Update regarding Senate Bill 411 (Mine Water Use Bill)
As we previously reported in a mid-February post, a bill has been proposed “that would limit the treatment liability of entities that choose to utilize acid mine water (AMD) for hydraulic fracturing of oil/gas wells, or other industrial uses.” Senate Bill 411, sponsored by Senator Kasunic, has generated significant discussion in recent weeks by industry, the Commonwealth, and environmental activists. On March 13, 2013, the bill was tabled by the Senate for further review. Note that the Pennsylvania DEP issued a white paper in January of this year regarding the use of mine influenced water in drilling operations.