I read Patrick Varine’s article “Protect PT appeals fracking well-pad approvals to Pa. Supreme Court” (May 21, TribLIVE). I was at the Penn Township zoning hearings as a witness for Protect PT for the Metis and Gaia pads. I have a few comments about the case.
First, much has been made of Dr. Walter Tsou’s (Protect PT expert witness) anti-fracking position. However, the scientific evidence he presented was based on peer-reviewed research. What about Olympus’ witnesses? Were not they biased for fracking? It should not matter what a person believes. It is the evidence being presented. Tsou’s testimony was very compelling. Many others besides him believe that fracking will harm people. Maryland and New York have banned fracking. A June 2020 Pennsylvania grand jury report recommends 2,500-foot setbacks from fracking operations.
Second, how could the Penn Township zoning hearing board make an unbiased decision when it faced a $300 million federal lawsuit by Apex LLC (another energy company) for denying permission for three Apex wells (alleged 14th and 15th Amendment violations)? $300 million is more than the wells or Apex is worth.
Larry Irr
Trafford
The writer is a chemist.