Microsoft Office Outlook - Memo Style - Montana Board of Oil and Gas

Richmond, Tom
From: Gail Richardson [envirogail@q.com]
Sent: Sunday, June 12, 2011 3:54 PM
To: DNR FracComments
Subject: Public comment on draft rules for fracking in MT
As concerned citizens, 30 year MT residents and conservationists we feel that all Montanans
have a stake in the rules that the Board of Oil and Gas formulates concerning the very
environmentally destructive practice of "fracking" for natural gas. We have read and seen
information on this method and feel that Montana must only allow it if done in a responsible
way. All MT citizens have the right to "a clean and healthful environment." Clean water and
air are important to all Montanans.
The Board of Oil and Gas must protect citizens from harm as its first priority. The public
must have easy and complete access to information concerning toxic chemicals to be used in
any project to protect landowners'
water quality/quantity and health. This information must be disclosed on the Board website.
Landowners with wells and springs within a mile of the project must be given written
notification in advance of chemicals to be used so they can arrange for well/spring testing
during the drilling process. Again, their health is paramount.
Companies should not be able to claim trade secret exemptions in an attempt to evade public
scrutiny when it comes to disclosing the chemical make‐up of fracking fluids. The Board of
Oil and Gas must have access to this information in case of water well/spring contamination
or public health problems in areas where fracking is allowed to occur.
Having seen some dangerous problems in other states, we want to be sure that if fracking is
allowed here it will be done with public and environmental health in mind.
Gail and John Richardson
5263 Cimmeron Drive
Bozeman, MT 59715
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