There has been cumulative scientific studies and increased concerns that chemicals used in drilling and fracking of natural gas wells have adverse effects on people living near well sites. In response, the Grand Valley Citizens Alliance (GVCA) and Battlement Concerned Citizens (BCC) will be hosting a public forum on “Oil and Gas Impacts on Human Health” on June 25 at the Parachute Public Library starting at 6 pm.

The Grand Valley Forum will feature two guest speakers: Dr. Lisa McKenzie, research associate at the Colorado School of Public Health on “The Battlement Mesa Health Impact Assessment: Past, present, and future,” and Dr. John Hughes of Aspen Integrative Medicine, who will discuss natural gas VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions found in residents living near gas wells.

For the Colorado School of Public Health, Dr. McKenzie conducted research on the Battlement Mesa Health Impact Assessment (HIA), a document that provides objective information to minimize potential health risks as natural gas drilling occurs in the Battlement Mesa PUD (Proved Undeveloped Reserves).

Click here for background information on the Battlement Mesa HIA. Click here to read personal testimony on Dr. Hughes’ testing.

Dr. Hughes will be facilitating a study for Dr. Jay Hanas, Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Oklahoma, testing for VOC compounds in people living near drilling operations.

Formed in 1997, GVCA and BCC members have been concerned with energy development impacts on human health and the environment in western Garfield County and surrounding areas. We have participated in the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission’s rule-making proceedings for nearly two decades.

In addition to refreshments, there will be a door prize of one night at the Four Mile Creek Bed & Breakfast in Glenwood Springs, and each attendee will receive a free notebook.

Contact info: Leslie Robinson, GVCA chair   970-618-0890
Battlement Concerned Citizens, Dave Devanney 303-594-1066