In a recent government meeting, community members voiced urgent concerns regarding the health and environmental impacts of fracking in Allegheny County. Kelly Ann Frketic, a resident of Elizabeth Township, highlighted the alarming proximity of fracking operations to local schools, including a site just 1,700 feet from a high school. Frketic, who has witnessed changes in local governance that favor industrial development despite public opposition, emphasized the serious health risks associated with fracking, particularly for children.

Citing a 2020 study commissioned by the Wolf Administration, Frketic noted that children living near fracking sites are five to ten times more likely to develop lymphoma, alongside increased asthma attacks and other health issues. She criticized local leaders for continuing to support fracking initiatives, which she claims prioritize corporate profits over community health.

Frketic called for the establishment of an Allegheny County Action Plan Community Task Force to ensure that affected residents have a voice in decision-making processes. She expressed frustration over the lack of educational outreach regarding the dangers of fracking, particularly in areas adjacent to schools and parks.

The meeting underscored a growing concern among residents about the long-term implications of fracking on public health and the environment, as well as the need for greater community involvement in local governance.