Back in the Dark Ages, I took Legal and Social Issues in Business at Texas Christian University. I consistently received the highest grades in the class, wrecked the curve and got an A. I dig that stuff. Then I got pregnant with my first son, which kept me out of night school for a long time.
Much later, I was certified to serve as a court appointed mediator a fact that seemed to bewilder Andy Sims, attorney for Range Resources, who deposed me.
He clearly did not believe me so I am providing a photo.
I never pursued a career in mediation. I didn’t feel ready for primetime and needed to sit in on some mediation to get practical experience, which would require some travel and time away from home. By then, my second son was eight and we were living in Wise County’s Middle-of-Nowhere.
Single mother + (Young child x no support system) = opportunity
In all honesty, I don’t have the temperament for it, so I have no regrets.
Waders required
Still, I like to read court documents especially now that it’s personal. I am only on page 79 of the transcript, dated January 19, 2011, from the hearing called by the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) to absolve Range Resources (Range) consider…
HEARING TO CONSIDER WHETHER OPERATION OF THE RANGE PRODUCTION COMPANY BUTLER UNIT, WELL NO. 1H (RRC NO. 253732) AND THE TEAL UNIT, WELL NO. 1H, (RRC NO. 253729) IN THE NEWARK, E. (BARNETT SHALE) FIELD), HOOD COUNTY, TEXAS ) ARE CAUSING OR CONTRIBUTING TO CONTAMINATION OF CERTAIN DOMESTIC WATER WELLS IN PARKER COUNTY, TEXAS.
The hearing starts off with David Poole talking. We’ve heard from him before.
Then Mike Middlebrook, Operations Vice President for Range Resources, is sworn in. Middlebrook, according to the transcript, has been employed with Range Resources “about 14 years.”
MIKE MIDDLEBROOK, having been first duly sworn, testified as follows:
Lookie what I found on page 24 of Middlebrook’s testimony!
When asked by Range attorney, Andy Sims, if there have been allegations that Range caused well water contamination…
Q. Throughout your experience with Range, other than this matter, have you ever known or has anyone ever made any kind of allegation that Range has caused or contributed to any well water contamination or groundwater contamination?
…MIddlebrook answered:
No.
Remember, that was under oath!
Did he forget that that Chris and Stephanie Hallowich filed a Writ of Summons back in May 2010, alleging that Range contaminated their water well? It’s a case that made national news and was settled out of court and sealed with a non-disclosure agreement. The records were recently unsealed by court order. But the most important part, Exhibit B (Filed Under Seal), has disappeared from the court records.
Pick one:
Middlebrook is forgetful.
Middlebrook wasn't paying attention.
Middlebrook intentionally lied.
No matter what the excuse/answer, it is a further proof that Range cannot be trusted.
