comment “Just like the Harford Fair, nothing to it!”
In reality, nothing could be further from the truth, we need to realize what a treasure we have here and support it fully! See you at the Harford Fair!
Gas Muse 8-19-2008 Change the Names and It Could Be Here!
Tuesday, August 19th, 2008Apparently there are other companies leasing land (at least in Upstate New York). This time is it is for windmills. Give them time, they will be here. Then you can lease the surface rights to your land as well as the mineral rights. The question then becomes - “What do you really have left to sell?”
The following article from the New York Times is about the possible corruption of local officials regarding wind farms.
Do you think that will be happening here? Has it already happened? Is it happening now?
Who is making sure the excellent roads we have here will be protected from deteriorating into mudholes and potholes? Have the townships a plan in place to get a meaningful bond from these gas companies when the drilling starts? Or are the various supervisors taking a “wait and see” approach? Or is that wait and do nothing, hoping the gas companies will make things “right”? How about enacting ordinances NOW to limit noise, smell, light, runoff, soil erosion, protect drinking water quality, etc. as well as from bothering other landowners, some of whom have not signed and will not sign a lease?
Your thoughts?
Gas Muse 8-16-2008 A Viewpoint from Another Area
Saturday, August 16th, 2008The following is from Thompson. Thank you
In a letter to the The Post-Standard of Syracuse, NY, published on August 12, 2008, Peter Grannis, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, said:
“Before any permits are issued for horizontal wells in the Marcellus formation we will know what is going into and coming out of the ground. We will know how the large quantities of water needed for these operations will be managed and stored in order to protect out critical water resources. And we will know how any wastewater will be properly treated.”The people of Central New York love their land. Gov. Paterson and I understand and share their feelings. As we move forward to address the potential drilling in the Marcellus Shale, DEC will be there, working in partnership with local communities, to ensure that our precious land, air, water and natural resources are fully protected.”
I hope the folk in Harrisburg feel the same way.
Commissioner’s Meeting 8-13-2008
Thursday, August 14th, 2008The following is from Taxpayerpayingattention. Thank you!
Employee Years of Service Recognition: August - 5 Year Incremental Anniversaries.
Delores Davis/Children & Youth – 10 years
Allen Luce/Maintenance – 10 years
Motion to ratify or approve the following:
-ratify the Precheck Register dated 07/23/2008 for $281,035.11 for General Expenses
-ratify the Precheck Register dated 07/30/2008 for $122,105.39 for General Expenses
-ratify the Precheck Register dated 08/07/2008 for $60.00 for General Expenses
-ratify the Precheck Register dated 08/07/2008 for $139,020.02 for General Expenses
-ratify the Precheck Register dated 07/28/2008 for $102,160.44 for CYS Expenses
-ratify the Precheck Register dated 08/11/2008 for $63,413.46 for CYS Expenses
-ratify the Precheck Register dated 08/06/2008 for $151,725.18 for Payroll Expenses
-ratify the EFTPS payment dated 08/07/2008 for $56,672.71 for Federal Payroll taxes
-ratify the EFTPS payment dated 08/06/2008 for $12,979.25 for Employee Retirement Contribution
-ratify the EFTPS payment dated 08/06/2008 for $6,873.39 for State Withholding taxes
-ratify the Precheck Register dated 08/12/2008 for $14,964.94 for Payroll Expenses
-ratify the EFTPS payment dated 08/13/2008 for $5,221.22 for Federal Payroll taxes
-ratify the EFTPS payment dated 08/12/2008 for $1,616.90 for Employee Retirement Contribution
-ratify the EFTPS payment dated 08/12/2008 for $648.70 for State Withholding taxes
Motion to approve the following seminar requests and/or payment for seminar requests:
-Ray Osburn, Children & Youth, Mayfield, PA, September 18, 19, October 3, 17, 30, 31, 2008, Northeast Region Legal Series: #205 Safety, Permanency & Well Being Overview, Legal Mandates in PA, The Child Protective Service Law, The Juvenile Act and Going to Court, Liability and Risk Management in Child Welfare Services, total cost $348.00, cost to the County $69.60.
-Jeffrey Shoemaker, Probation, State College, PA, September 29 – October 1, 2008, 2008 Annual Conference, County Chief Adult Probation & Parole Officers Association, total cost $762.00, cost to the County $0.00.
-John Lester, Probation, Wallenpaupak, PA., August 11, 2008, Firearm Education and Training Commissioner Course 6 – Deadly Force Response and Decision Making, total cost $8.00. cost to the County $0.00.
-Michele Jerauld and Roberta Collins, Domestic Relations, Wilkes-Barre, PA, August 25, 2008, Data Warehouse Training, total cost $83.50, cost to the County $28.39.
-Thomas Yadlosky Jr., Veterans Affairs, Annville, PA, County Directors Accreditation Course, October 20-24, 2008, cost to the County $0.00.
