Drillng Information

The following is an excerpt from the PA DEP Fact Sheet: Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Production in Pennsylvania. Since this fact sheet, without amendments, was cited in the current online DEP materials about gas drilling, I assume that these specifics are still in effect. We would need to verify if there have been amendments to these regulations that changed the language or the intent. I have highlighted in blue, and commented in red.

PERMITTING
To drill a new oil or gas well in Pennsylvania, the operator must post a bond and get a well permit from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). In the permit application, the applicant must show the location, proximity to coal seams, distances from surface waters and water supplies. Technical staff in DEP’s Regional Offices review the permit application to determine whether the proposed well would cause environmental impacts, conflict with coal mine operations, or well spacing requirements. (You may recall that on at least two different occasions the landmen from Dale Property Services said that they did not know the answer to where the water was coming from, what would be in it when extracted from the well, and where it would be going.

An oil and gas operator who plans to drill a group of wells that will disturb five or more acres over the life of the project, must apply to DEP for a separate permit for storm water management. This “disturbed area” includes well sites and associated roads, pipelines, and storage areas to be constructed. (Did Chesapeake file a separate permit? What's in it?)

The affected surface landowner and coal deep-mine operator have the opportunity to file an objection about the location of the well. If DEP’s permitting staff find that no adverse impacts would result, the operator will receive a permit to drill the well. (How can the affected landowners have an opportunity to file an objection about the location of the well if they were never informed about the request for permit? This is potentially a basis for legal pressure, if not legal action.)

OIL AND GAS WELL BONDS
Wells drilled in Pennsylvania after April 17, 1985, must be bonded. The bond is a financial incentive to ensure that the operator will adequately perform the drilling operations, address any water supply problems the drilling activity may cause, reclaim the well site, and properly plug the well upon abandonment. The bond amount for a single well is $2,500; a blanket bond to cover any number of wells is $25,000. (WHAT???)

MONITORING
DEP Field Operations staff inspect well sites to ensure that the operator sites and drills the well according to the permit and applicable laws. DEP staff also investigate complaints where an oil or gas well or drilling activity may be causing environmental or public safety concerns, especially when contamination of a drinking water supply is suspected.
DEP inspects well sites from construction to reclamation to ensure that the site has proper erosion controls in place, and that any waste generated in drilling and completing the well was properly handled and disposed of. Also, well operators are required to submit a variety of reports regarding well drilling, completion, production, waste disposal, and well plugging. When called for, DEP employs progressive enforcement against well operators to ensure that facilities are brought into compliance. DEP is woefully understaffed in their inspection and oversight operations. The obvious inadequacy of pollution controls and monitoring, detection, and correction is disturbing. As the number of drilling sites increases dramatically, from 11 this year to 28 next year just for Chesapeake [their figures]) and certain members of the legislature try to decrease DEP staffing in the budget negotiations, it is imperative that local homeowners protect their own interests aggressively!)

COMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE
In addition to permitting and enforcement, DEP’s Oil and Gas Management Program staff works toinstruct and advise well drillers and operators on best management practices and procedures for environmental controls and waste management. Compliance assistance helps to prevent future incidents of environmental damage. DEP’s Oil and Gas staff hold workshops for industry and will meet with applicants as needed to address environmental matters before well site construction begins.(See staffing issues, above)

Bureau of Oil and Gas Management
P.O. Box 8765
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8765
Phone: 717-772-2199 Fax: 717-772-2291
PA Department of Environmental Protection
Oil and Gas Management Program
Southwest Regional Office
400 Waterfront Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-4745

For archival and geologic information and production histories, please contact:
PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Topographic and Geologic Survey

400 Waterfront Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-4745
Phone: 412-442-4235 Fax: 412-442-4298

Web link for directions:http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/topogeo/loc.htm

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA - OIL & GAS OFFICES
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/cac/lib/cac/meetings/may_20_2008/5500-fs-dep2018.pdf