Two West Virginia DEP Studies on Gas Drilling Still Delayed

March 1, 2013
Posted By: Mike Murphy

Randy Huffman, Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), reportedly defended the agency’s tardiness in finalizing two natural gas drilling studies that were due at the end of 2012, as mandated by the 2011 Horizontal Well Act, during a presentation to the West Virginia Legislature on February 21, 2013.  “I made the decision to be late rather than turning in something we wouldn’t be proud of,” Huffman said.  The two late studies include an investigation of the safety of pits and impoundments and the evaluation of noise, light and dust generated by the drilling of horizontal wells as they relate to the Horizontal Well Act’s setback requirements.  Earlier this year, Secretary Huffman said he hoped to complete a report for the impoundment study by mid-February, but at the time did not offer an estimated completion date for the noise, light and dust study.  DEP noted in the February 21st presentation to the legislature that the logistical demands involved with completing the studies were overwhelming in light of the statutory deadline.  “We have taken a lot of time with these studies to try to be as scientific and comprehensive as we could,” Huffman said.  A third DEP study examining air pollution from oil and gas operations is due on July 1, 2013.

PA State Senator to Introduce Public Notification and Access to Information Act for Gas Pipeline Projects

February 1, 2013
Posted By: Keith Coyle

As indicated in this article from January 29th, Andy Dinniman, state senator for Pennsylvania’s 19th Senatorial District, planned to introduce the Public Notification and Access to Information Act this week.  Reportedly, the Act would require the posting of additional information about proposed gas pipeline projects on the Department of Environmental Protection’s website.

West Virginia DEP Adds Oil and Gas Inspectors

January 9, 2013
Posted By: Mike Murphy

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has hired nine new oil and gas inspectors to handle increased natural gas drilling activity in the state.  DEP initiated the hiring search for additional inspectors after the state legislature passed the Horizontal Well Act in December 2011.  Since that time, DEP’s Office of Oil and Gas (OOG) has increased its total staff from 28 to 49.  According to a DEP spokeswoman, there are still two open inspector positions, and the OOG enforcement section will expand to 30 staff when these vacancies are filled.  The DEP spokeswoman said that the agency’s gas well permitting process slowed down during the hiring search, as DEP staff were temporarily diverted from the permitting process to interview prospective inspectors.

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