Test results show air not impacted by EQT well pad
Union Township supervisors released the test results of an air quality study during their Monday night meeting.
Union Township resident Hal Breitig was unhappy with results of an air quality test at EQT’s Trax Farm well pad at Monday’s meeting.
Test results from an independent company showed air quality at EZT’s Trax Farm well pad in Union Township was normal during the testing period.
Township board Chairman Larry Spahr on Monday read the results of the study, conducted by Professional Service Industries Inc., based in Pittsburgh, which conducted random testing at the site on unannounced dates.
Supervisors authorized the study in response to resident complaints.
According to the results read by Spahr, there was no exceptional amount of air particulates at three testing sites.
Airborne particulate levels outside of the home of township resident Gary Baumgardenr of Cardox Road, who is an opponent of EQT’s fracking operations, initially appeared to be above National Ambient Air Quality Standards, Spahr said, but a review of the data showed instrument failure and resampling from March 13 to 16 showed the amount of air particulates were at an acceptable level.
Gas and PVOC levels at the three testing sites were at or near acceptable levels.
Residents questioned the results, asking if the company ceased operations during the testing period.
In another matter, the board has agreed to meet with W.G. Tomko Inc. regarding rock mining being done at its facility near Finleyville Airport.
Residents have long complained about dust and noise from rock crushing and worry about health issues they believe the dust will cause.
Tomko said he plans to purchase a new crusher that will produce less dust and noise, and has asked the township to look at it to see if it is acceptable.
Residents complained when they found out at the meeting Tomko will continue to crush rock for at least the next year.