The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the December 16 PA Bulletin of interim final technical guidance on drilling Marcellus Shale natural gas wells in areas with longwall coal mining (DEP ID: 800-0810-0040).  Comments due January 31.

This guidance was developed to facilitate appropriate unconventional well inactivation and re-entry procedures in advance of, and subsequent to, longwall panel removal, respectively; that will allow for continuous isolation of gas from workable coal seams, protection of mining personnel and prevention of pollution of the waters of the Commonwealth, consistent with applicable law.

This guidance is effective on December 16 in the interim while DEP accepts public comments.

All comments must include the commentator's name and address. Commentators are encouraged to submit comments using the Department's eComment system or by email to: ecomment@pa.gov.  Written comments should be submitted to the Technical Guidance Coordinator, Policy Office, Department of Environmental Protection, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101. Comments submitted by facsimile will not be accepted.

Questions regarding this technical guidance should be directed to Seth Pelepko at 717-772-2199 or send email to: mipelepko@pa.gov.

Click Here for a copy of the interim final guidance.

[Posted: Dec. 15, 2017]

12/18/2017