The Environmental Quality Board published proposed regulations increasing oil and gas well permit fees in the September 14 PA Bulletin for public comment.  The proposed regulations were just approved by the EQB for comment at the July 16 meeting, a near record for publication in the PA Bulletin.

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.

For a copy of the proposed regulation and other background documents, visit the Environmental Quality Board webpage (see July meeting).

9/16/2013