The Hellenic News of America
June 15, 2010
Media, PA —Congressman Joe Sestak (PA-07) applauded the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) for effectively ensuring that parts of the Marcellus Shale within its jurisdiction will only be drilled when we can best ensure the safety of our communities. In a decision publicized Monday, the Commission ruled that companies wishing to drill exploratory wells to tap into Marcellus Shale – done through a specialized method known as fracking – will need approval of the DRBC. The Commission has further determined that it will not issue more permits until proper safety regulations are put in place. DRBC had previously established this policy for production wells, which are drilled when a location is known to contain natural gas.
Earlier this month, a blowout of a natural gas well in Clearfield County resulted in gas and harmful drilling liquids being let loose for 16 hours before they were contained. Since 2004, methane related to the natural gas industry has contaminated water wells in at least seven Pennsylvania counties.
“Recent events, from the tragic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico to the fraudulent activity that contributed to the collapse on Wall Street, have reminded us all that we cannot depend on industry to police itself when our quality of life, present and future, is at stake,” said Congressman Sestak. “The resources of the Marcellus Shale have given us a tremendous economic opportunity, but we must be certain that the environmental, health, and property safeguards in place are strong enough to protect Pennsylvanians. I commend Executive Director Carol R. Collier for recognizing the pragmatic approach needed on this issue, which is a path to drilling that most benefits Pennsylvanians, not just the oil and gas companies. As an added benefit, we need some time to train workers in our state to qualify for Marcellus Shale jobs.”
To read more, including the DRBC Executive Director Determination, CLICK HERE.
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If Bradford County is not part of the 7 counties where methane has contaminated private water wells, then it is at least 8 counties in Pennsylvania. You don't need drive far to see that our good neighbor Chesapeake Energy have contaminated private water supplies on Plank Road in Towanda and over 12 private water supplies around Spring Lake. Hey EPA, DEP, Chesapeake, and everyone else who surfs this blog, the peasants are sick and tired of this sort of thing being covered up. One way or another, these stories are going to hit mainstream!
ReplyDeleteI am seeing more and more reports of tainted water wells. This is so sad. I would like to see this destruction exposed in the newspaper and TV reports.
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