Help us provide comment about the proposed cumulative impacts rules. By filling out the form you will be sending the example letter below.
Thank you!
Dear ECMC,
I am grateful that the state is finally considering Cumulative Impacts as we are in the face of a major environmental and ecological crisis. But, I am concerned that the draft Cumulative Impacts rules do not truly reflect our community concerns about real, potential risks to people’s health from oil & gas development activities.
Nothing in the Draft ECMC Cumulative Impacts Rules speaks to the purpose or evaluation of cumulative impacts to human health associated with oil & gas development, especially as it relates to the cumulative health impacts of toxic pollutants emitted from the installation and operation of these wells.
The draft ECMC Cumulative Impacts Rules allows the installation of oil & gas development every 2,000 feet in many situations. How was 2,000 feet determined as a safe distance between oil & gas development sites or between industrial facilities? How does the Commission propose to stop air emissions and impacts to surface and groundwater from spreading to distances beyond 2,000 feet? Numerous scientific studies have proven that impacts extend far beyond this distance, and our community already has far too many inputs from fossil fuels that contribute to pollutants.
There are too many qualifying statements added to the definition of Cumulative Impacts. Words and statements that essentially negate the meaning and purpose of what Cumulative Impacts really are. Cumulative Impacts must consider the incremental impacts from proposed oil and gas operations when added to other potentially significant land uses in the region, including industrial and manufacturing operations that have pending or approved permits, or are in current operation. If appropriate, allowances for special areas of consideration can be considered if sufficient supporting data is provided by the applicant.
The purpose of regulations and measurements is to protect the public wellbeing. Our community agrees that it is of primary importance to establish a baseline for numerous areas of data in order to track fracking impacts as there are numerous environmental atrocities affecting us daily. Items applicable to baseline attention include, but are not limited to:
- Air quality
- Ground water quality
- Soil health
- Level of contamination for bodies of water
- Drinking water samples
- Reclaimed water profile
- Storm water discharge
- An in-depth wildlife survey as there are numerous species and ecosystem points to be tested and many measures of health to consider
- Noise and light pollution levels
- Seismic activity
- Public mental and physical health
These sources of data must be considered, and we must keep the industry accountable for the numerous costs they pose to the public.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
[Your Name]
