Our Mission
Science Sanctuary
Dimock Environmental Research Center is located in the heart of one of Northern Pennsylvania's most heavily impacted areas, Dimock. In 2008, at the beginning of the fracked gas boom, the process went wrong in Dimock and polluted the water wells of over 20 families. All of those impacted had to sign non-disclosure agreements, including children, or they would not have been provided with restitution. Along with banning their public statements about the pollution they faced, these agreements also bar all scientific testing at sites known to have suffered pollution related to natural gas extraction.
DERC provides a science sanctuary where testing can be done on water air and soil. Scientists from Universities, research labs and even students from all over the world can come here to complete pollution research not possible elsewhere.
Due to the wide use of non-disclosure agreements, there are no other impacted properties we are aware of where such testing can be made open to all who would like to futher such work.
We also offer an up close view of life in the fracklands to journalists and activists by offering a place to stay and tours of the region's fracked gas related infrastructure.
Dimock Well Water
Gas Well In Resident's Front Yard
Freedom of Speech for Pollution Victims
No one knows how many cases of water pollution related to fracked gas extraction activities have occurred in Pennsylvania. The state's regulator DEP has released direct evidence of at least 400 cases, but the total number of cases can't be known as people are required to sign non-disclosure agreements precluding them from speaking of their cases in public.
Section 127 of the Pennsylvania Constitution states, "Natural resources and the public estate. The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment."
Keeping the scope of pollution related to gas extraction secret disallows crucial data needed to ensure public safety.
DERC is working with stakeholders to ensure non-disclosure agreements in cases of environmental pollution be made illegal.
Community Education
It's estimated one million new gas and oil wells will be drilled and fracked across America in service to the industry's export plans. Add to that compressor stations, dehydration stations, pipelines and related infrastructure to get that gas to market.
Most Americans have been led to believe fracking is safe, natural and pollution is rare. This is a dangerous combination.
DERC works to equip families facing new gas related infrastructure with the facts about known fracking related pollution cases. We also help those impacted by these activities gain restitution when fracking goes wrong in their backyard.
Gas Drilling Rig
