In the wake of Covid-19, it seems that we are being hit with disaster after disaster and constant crisis. Knowing that many people are suffering right now and dealing with their own personal crises, I am humbly requesting a moment of your time to bring an issue to your attention that will affect the lives and health of people for generations to come should this move forward.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is in the final stages of issuing an Aquifer Protection Permit for Prize Energy Resources, Inc. , an out-of-state corporation located in Denver, Colorado with no stake in the livelihoods of the people living locally in the area. These permits are for about 10 wells in 'to be determined' locations in an eastern section of Apache County, which will introduce 'acid stimulation' to increase the productivity of their wells. Prize Energy Resources will be 'self-monitored,' meaning that they will have free reign over the activities of these wells and their impact on the people in the area. This violates ADEQ's own rules which state that the operator must specify the proposed location, which has not been done on this application.

The wells being introduced will directly impact the Coconino Aquifer, which is one of the largest groundwater reserves in the Four Corners area. No water, no life. The people in this area include a multitude of established off-grid homestead owners, several towns, and both Zuni and Navajo Indigenous Peoples Reservations. As an African American woman and single mother with land in the proposed zone for fracking, destruction of the groundwater in this area would be devastating to the legacy that I have worked against the odds to pass on to my children and future generations. 

In times where the means to contribute to causes can be slim, all that we are asking is for your signature in a show of solidarity as we state our case on August 26th at the Virtual Public Hearing  and beyond should it become necessary to do so. Please join us to share your voice if you stand with us! You can also join by phone at 914-614-3221 using attendee code 845-995-839.

You can also send an email or letter to Maribeth Greenslade at ADEQ:

Email: greenslade.maribeth@azdeq.gov

Maribeth Greenslade                                                                                                      Groundwater Section                                                                                                    1110 W. Washington St., MC5415B-3.                                                                         Phoenix, AZ 85007