Oil and Gas at Your Door? (2005 Edition) - Earthworks

Chapter IV
Landowner Stories
As has been emphasized throughout this guide, one of the best ways to learn about the potential
effects that oil and gas development may have on landowners’ lives is to hear or read about
their stories. Landowners new to oil and gas development are encouraged to talk with neighbors
or community members who have had interactions with oil and gas companies, and to consult
with organizations who advocate for surface owner rights. Chapter V contains a listing of
some of these organizations.
IV
1. CBM DESTROYS RETIREMENT DREAM
Ron Moss tells his story of how methane in his water well, noise associated with gas compressors,
and air pollution from nearby coalbed methane (CBM) development destroyed his family's
hopes of having a dream home in Wyoming.
2. COALBED METHANE WATER WREAKS HAVOC DOWNSTREAM
In this story, Ed Swartz outlines how CBM produced water disposal has affected cattle grazing
pastures, and created concern about the longterm groundwater supply in his county.
3. EXCERPTS FROM A LETTER TO SENATOR BINGAMAN
In this letter, Peggy Hocutt documents how a spate of illnesses occurred after CBM hydraulic
fracturing operation affected the water wells in her neighborhood; and why she was evicted
from her home.
4. COUNTY OFFICIALS SAY RESIDENTS IGNORED
This newspaper article outlines the frustration felt by Colorado surface owners when states hold
hearings related to oil and gas development (e.g., to determine drilling windows and spacing).
5. THE LONG ROAD: LESSONS LEARNED FROM MORE THAN TWO DECADES OF DEALING
WITH THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY
In this story, Terry Fitzgerald shares some of the lessons that she has learned regarding oil and
gas development, including: mineral rights and forced pooling; deciding whether or not to sign
a surface use agreement; and the types of conflicts that may arise.
6. THREATS AND INTIMIDATION: THIS IS CALLED "NEGOTIATION?" FORCE POOLING AN AFFRONT
This article documents how force pooling of mineral leases occurs in Michigan, and what this
means for mineral owners.
7. STATE COULD FORCE PROPERTY OWNERS TO ALLOW DRILLING
As in other states, Michigan allows force pooling. This story documents one mineral owner’s
experiences in trying to better understand the oil and gas leasing process, and force pooling laws.
8. RANCHER NOT INFORMED ABOUT MINERAL LEASING
This is Jeanie Alderson's story about how the federal government can lease federal minerals
without informing the surface owner, and that surface owners have no input into the leasing
process or decisions that will greatly affect their lives and livelihoods.
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