Documentary explores effects of gas industry in Colo.

Chris Mobaldi and her husband, Steve, used to live in Rulison until Mobaldi's strange, increasing health problems drove them out. Convinced their water supply was contaminated by nearby natural gas drilling, the Mobaldis walked away from their house and moved to Grand Junction. Mobaldi is one of several Garfield County landowners interviewed in a new documentary titled “Split Estate.” Physicians, scientists and industry employees are also featured in the film. “Split Estate” explores the effects of the natural gas industry on landowners in Colorado and New Mexico. The film is being shown tonight at Mesa State College. In split estate situations, the surface rights and subsurface (mineral) rights for a piece of land are owned by different parties. According to the Bureau of Land Management, mineral rights in a split estate take precedence over other rights including those associated with owning (and living) on the surface. “Split Estate” deals with health problems many landowners attribute to natural gas industry contamination of their water wells as well as the air they breath. “Split Estate” premiered at the International Documentary Association's 13th annual DocuWeeks Theatrical Documentary Showcase in New York City and Los Angeles in August. Being invited to the showcase means the film qualifies for Academy Award consideration...read more