Gas Well Production, Compliance Information Available Thru DEP Website

Pennsylvania’s oil and gas industry production and compliance information is now more easily available through the DEP website as part of the Commonwealth’s ongoing effort to make the industry’s operations more transparent.
           Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger said the oil and gas public reporting website, which debuted today, allows access to production statistics for oil and gas wells in the state, including historical data. 
            “The public reporting website will create much needed transparency that allows for citizens and policymakers to be aware of the increasing amount of natural gas being generated in Pennsylvania,” said Secretary Hanger. “This is an industrial activity that is taking place widely throughout the state. It’s important that families know what is happening in their backyards and whether or not the company drilling there has a good track record of safe and environmentally sound operations.”
            The public reporting website enables users to search all oil and natural gas production data by operator, county or a specific well number. Information on industry-generated waste can be viewed by operator, county or processing facility.
            Act 15 of 2010 required Marcellus operators to report to DEP their well production totals from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010 by August 15. Subsequent reports on Marcellus production are due every six months. All other oil and gas production besides Marcellus wells must be reported annually.
            A new, separate webpage also lets users view violation data, by operator, as well as the department’s enforcement measures.
            The violation, inspection, and enforcement information is available for 2008 through 2010 to date, including resolved violations for the three-year span. Information for 2010 is available year-to-date or monthly. 
            “It is absolutely essential for the oil and gas industry to be excellent in their operations to protect public health and our environment,” Secretary Hanger said. “This information will allow the public to see which operators are leading the way in a safe and environmentally conscious manner and which ones need to address their operating procedures.”
            “Within seconds, anyone with the Internet, an iPhone or a Blackberry now has access to critical, up-to-date information about job-creating Marcellus development in Pennsylvania,” said Kathryn Klaber, president and executive director of the Marcellus Shale Coalition. “The natural gas industry is focused on ensuring that our operations are world-class, and that as an industry, we remain true to our Guiding Principles. This new and much-needed level of transparency not only reinforces our commitment to the community, but it also gives Pennsylvanians a unique opportunity to understand the specifics of our operations.”
            NewsClips: Expanded Gas Well Info Available Online From DEP
                                2 Counties Have Nearly Half Of Gas Production


11/8/2010

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