"The Estates" Community By Tom Jones, Senior Vice President Christian Spilker, Senior Vice President Naples Collier Resources Company In recent weeks, there has been considerable public discussion regarding Collier Resources proposal to work with the Dan A. Hughes Company of Beeville, Texas, and explore for oil in a farm field in eastern Collier County. Concerns have been raised by area residents regarding potential negative impacts on water quality, public safety, traffic and overall quality of life. These concerns are reasonable and understandable, and we have a responsibility to fully answer the questions that have been raised. Accordingly, along with representatives of Hughes, we recently participated in a public hearing hosted by County Commissioner Tim Nance. As a result of that meeting, we realized that we need to do a better job of communicating the facts regarding oil exploration in Collier County. There is nothing new about oil exploration in Southwest Florida. We have been involved in the oil business in Collier County since 1943 or about 70 years. Most Collier County residents are unaware of this long history of oil exploration and production, including over 300 wells drilled in Southwest Florida, despite the fact that a major road in eastern Collier County is aptly named “Oil Well Road.” The reason for this lack of awareness is simple Collier Resources has a seven-decade long track record of operating without any major problems, or even minor problems, and this includes existing oil wells that are located in the Big Cypress National Preserve. Courtesy of Mother Nature, oil exploration and production in Southwest Florida carries few of the risks that have been the subject of national debate. The oil fields that exist are located more than two miles below the surface, while drinking water aquifers are found at a depth of only several hundred feet. As has been demonstrated over the last 70 years, water quality is fully protected by state and federal regulatory standards, which today includes four layers of steel pipe, as well as a layer of concrete casing surrounding the well. Another unique quality of the oil in Southwest Florida is that it is very thick almost like tar and the near total absence of natural gas means it is not under high pressure. In simple terms, this means that oil needs to be mechanically pumped to the surface. A successful oil well in Collier County will never produce a “blowout” or the sort of “gusher” that is frequently portrayed in the news or in a movie. Finally, the geology of Southwest Florida again, Mother Nature means that the process known as hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” is simply not a feasible means of development. We have not sought a permit to conduct hydraulic fracturing. We are very sympathetic to the other quality of life concerns expressed by some residents of eastern Golden Gate Estates. These concerns mainly seem to be associated with potential noise and traffic adjacent to a quiet neighborhood. While we cannot say that the development of the well will be a silent process, we can say that it will be very brief about 90 days or less and we will fully comply with all local noise ordinances. The nearest neighbor is approximately one-quarter of a mile from the well site, and noise issues will be minimal, and far less disruptive than the construction of a new home in the neighborhood an event that happens routinely in Collier County. Similarly, traffic issues will be temporary and consistent with any construction project that routinely occurs in Collier County. We will be sensitive to the concerns of the neighbors during this brief development period, and we are happy to work with Commissioner Nance and area residents to ensure that we follow a work plan that minimizes any inconvenience or disruption. In the coming days, we will be reaching out to area residents to schedule follow-up informational meetings. At the same time, we will be preparing a series of FAQs — frequently asked questions — that address all of the issues raised in much greater detail. We recognize our responsibility to respond fully to any legitimate questions or concerns that have been expressed, and we intend to be good neighbors with the residents of eastern Golden Gate Estate
Posted on: Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:24:34 +0000
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