Motion to accept with regret the resignation of Mark Wood, EMA Coordinator.
Motion to adopt Resolution 2008-12, the four year contract between Susquehanna County and Rush Computer Systems, commencing on December 1, 2008 and ending November 30, 2012, the first year of services will be billed at $160,000.00 and each of the next three years will be billed at $170,000.00.
Motion to adopt Resolution 2008-13 authorizing the County Prison to utilize the services of BioReference Laboratories, NJ, in connection with and subject to the Professional Service Contract between BioReference Laboratories and Prison Inmate Medical Cost Containment, per the recommendations of the Susquehanna County Prison Board and Cost Management.
Motion to adopt Resolution 2008-14 designating Central Bradford Progress Authority as the Industrial Development Organization for Susquehanna County to represent the County in all matters relevant to and for all purposes of the Industrial Development Assistance Law.
Motion to adopt Resolution 2008-15 designating Charlene Moser as the Applicant’s Agent for Susquehanna County Public Assistance for DR-1684-PA, authorized to execute for and in behalf of Susquehanna County, all required forms and documents for the purpose of obtaining financial assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
Motion to adopt Resolution 2008-16 designating Charlene Moser as the Applicant’s Agent for Susquehanna County HMGP grant awarded under DR-1649-PA, authorized to execute for and in behalf of Susquehanna County, all required forms and documents for the purpose of obtaining financial assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
Motion to adopt Resolution 2008-17 designating Charlene Moser as the Applicant’s Agent for Susquehanna County Public Assistance for DR-1649-PA, authorized to execute for and in behalf of Susquehanna County, all required forms and documents for the purpose of obtaining financial assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
Motion to authorize the Commissioners to sign the agreement dated July 1, 2008 – July 1, 2009 between the Susquehanna County Drug & Alcohol Commission and Gateway Rehabilitation Center, Erie.
Motion to authorize the Commissioners to sign the 2008/2009 Purchase of Service Agreements/Contract Extensions between Susquehanna County and the following, extending the termination date of the 2007-2008 contracts from June 30, 2008 until such time the rate for the Fiscal Year 2008-2009 is settled: National Mentor Healthcare LLC dba Pennsylvania Mentor, PA Treatment and Healing Center, Children’s Home of Easton, St. Michael’s School, Loftus Vergari & Associates Inc., House of Light, Inc., Viaquest Behavioral Health, Devereaux, NHS Youth Services, Susquehanna House.
Motion to authorize the Commissioners to sign the agreement between, Susquehanna County, Michelle R. Graziano, a Caseworker for Children & Youth, and the University of Pittsburgh, which will allow Michelle Graziano to participate the in Child Welfare Education for Leadership program. This will allow Ms. Graziano to pursue a Masters Degree at no cost to herself or the County. Ms. Graziano will be required to work for the County for a period of time to be specified upon her graduation.
Motion to authorize the Commissioners to sign the maintenance agreement with Guyette Communications for repairs and routine maintenance for telephones in the Prison for a monthly service charge of $30.00, per the recommendation of the Susquehanna County Prison Board.
Motion to authorize the Commissioners to sign the agreement with Northeastern Eye Institute agreeing that Northeastern Eye Institute will provide medical services that are usual to the Institute to the inmates at the Prison and the Institute will accept the Medicare fee schedule as payment for services, per the recommendation of the Susquehanna County Prison Board and Cost Management.
Motion to authorize the Commissioners to sign the Mental Health Mental Retardation Program, Mental Retardation Annual Program Plan and Budget Request for Fiscal Years 2009-2010.
Motion to hire Nathaniel Williams, Lanesboro, to the open, part-time, non-union position of Drug/DUI Task Force County Detective, $13.00 per hour, no benefits, effective date to be determined, per the recommendation of District Attorney Jason Legg. This position is contingent upon receiving grant funding.
Motion to hire James Smith, Meshoppen, to the open, part-time, non-union position of Drug/DUI Task Force County Detective, $13.00 per hour, no benefits, effective date to be determined, per the recommendation of District Attorney Jason Legg. This position is contingent upon receiving grant funding.
Motion to hire Marcia Borosh, Montrose, to the open part-time position of Clerk Typist in the Drug & Alcohol Department, Range 6, Rate $7.75 per hour, 19.5 hours per week, six month probation period with no benefits, effective August 14, 2008, per the recommendation of Robin Kaminski-Waldowski, Program Administrator.
Motion to hire Stephen Janoski, Montrose, to the open, full-time position of Systems Manager/Database Analyst, Range 14, Rate $12.14 per hour, 40 hours per week, six month probation period and benefits per the Residual Bargaining Unit Contract, effective date to be determined by 911 Coordinator, per the recommendation of Art Donato, 911 Coordinator.