This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
After reading Brian Moench's article in Sunday's Tribune ("The air around Vernal is killing infants," June 1), I was so incensed that I had to calm down before I could respond.
As quoted in the article, the EPA says "more study needs to be done." Are they serious? The death rate among infants and stillborns has risen sharply over the last few years. Also, there has been an increase in a rare birth defect among babies. I am still quoting from Mr. Moench's article, and, as he is the president of Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment, I believe he truly knows what he is talking about. The article also states the Duchesne County Planning Commission just reduced the required set back for fracking wells from 660 feet to 300 feet from a residence! Maybe Vernal should build a larger cemetery.
The article goes on and on, but I would heartily suggest that everyone in Vernal and the state of Utah retrieve Sunday's Opinion Section and read it for yourself. Something has to be done now and not spend another 1-2 years "investigating the matter" while more infants die. It will truly open your eyes to see what is going on in Vernal and surrounding areas.
I still haven't calmed down.
Luana Chapman
Holladay