Loss of Property Value
Central and northern Arkansas
has long been a refuge from the bustling pace and noise of city life. This region is known for its unique, serene
landscapes and the presence of untouched natural resources that earned Arkansas
its nickname, “The Natural State.”
Properties that were once remote and quiet, or belonged to a family for generations, are now surrounded by gravel
pads, well structures, and compressors that give the appearance of an
industrial zone. Local roads are wearing
out much faster with new traffic from heavy trucks and equipment. Many who have used well water for decades are
now faced with the possibility of dangerous drinking water. All of these factors could contribute to a decrease in property value.
Click here to view an interactive feature created by the New York Times that details the hazards of natural gas fracking.
Noise
One of the major concerns for residents living in the vicinity of gas wells is the high level of noise generated from fracking operations. Whether it be the constant stream of heavy equipment going into and out of the well sites, or the drilling and fracking procedures themselves, the noise often creates nearly unlivable conditions. When it is time to sell a home, residents may find that the value of their property significantly decreased due to its proximity to a gas well.
Air and Water Pollution
Another significant problem with fracking is the air and water pollution that it can create. Residents living near gas wells have reported chemical smells in the air, and contaminated water supplies. Some families that have been supplied by clean well water for decades have found that their wells have been contaminated by chemicals that may have migrated from fracking activities. For more information on well water contamination, click
here.
Are You Affected?
As of today there have been many dangerous and injurious events that may
be related to fracking, including: fracking chemical and benzene
contamination of drinking water; “flammable water” from water tainted
with methane; earthquakes; house explosions from migrating gas. If you
or someone you know has been adversely affected by fracking in
Arkansas, or if you believe your property values have suffered as a result of natural gas fracking activities in the area, contact our office.
For links and news related to fracking, click here.
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