just came across this article...
as posted yesterday in the Arkansas Times. read below or actual link w/ pics is ... http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/ninjapoodles/

>>>>>>Saturday, August 02, 2008 - 17:55:28
Chesapeake: "For The Good of" WHO?



Those "For the good of Arkansas" ads are really starting to cheese me off. A couple of weeks ago, I received a call from a friend, asking if I'd like to have her beautiful Ameraucana (the "Easter Egg Chicken") hens. It seems that Chesapeake set up camp on the lot next door, cut down all the trees, installed a drill, and much more. The constant noise, she said, was too upsetting for her much-loved birds, and she'd made the decision to let them go to a new home rather than continue to see them stressed out on a daily basis. She was in tears over the decision, but couldn't see any other humane option. She kept her more laid-back Orpington and other hens, who didn't seem as bothered by the 24/7 racket next door.

I was totally unprepared for the scene at my friend's home when I went to pick up the five hens. The first thing that hit me like a punch in the face was the NOISE. Dear God, the noise. I couldn't believe that noise like that could even be LEGAL in a residential neighborhood. It was deafening, and non-stop. We couldn't have a normal conversation, but had to shout at each other the entire time.

Moving around to the back yard, you find the defaced acreage next door. There's no escaping it, actually. Apparently, promises were made on the front end...promises of visual screening, noise-baffling, etc. Those promises were not kept. This picture was taken as I stood next to my friend's tidy, adorable chicken coop.









Up until Chesapeake showed up, this entire area was forested. Those few remaining trees mark the edge of the property line. In other words, the only reason those trees are still standing is that they are actually on my friend's property. Oh, and all those trees that were cut down? Were they at least harvested for building, or, heck, even for firewood? Of course not! They were burned on-site. Way to go, Chesapeake.





I just stared in disbelief at all the destruction, the ugliness. I couldn't believe the noise. I couldn't believe that this is even legal to do. Not the drilling, the deforestation, etc., but the depriving innocent people of the quiet enjoyment of their home--isn't that a right we all have? I mean, I live out in the country, BUT, if I started blasting a stereo a full volume non-stop around the clock, wouldn't the sheriff come out and make me STOP, on behalf of my neighbors? Of course he would--and SHOULD.

The owners of the property where the drilling is taking place are being compensated financially, of course. But what of the poor innocents who own, and live on, the adjoining property? They don't have the right to a minute's peace, or any compensation for the loss of food-producing livestock, or just the simple ability to live a NORMAL life for the duration of Chesapeake's involvement in the area? I truly don't get it, and wish someone would explain to me HOW this is, in any way, right...or even legal. I thought there were protections in place in America against things like this. I really did. What a fool I was.

My friend is a nervous wreck from the constant stress of the noise, and has had to deal with prowlers peering in her windows since Chesapeake's (or whoever they subcontracted to) employees took up residence in mobile homes on the job site. I feel terrible for her, and helpless. I want to DO something more than just provide a peaceful home for her birds...but at least I was able to do that. Five lovely hens came home with me that day, and seem to have adjusted nicely at our place, where it is blissfully quiet...at least until a utility company comes to MY neighborhood.





A SAD UPDATE: Since my visit, the living conditions at my friend's home have worsened exponentially. I'm forwarding the details, along with the name of the contact person from Chesapeake who has been backpedaling on his promises to the residents of this area, to Max, in hopes that he'll know what questions to ask and who to ask them of, and at least maybe shine a light on the REALITY of what happens to your life when Chesapeake moves into your neighborhood.



Posted by Belinda | Permalink | Comments (8)

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Replies to This Discussion

Anyone ever heard of water tables disappearing from drilling activities?
I heard the water can possibly run down the holes they drill leaving homeowner's water wells dry!
Very rare. Wells are cemented to protect shallow water. Bigger concern would be from the large amounts of water required for drilling and fracing.
Hello fellow Arkansan,

Another side of the story is being played Sat 8/09/08 and Sun 8/10/08 on all the local stations in Little Rock. The noise is also mentioned but, so is the enormous economic impact. Try online for KTHV / KLRT / KATV "Citizens of the Shale"
Thanks for sharing, especially with the pictures. Some people won't believe it until they see it. I wish I knew more about the friend's position in this matter. Was she force pooled? I don't think it's a matter of sour grapes, the woman's life has been disrupted, her property has probably been devalued, and possibly a means of income & a food source has been diminished. And I'm sure she can't afford the kind of high dollar attorney she'd need to be compensated for her losses.

Yes, industry is dirty & noisy, but does it have to be? There are "best practices" they can follow without having to be strong armed into it. They can be respectful of & responsible to the citizens and the environment.

As far as those "Citizens of the Shale" infomercials, have you noticed that the segments showing actual drilling are voiced over, the actual audio of the drilling isn't played? Did they show how emergency response is handled in the event of an explosion? Did they show how the hazardous waste in frac ponds is handled? Did they explain how & where pipeline will be laid to cause the least disruption to lives?

And for those of you who say they can come drill in your backyard, I'd like to suggest that you go make that woman a fair market offer, based on comps, for her property so she can relocate somewhere more suitable to her liking.
well said..your comments are appreciated!
Maybe it would be nice if the landmen should hand out complimentary ear plugs after the lease signing, huh?
You can sign a lease with a "no drill" clause.
What a shame. Seems like more could be done to help her and other landowners who will experience similar things in the days ahead.
from what i see... you don't have it that bad. if you are worried about loud noises your lease should have included sound walls. plus your lease should have or could have required replant of the area after the well is taken away. the "footprint" is very small after the 30 days of drilling is complete.

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