By BJ Austin
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-715879.mp3
Dallas, TX – 23 parks are on the list of potential natural gas drilling sites as the city looks to join Fort Worth, and others to the west, whose drilling leases are producing millions in revenue. Park and Recreation Director Paul Dyer says drilling rigs won't be ON the park but on adjacent land drilling UNDER the park and playgrounds.
Dyer: As it's been presented, it doesn't appear to impact the park system, and it does present a revenue that we don't currently have. And, so it seems like it's a great deal for the city.
Dallas sits on the very, eastern fringe of the huge Barnett Shale natural gas reserve. Dyer says they don't really know if, or how much gas may be under the targeted parks. A public hearing on park land drilling is the final step to give the Barnett Shale initiative the green light. The hearing is set for August 13th. Dyer says it's required because some of the parks get federal funds.