On May 30, 2008 Ned Prather stopped by his cabin northwest of Parachute Colorado. After  drinking water from his spring, he became violently ill and went to the hospital.

Testing of his water source revealed the presence of benzene, a carcinogenic substance used in oil and gas drilling.

The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission responded by issuing notices of alleged violation to four oil and gas companies operating near the creek. The commission later dropped allegations against three of the companies after tests they say revealed that the contamination was coming from west of the creek, where only Williams Productions has operations.

Commission Director Dave Neslin:

“But we have not yet identified a specific release point.” 

Not surprisingly, Williams spokeswoman Susan Alvillar denies that the company is responsible.

How does she know? The company’s own investigations, of course.

According to Richard Djokic, an attorney representing Prather and other partial owners of the affected property, his clients are upset that potential polluters are off the hook before the benzene source has even been determined.  

Djokic:

“They’ve asked the suspects to conduct the investigation,”

The ongoing benzene contamination has harmed Prather’s hunting outfitting business.

Prather’s story is not rare, property owners who live in proximity to oil and gas exploration and development have always faced potential water contamination problems. Of course, the companies are always sure that they are no to blame. It may be difficult to prove, but the fact is the benzene in Prather’s spring came from some type of oil and gas co. operation.

Benzene is an organic solvent used widely in the industrial sector. Exposure to benzene is linked with debilitating and potentially fatal bone marrow failure disorders like, aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, acute lymphocytic leukemia, and acute myeloid leukemia.

Those who have been wrongfully harmed by benzene should speak with a benzene attorney and discuss their case. Benzene victims have nothing to loose by speaking to a benzene attorney as most do not accept payment unless a case is successful.

If you have been harmed by benzene, call a benzene attorney today, you may be able to receive monetary compensation for your ordeal.

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