Oil and gas development placing parks in peril

April 26, 2013 | By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

As the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management (BLM) updates rules for oil and gas drilling on federal land, the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has released new research examining the impact of existing, proposed and potential oil and gas development on America's national parks. It also offers recommendations to ensure future drilling safeguards for public health and the environment.

"Our national parks are America's most treasured places, and we need to treat them carefully as we develop the nation's natural gas and oil," said NPCA Vice President for the Center for Park Research Jim Nations. "Our research revealed that some national parks are already in peril. Unless we take quick action, air, water, and wildlife will experience permanent harm in other national parks as well."

NPCA contends that drilling rigs could obscure scenic views, vehicles could transport invasive species into park boundaries, drilling activity could lead to a loss of biodiversity, and popular star-gazing plans could be interrupted by gas flaring and drill pad lights.

"We should not gamble with the health of our national parks," Nations said. "Oil and gas resources can be accessed without sacrificing our most important natural areas and most revered historic places."

In the report, NCPA makes several recommendations. First, the BLM should require that the identity of the chemicals be disclosed to the public before drilling begins, and that all flow back waters be stored in closed-loop containers and treated before they are allowed to reenter public waters. Second, the National Park Service receive the designation of formal "cooperating agency" under the National Environmental Protection Act when there is a reasonable likelihood that national park air, water, wildlife, or other resources will be affected by oil and gas activities on BLM land. Third, the EPA should implement a regulation to cut 95 percent of ozone and toxic emissions from natural gas wells developed through fracking. And, finally, the oil and gas industry should provide and pay for a comprehensive water quality monitoring plan for all park waters that might potentially be impacted.

For more:
- see the report

http://www.fierceenergy.com/story/oil-and-gas-development-placing-parks-peril/2013-04-26