Speak up: Two public meetings on fracking Allegheny County park

Last week, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald announced a preliminary deal with Range Resources to allow natural gas drilling under Deer Lakes Park. No well pads would go in the park itself; Range would use neighboring well pads to drill horizontally beneath the park.

According to published reports of the proposed deal, the county will receive $7.7 million in addition to annual royalty payments. Range also agreed to wider and more frequent testing of surface water near the well sites and will donate $3 million to the Park Improvement Fund. 

However, no copies of the lease have been made available to the public or to County Council, which must approve any agreement -- and many questions remain. 

Allegheny County manages the county parks in trust for all citizens, including generations yet to come. We have a responsibility to preserve and protect public lands, not sell them out for quick cash. 

Even horizontal drilling without surface disturbances within Deer Lakes Park itself creates more air pollution, more truck traffic, more water withdrawals, and more toxic waste water. And drilling just outside park boundaries creates real risks should spills or other accidents occur. 

With some of the worst air pollution in the nation, Allegheny County should think twice about promoting more of this intensely industrial activity under its public lands. The air pollution does not go away when the drilling ends -- it exists for the life of the well and will continue to affect public health for years to come. 

Since the 1920's, the county parks have served as places to recreate, relax and get away from noise, traffic and air pollution. Deer Lakes is perhaps best known for its three spring-fed lakes which makes it a popular fishing destination. 

Do the citizens of Allegheny County wish to have their parks become a magnet for industrial development or an oasis from it?

There are two upcoming public meetings -- and it's critical that your voice is heard. Show up and speak up!

Meeting details:

Wednesday, April 2 at 7:00 pm

County Executive Fitzgerald's Public Meeting on Drilling Under Deer Lake Park
Deer Lakes High School Auditorium
163 East Union Road
West Deer Township, PA 15024

Tuesday, April 8 at 5:00 pm
Allegheny County Council Meeting (Legislation to drill will be introduced)

Allegheny County Courthouse, 4th Floor
436 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Andrew Sharp is PennFuture's Director of Outreach and is based in Philadelphia.