Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Stewards of the Lower Susquehanna, and Earthworks filed an appeal on September 15 with the Environmental Hearing Board of a Residual Waste General Permit issued to Range Resources Appalachia and LAFARGE North America authorizing research and development activities to support the beneficial use of drill cuttings for pavement at gas well sites. 

The General Permit allows the construction of a test well pad using drill cuttings in place of cement and could result in a beneficial use determination by the Department of Environmental Protection that will allow its use in well pads and access roads at gas well sites in the state.

The test pad is located uphill from two exceptional value streams, Larry’s Creek and Dog Run Creek.

The organizations petitioned the EHB based on the DEP’s failure, among other things, to analyze and address the long-term impacts of the project on the community and the natural resources it depends upon and to review and address the long-term and cumulative risks to groundwater and surface water contamination. 

The petitioners asked the EHB to reverse DEP’s approval.

A copy of the filing is available online.

9/22/2014