Editor:

No scenario of oilrigs in the Laguna Madre is acceptable and every citizen in this area should be outraged. Sanchez Oil has been given permission by the state of Texas to begin a 280-plus-square-mile oil and gas seismic survey of the Laguna Madre.

Haven’t heard about it? Not surprising. The approving state agencies didn’t even tell the town of South Padre Island. Was this invasion of the Laguna Madre kept secret intentionally? Hard to know; however, curious in light of the invasive effect this survey has had on the area.

Not uncommon are: 7 a.m. wakeup calls from the deafening sound of airboats; explosions that shake buildings, and the unsightly and dangerous equipment littering the waters. The result: no birding — the noise has frightened them away; no fishing — the explosions have either killed or run the fish off; no boating or windsurfing — the excessive amount of seismic equipment has made it hazardous to navigate.

Unfortunately, the seismic survey is a forgone conclusion. However, whether or not oilrigs are permitted to drill in the laguna is another story.

According to state officials, acquiring drilling permits in protected and sensitive ecosystems is a “painstaking process.” One official said it takes about one year — by all estimates this seems a very short time to decide if the dirty business of oil exploration in the Laguna Madre demonstrates good judgment.

Sanchez Oil will likely seek approval from the state to drill. A little research reveals that Sanchez Oil is known for oil exploration in environmentally sensitive areas. According to Web site: www.utwatch.org, “In 2000 Sanchez obtained a permit for gas exploration in Burnet Bay in Baytown. ... Baytown city officials offered to assist the company scouting for land north of the city, but this alternative was not explored. City of Baytown officials and residents including Rep. Kay Bentsen protested against the permit in the form of letters, phone calls, and testimonies. More than 200 Baytown residents attended a meeting to register against the proposed drilling. Despite their efforts, however, the permit, allowing for gas exploration only 1,300 feet from the $3.6 million Baytown Nature Center, was granted.”

Undeniably our country is dependent upon oil, but is drilling in the Laguna Madre worth the risk? I say no.

Ann Smith

South Padre Island

Via the Internet