Mar 24, 2015 2 min read

Four days before results of testing by an independent company were released that showed air quality at EQT’s Trax Farm well pad was normal, several Union Township residents who live nearby filed a lawsuit claiming that drilling in the area has caused health problems and resulted in the loss of enjoyment of their properties.

Gary and Georgann Baumgardner, of 47 Cardox Road, Anthony and Rachel Cecchini, of 53 Cardox Road, Mieczyslaw “Mickey” and Sabine Gniadek, of 20 Cardox Road, and George Simmons, of 53 Cardox Road, filed the lawsuit against Chesapeake Appalachia, EQT Production Co., EQT Midstream Services, Trax Farms, Matt Aurilio and Mason Dixon Energy on Thursday in Allegheny County Court.

The residents are seeking damages arising from the natural gas production and associated activities that occur at the Trax Farm well pad.

The well pad, which sits between 500 and 1,000 feet away from the properties, has negatively impacted and damaged the residents’ properties and lives, court documents claim.

Complaints include issues with air quality, emissions, noises, odors and other environmental issues.

In December 2013, Mickey Gniadek claims he developed clinical signs of asphyxiation and trauma due to dangerous levels of methane and chlorine gas, according to the suit.

Since the incident, the Gniadeks have lived in fear, court documents said. Additionally, the Cecchinis left their property for several months in fear of their health and the health of their unborn child.

The residents also claim Aurilio, who was employed by Chesapeake, misled or coerced them into leasing their gas rights with Chesapeake Appalachia.

Drilling on Trax Farms began in October 2013, and the well pad now consists of 11 wells.

The results of the study were released Monday during a township supervisors’ meeting.

The study was 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.

A representative for Trax Farms could not be reached for comment.

The attorneys representing the residents, Peter Britton Bieri of Kansas City, Mo., and Edward Ciarimboli of Kingston, also could not be reached for comment.

Linda Robertson, media relations manager for EQT, said the company has been in “regular and ongoing communications with residents and local officials to address and resolve questions since operations began.”

She could not comment on pending litigation.