Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Pit Contamination of New Mexico Ground Water and Bob Gallahger of the New Mexico Oil & Gas Association (NMOGA)

In an October 5th Farmington Daily Times article, "New regulations, fees slow down drilling production," "(p)roducers challenged the figures then, and continue to do so. They're joined by New Mexico Oil and Gas Association President Bob Gallagher, who recently filed an Inspection of Public Records Request demanding proof of the numbers.

"If they have the validation, we will absolutely take the blame," he said. "The proof's in the pudding."

The group convenes in Santa Fe today for its annual meeting. Gallagher wanted to present its members with the state's documentation, but found out last week the state could not comply with its public records request until Wednesday.

"I am sure the fact that the 8th is the day after our meeting adjourns is only coincidental as was the setting of the final Pit Rule hearing, the day after the Legislative session adjourned," he said."

The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department sent a letter today to Bob Gallagher, President, New Mexico Oil & Gas Association with instructions on how to access the information from the Oil Conservation Division (OCD) website. Please open the letter for the instructions.

According to OCD, there are "369 confirmed cases in which pit substances contaminated ground water in New Mexico....our (OCD) latest count is 475 pits contaminated ground water, which are associated with these 369 confirmed cases. " In short, multiple pits associated with these cases. These cases are mostly in San Juan County.

Please read, "
Setting the Record Straight on the Pit Rule, by Cabinet Secretary Joanna Prukop with the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.

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