State Impact, PA - July 2, 2014

PA drilling pad - photo credit: Lindsey Lazarski, WHYY

 

Did Pennsylvania health department officials circulate a list of drilling-related "buzzwords" and a meeting permission form that led department staff to believe they were being silenced on the issue of natural gas development?

Two weeks ago, when StateImpact Pennsylvania first reported on the buzzwords list and meeting form, the department's answer to that question was no.

Since then, StateImpact Pennsylvania has obtained copies of the documents, which show that department employees needed high-level permission to attend forums on Marcellus Shale.

Agency officials confirm those documents are authentic.

Two retirees with the Department of Health have said that because of the department's policies, they and their colleagues concluded they were not supposed to respond directly to public health concerns or attend forums about drilling.

Michael Wolf, state Secretary of Health, said in an interview with StateImpact Pennsylvania this week that the goal was not to stifle the agency's roughly 1,400 employees, but to ensure "that we are speaking with one voice."

Buzzwords include "hair falling out," [and] "skin rash."

On February 24, 2012, the Bureau of Health Planning and Assessment sent an email to eight bureau directors and the deputy secretary.  

"Please share the following email with all staff as a reminder," it said.

The email instructed employees to call the Bureau of Epidemiology with complaints about "possible cancer clusters, health concerns related to natural gas drilling, and other types of environmental hazards" from citizens, legislators, healthcare professionals, or public employees.

It also includes a list of 19 words and phrases that may be used in these complaints including "hair falling out," "skin rash," superfund site, drilling, fracking and Marcellus Shale. You can read the email with the list by clicking here.

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RDA's hike started on the 7.2 mile falls trail that begins on route 118 and climbs to the intersection of the left and right branches of Kitchen Creek, passing 3 major falls and several fine spots for cooling off in the water. People of all ages including some tail-wagging dogs were highly enjoying the cool water.  

Upon reaching the intersection, we chose to go up the left branch of Kitchen Creek which took us to a number of scenic falls including the highest at 94', Ganoga. After the last falls, we reached the Highland Trail which took us over to the right branch of Kitchen Creek. From there, we began a descent that took us alongside 8 waterfalls before returning to the intersection of the 2 branches again. Our energetic RDA leader, Robbie Cross, was giving his "new" replacement knee a good test.

I have to give credit to those maintaining the trails as there were innumerable flat rock steps placed perfectly to allow passage along this sometimes very steep trail. I didn't encounter one step that even rocked or moved an inch!

Because of the popularity of this state park, visitors often encounter many hikers on the trails, especially on weekends. On this hike, I found it interesting to hear different languages, and even have a brief discussion with some folks with heavy Russian accents. For a more peaceful and solitary experience of these beautiful falls, I recommend going on a weekday when school is in session.