Fracking: Fracturing Greeley resident's standpoint on oil drilling

Concerned Weld County residents and students from the University of Northern Colorado filled the University Center ballrooms Tuesday night to witness the powerful speech presented by hydraulic fracturing activist.

Josh Fox is known for his academy award nominated film, “Gasland” where the majority was shot in Weld County displaying the frightening affect of what has been known as “fracking.” Fracking is the deep extraction of natural gas processed by well drilling causing interference between this and water wells. Once a well is drilled, 2-7 million of gallons of water, sand and chemicals are deposited down the well at excruciating pressures. This pressure is what ultimately causes the fracturing of the shale causing a free flow of natural gas. Weld County, Colo. is one at major risk for harmful chemicals being released into drinking water and air around the drills. With much of Weld being taken over by the drilling, the danger is at its ultimate high.

“There are severe health problems for people living by these things,” Fox said. “Oil and gas wells in Northern Colorado are extensive and causing the area to become a toxic wasteland.”

In 2008 when the film was shot, three stories were highlighted from different Weld families. One woman admitted to showering in the dark because she was afraid of one of her bulbs sparking and catching the water on fire. One man became famous for his act of lighting his water that he drank and bathed with on fire. Another woman was forced to move out of the area because of extreme health issues with her and her family. This is just a number of examples of residents being negatively affected by the hazardous consequences of what fracking can cause.

“I think fracking is an issue that needs a lot more attention, not only in Northern Colorado, but everywhere.” Said Steffon Fisher, junior criminal justice major. “If more people knew about the extreme conditions I think we would make the necessary progress to stop it.”

According to UNC Geography professor, Karen Barton, Fox was invited here to “ignite” this important conversation and get educated about these dangers. In 2011, UNC was thrown into the equation with possible drilling to occur on campus. Although nothing has happened yet, Fox thought UNC was the perfect place in Colorado to voice the frightening facts about fracking.

“There’s something different happening in Colorado that’s different than in 2008,” Fox said. “Air quality has become worse than LA pollution in some areas due to drilling.”

Fox discussed how he witnessed expert after expert lie to Congress about the effects of drilling saying that it’s safe and not important enough to investigate. Although this dishonesty has occurred in many areas around Colorado, some cities have taken the next step in preventing the harmful health affects by banning the act of fracking. By popular vote, Longmont passed the amendment this past election of outlawing fracking within city limits.   

“I’m proud to be from a city that’s actually trying to make a difference in such a devastating issue around Colorado.” Said Jennifer Friesner, sophomore psychology major. “I’m afraid for the future of Greeley.”

Although Longmont’s action of outlawing could potentially push Coloradans in the right direction, Fox said that there’s still plenty of work to be done to stop the disturbing effects. He wants everyone to know that the danger is not just in the backyard of Greeley, but also in the backyard to our 7 billion neighbors.

“We wouldn’t be here if we were giving up,” Fox said.