On October 23rd, join BCMAC for an eye-opening tour through Washington County, PA, and experience firsthand how fracking infrastructure is affecting everyday families. Led by environmental advocate Lois Bower-Bjornson, this tour will take Beaver County residents to the heart of fracking country, revealing the hidden costs of this controversial industry.

Discover the impacts of fracking on the environment, air quality, and public health. Hear stories directly from those living with the consequences, and see the infrastructure that's changing landscapes and lives.

Let’s come together as a community to understand the full story behind fracking and take action to ensure that this isn't the fate for Beaver County.

WHAT: Eyes on Pollution: A Journey Through Frackland’s Hidden Costs – a guided tour of Washington County’s fracking infrastructure.

WHEN: Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024 (meet at 8:30 AM and return by 5 PM)

WHERE: Washington County, PA

ADDITIONAL INFO:

• Transportation will be provided for Beaver County residents, but space is limited so please register in advance. Everyone will meet at the Beaver Valley Mall at 8:30 AM.

• The tour will include visits to active fracking sites and nearby communities affected by the industry.

• Covid testing before attendance is appreciated, masks will be available and please please please stay home if you're not feeling well.

• This event is organized by Beaver County Marcellus Awareness Community (BCMAC) and Clean Air Council

Fracking in Washington County:

Fracking in Washington County, PA, began in the mid-2000s when advancements in hydraulic fracturing (fracking) technology and horizontal drilling unlocked vast reserves of natural gas in the Marcellus Shale formation. Washington County quickly became a hub for natural gas extraction, with its proximity to the Marcellus Shale and large rural areas making it a prime target for energy companies. The promise of economic benefits and job creation brought an influx of fracking companies, and Washington County soon hosted hundreds of fracking wells. By 2010, Washington County led Pennsylvania in natural gas production, and its landscape transformed with drilling rigs, compressor stations, and gas pipelines.

However, the rapid expansion of fracking in Washington County came with significant environmental and health concerns. Local residents began reporting water contamination, air pollution, and health problems such as respiratory illnesses and headaches. Studies have linked fracking activities to higher rates of earthquakes, methane emissions, and exposure to toxic chemicals used in the fracking process. Communities in Washington County, especially those near fracking sites, have faced deteriorating living conditions and increasing concerns about long-term impacts on their health and the environment. These issues have prompted local activism and ongoing debates over the true cost of the fracking boom in the region.

Lois Bower-Bjornson:

Lois is the Southwestern Pennsylvania Field Organizer for Clean Air Council, where she dedicates her work to raising awareness about the environmental and health impacts of fracking on local communities. A mother of four and a resident of a region deeply affected by fracking, Lois has firsthand experience with the consequences of living near fracking infrastructure. Her advocacy efforts focus on educating the public about these impacts through community tours, workshops, and speaking engagements. Lois is passionate about amplifying the voices of families affected by fracking, highlighting issues such as air pollution, water contamination, and public health risks. She has been instrumental in connecting communities with policymakers and advocating for stronger environmental protections in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Eyes on Pollution: A Journey Through Frackland’s Hidden Costs

Explore Washington County’s fracking sites and see how families are being affected. Reserve your spot now!