The Environmental Quality Board is scheduled to consider proposed changes to Chapter 78 oil and gas well drilling fee regulations at its July 16 meeting.  It is the only regulation on the agenda.

The proposal would increase the fee per Marcellus Shale well by about $1,800 per nonvertical well and $2,200 per vertical well.   Without the fee increase, DEP would start running a deficit next fiscal year-- FY 2013-14.

DEP said the fee increase is necessary because of a 22 percent decrease in the number of Marcellus Shale well permit applications received by the department.

The cost to DEP to regulate Marcellus Shale wells has increased due to the new requirements included in Act 13 of 2012 and the 23.5 percent increase in the number of actual wells drilled requiring inspections.

The EQB meeting will be held in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson Building and will begin at 9:00.

For a copy of the proposed regulation, visit the Environmental Quality Board webpage.

7/1/2013