Harveys Lake Protective Association
PO Box 45
Harveys Lake, Pa. 18618
7-14-2010
John Hanger, Secretary
Department of Environmental Protection
16th Floor, Rachel Carson State Office Building
Harrisburg Pa. 17120
Re: Marcellus Shale Gas Drilling Harveys Lake
Dear Secretary Hanger:
With drilling scheduled to begin in nearby Lake, Lehman and Noxen Townships in such close proximity to Harveys Lake our organization, the Harveys Lake Protective Association (hlpa.org), is very concerned about protecting our lake and our well water from potential contamination.
We are all fully aware of the economic boom the gas industry could have on our area, but the preservation of our lake and protection of our wells is far more important that any financial gain. It will be irrelevant if we can’t drink our water, or swim in the lake, or if the aquatic life ceases to exist. We are not biologists, but your organization, DEP, is charged with protecting our environment and we need that protection now more than ever. A single accident like the one in Clearfield County could destroy this glacier formed lake which is home and recreation for thousands of people. We cannot sit by and wait until an accident happens.
We implore you to create a moratorium on drilling within a certain distance from Harveys Lake as well as from any water reservoir, I understand that Harveys Lake serves as a back-up water supply. We suggest at least a two mile buffer zone or more is just good common sense and not unreasonable. Since Harveys Lake is spring fed we believe it is more susceptible to ground water contamination. This is of grave importance and we hope we can count on you to do the right thing.
Respectfully,
John Halbing, President
Harveys Lake Protective Association
Cc: Senator Lisa Baker
Representative Dr. Karen Boback
Harveys Lake Council