House Environmental Committee Holds Hearing On Marcellus Shale Drilling Issues

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee this week held a hearing on wastewater issues surrounding drilling in Marcellus Shale for natural gas.

 

Judith Herschell, STW Resources of Texas, testified along with Eric Pederson and Gene Brock, describing how their company's zero liquid discharge facilities reclaims wastewater from the drilling process so no back flow water is discharged to the environment. (click here for slide presentation)

 

Hunter Hill, Little Pine Resources of Texas, offered comments on the issues of confidentiality of production records, frac water treatment and the need for more pipelines to bring the natural gas to market.

 

Tom Murphy, Penn State Cooperative Extension, described how the Extension has been providing educational servicest o landowners on issues involving land leasing, royalties and environmental impacts of drilling.

 

Ross Piefer, Agricultural Law Resource Center at Penn State, provided the Committee with a legal overview of lease negotiation, royalty payments and the rights of surface landowners.

 

Rep. Bud George (D-Clearfield) serves as Majority Chair and Rep. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) serves as Minority Chair of the Committee.