Pennsylvania DEP to Meet With Drilling Companies to Discuss Ways to Prevent Dangerous Gas Migration Situations, Safeguard Homes, Water Supplies

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Department of Environmental Secretary John Hanger announced today that he has called a meeting of oil and gas companies with permits to drill in the Marcellus Shale to discuss what steps the industry must take to prevent gas migrating from wells and polluting Pennsylvania's natural resources, which can create a public safety risk.

The meeting will be held on May 13 in Harrisburg.

"The Department of Environmental Protection has a constitutional and statutory obligation to protect Pennsylvania's environment. That right is not for sale and is not subject to compromise," said Hanger.

"Drilling for natural gas beneath our soil can be done responsibly without putting the citizens of Pennsylvania, their property or livelihoods at risk," added Hanger. "I am urging the industry to come and discuss how to effectively and safely prevent gas migration, protect our natural resources, and ensure that what happened to the residents of Dimock Township, Susquehanna County, does not happen elsewhere."

Last week, DEP took further action against Cabot Oil & Gas Inc. after it failed to address migrating gas discovered in 2009 from drilling operations that contaminated groundwater and the drinking water supplies of 14 homes in the region.

"Gas migration is unacceptable and the department is taking every precaution necessary to address this issue to protect our citizens and their communities,"   Hanger added. "In addition to increased oversight, the department has proposed tougher regulations to meet the growing demand and new drilling technologies including improving well construction standards to protect from gas migration."

For more information, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us.

Media contact: Neil Weaver, 717-787-1323

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection