Letters to the Editor, Sept. 4, 2010

Published: September 4, 2010

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Propaganda

EDITOR: While I appreciate that the gas workers and their families enjoy the beauty and attractions of our county, I am insulted by the "propaganda" aimed at us in the article on page 11 of the Aug. 26 issue of the Northeast Driller, "Attractions in Bradford County see increase in visitors."

Yes, more people are taking brochures and Mt. Pisgah State Park has the means to count its visitors. But there was only a slight mention of the weather playing an important role in the increase. Of course more people are going to visit a park where there is free swimming with the hot weather we've had this summer. Last summer it was much colder and the numbers attending were down, so by comparison I'm sure "the results are even more impressive."

But I don't see that it is the gas industry's doing. With fewer rainy days this summer of course more people are spending time outdoors. I didn't know Alparon Park was a camp ground. The campers parked there have become the residences of gas industry workers. They aren't on vacation camping and I wonder if they are paying taxes. The title of the article alludes to an increase in tourism in our county. I don't think so. I don't think Bradford County is attracting too many tourists with the road conditions the way they are. I grew up here knowing Route 6 as "Scenic Route 6?" I think we can safely say that it isn't very scenic any more.

Bradford County has become one big detour due to the gas industry's work here. I have to wonder if this article is just another way of pointing a finger away from the destruction we are seeing due to the carelessness of the gas industry in our area. Our roads have been damaged. We are inundated with heavy trucks, many which are driven by drivers inexperienced with our roads and who drive too fast. The Susquehanna River, as low as it is, is still a beautiful sight. But I have seen one of the smaller streams which flows into the Susquehanna altered and dammed because of the gas industry's water use.

So, let's give credit where credit is due. Everyone who lives here is appreciating the great resources and beauty we have in our county. I hope when the gas industry leaves the area it is just as beautiful as it was before they arrived.

Dan Wagner

Troy

Grand stand

EDITOR: I am writing to commend you on your article in this Sunday's Review. However I disagree with you writing that the gas companies shouldn't be treated as "cash cows." I feel these companies have come to our area with the intention of making billions of dollars by taking the gas from our lands and therefore should pay a reasonable amount of tax on the gas extracted at the well from the first day of production on. This tax should be a minimal 5 to 9 percent.

I am all for drilling and leasing land for gas drilling. I have signed a lease myself, but am finding out that all the promise of royalties can be nothing but bull.

Let me explain, if a company forms a grid and you have signed a lease (say you have 50 acres) and only five of your acres are in the grid you only get royalties on the five, but the rest of your land will lay idle with no income. This could be for years. Secondly, when a company drills a well and you are in the grid they can drill the well and cap it holding off from production for very long (years depending on your lease).

This is not fair, but is being done. Gas is low right now so why pump it and sell today when you can hold off until gas goes up, right?

Now that I am on my grand stand, I might as well mention the legislation in the General Assembly called The Fair Pooling Act. This bill gives the gas companies the right to drill for gas under a person's land even though they do not want to sign a lease if 75 percent of those around them sign. Those people who are land owners, pay the taxes on the land, have full liability on it, but lose the right to make a decision on their mineral rights.

As far as I'm concerned the representatives that wrote this amendment, and those that vote for the amendment are not public servants representing the people of Pennsylvania. They seem to have their own interests in mind! Hopefully you will read this letter, and if you agree with some of my points, will let the people know what can and is going on.

William Ferullo

Warren Center

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