Chesapeake Energy Sued Over Noise in Fort Worth

That wall you see by the Chesapeake Energy drilling rig is near where I live. I think its purpose is to block noise.

A short distance from this wall there is a gated community called Riverbend Estates.

Jim Ashford is suing Chesapeake Energy due to the noise Chesapeake compressors make. The compressors are at another site, on the north side of the Trinity River from Riverbend Estates.

Ashford complained to the city for 2 years to no avail. And then sued. His suit contends the compressors are a nuisance under Texas common law. He seeks restitution for damages for mental anguish and the loss of enjoyment of his home.

Ashford filed 5 police reports between February and May of 2007. Officers responding to the complaints reported they could hear the compressors from Ashford's house. Two of the cops wanted Chesapeake cited for violating the city's general noise ordinance. But a further investigation, or more likely, interference from above, determined the sound did not amount to a criminal offense.