New Freeport, a community in Greene County, has been without safe, clean drinking water for 10 months. In June, a shale gas well owned by EQT had a frack out, which occurred when the chemicals pumped into the well to fracture the shale and release gas instead entered an abandoned well. Dozens of households are still in the dark about whether or not their drinking water is safe as state and private investigations are still being conducted. Additionally, many residents are outside the “zone of presumption” and are not being supplied with any replacement water by EQT or the state.
Since June, residents have purchased nearly every drop of water they drink or cook with. Some are still showering with unsafe water. The nearest big box store is 40 minutes away, and municipal water is unavailable in their area. These residents have had their quality of life unfairly inconvenienced and have received no assistance from EQT. In November, the Center for Coalfield Justice held a water drive that collected $3,770 and 150 cases of water for residents, but more is needed as they await a permanent solution. That’s why we are organizing another water drive to help get residents clean water as the weather starts to heat up.
Water can also be dropped off at our office located at 31 E Chestnut Street in Washington, PA. Please call us at (724)229-3550 to arrange a date and time for drop off.
