Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald’s veto of council’s ban on natural gas drilling beneath county parks — along with his proposed compromise bill — should be applauded, based on the direct experience of the Deer Lakes Park lease in 2014 (“Fitzgerald defends decision to veto Allegheny County parks fracking ban bill,” July 13, TribLIVE).

All drilling and support activity took place outside of the park, with laterals extending into it. Some people claimed the park would incur irreparable damage. To quote one opponent: “They are parks. They are not industrial wastelands.”

Hyperbole aside, let’s look at the simple, undeniable facts of what actually happened.

The county mandated significant requirements to prevent impacts to air and water, and restrictions on noise, light and truck traffic, which the operator complied with.

The lease provided significant bonus and ongoing royalty payments.

Nine wells were drilled, successfully and without incident or concerns from nearby residents.

The county has received more than $15 million in payments, with $3 million dedicated to improve every aspect of Deer Lakes Park, including the construction of the largest play area among county parks.

There are no imminent plans for similar leases at parks, but banning a proven, successful partnership in energy development, environmental protection and direct benefits to county taxpayers makes no sense.

Daniel J. Weaver

Marshall Township

The writer is president/executive director of the Pennsylvania Independent Oil & Gas Association.

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