As I start my second tour of the Marcellus Shale, there has been a great deal of conversation surrounding my first trip to the area. During this trip I spoke at 12 events to around 2, 000 people. I felt that it was a great success and, and helped the citizens of this area learn about what they are about to experience when the natural gas boom begins. I noticed at several events that there were those in attendance who were not interested in what I had to say. They were present only to find an angle to dispute what I was saying. Their minds were already made up and did not wish to be confused with the facts.
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Some have blamed the problems that we have faced in DISH on me personally. And though I do bear some responsibility, most of the gas exploration activities took place prior to the town being formed, and certainly prior to me becoming mayor. Also, we must not forget that with the compressor sites the local municipalities have very little control over their actions. But that perspective really misses the point. The point is that we were only told of the good things of the natural gas boom, not the negative side effects. I was hopeful to let the folks of the Marcellus know that there was more to this than what the landman and PR department tell you about.
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We have obstacles in DISH, but frankly we are much better off than many communities in the Barnett Shale, because I have fought for the rights of my citizens. There are many communities that have bad air and water; we are the only ones that know it and are doing something about it. We are united as a community and are making the most of a bad situation. In the end, I may be forced to move my family out of this area, but I am making every decision as though we will live here forever.
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My competence to speak on the matter has also been brought up as well. The main basis for this was that I had not taken to the time to read the 800 page document drafted by the State of New York’s environmental authorities. Frankly, I find it very unlikely that anyone has read the 800 page document. Some may have skimmed through it, but I am doubtful that anyone has read it. Certainly, if they are not interested in what has happened under similar circumstances in other areas, they are not interested in reading 800 pages of regulations.
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There have also been those who have claimed to actually visit the town of DISH. They are claiming that DISH is some sort of paradise here in the Lonestar state. I am actually proud that they would say this about my community. I have spent most of my free time for the last five years trying to save DISH. I have gotten all five companies that have compressors, to install noise abatement, paint the facilities with neutral colors and install vegetation. This facility looks nicer than those that are installed in other areas of the Barnett Shale. However, even with these precautions, I am doubtful anyone would truly consider this a paradise, or want it in their backyard. Again, we are making the best of a bad situation.
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Although the facility does have vast improvements over other facilities, the things you can’t see, hear or smell are the major problems. Our air quality has been destroyed, and it is now confirmed that we are being exposed to the toxins in our air, and it is present in our water. If the unsightliness of the site were all we had to worry about, we may be able to live with it. However, if you cannot breathe the air, or drink the water, you pretty much live in a wasteland.
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There has been some new schools built when the natural gas prices were high and they had to raise taxes when the prices dropped. I am not aware of any program that gives children in the area free college tuition. All of my neighbor’s kids have gone through that phase and got no help for living in this area. He is a mineral owner as well, so I am not sure who is telling Mr Triebe that. I wish we could get them to clean the mess up, not worried about tuition. If the kids are dying of leukemia, there isn’t going to be a need for college.
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What this argument really comes down to is money. If money were not involved, everyone in the Marcellus would be saying…slow down. It is those dollar signs that have people’s minds made up, and refusing to be confused with the facts. They are taking the words of someone who gets paid to sell them on this idea, over a logical point of view that simply says…“take your time and do it right.” I have never said don’t do it, only don’t do it unless you do it right. This industry make enough money to do this right, however, as long there are those who will accept the status quo, they will not change. If those who criticize me would in turn support my views, they may actually get reasonable drilling someday. However, if they continue down the path that they are going, they will be saying that crazy mayor from Texas was right. God bless.
Calvin Tillman
Mayor, DISH, TX
(940) 453-3640
“Those who say it can not be done, should get out of the way of those that are doing it”
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