by Staff of The Cross Timbers Gazette

In addition to the proposed wastewater disposal well, Williams Energy has plans to install several compression stations at the site.

Bartonville Water Supply Corporation is opposing a proposed gas drilling wastewater disposal well that they say would threaten the area’s water supply.

Bosque Disposal Systems has a permit request before the Texas Railroad Commission for the construction of an injection well to dispose of recovered water used in natural gas drilling on a seven acre site at Jeter and Frenchtown Roads, just outside of Bartonville in unincorporated Denton County.

Energy companies are responsible for disposing of water used to fracture and release gas trapped in the shale, and water that is brought to the surface along with gas during the drilling process. The water could contain such toxins as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene, according to the U.S. Department of Energy website.

The proposed wastewater facility sits near one of Bartonville Water’s major freshwater wells that currently produces 1,000 gallons of water per minute, and another freshwater well is under construction nearby, according to a letter sent to the Railroad Commission (PDF) from Bartonville Water General Manager Jim Leggieri.

In addition to the proposed wastewater disposal well, Williams Energy has plans to install several compression stations at the site.

Compression stations have come under scrutiny in recent months due to air quality concerns in the western Denton County town of DISH.

“This is an obvious concern for neighbors and the local water supply corporations,” said Denton County Commissioner Andy Eads.

“In the next couple of weeks our office will be hosting an open house whereby industry representatives will be available to outline their plans and answer concerns from the community.”

Eads said that details of the meeting are being worked out and will be announced soon.

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The Cross Timbers Gazette is a locally owned and operated newspaper established in 1979, serving the southern Denton County towns of Argyle, Bartonville, Copper Canyon, Double Oak, Flower Mound, Highland Village, Lantana and Robson Ranch.