July 11 PA Environment Digest Now Available

July 11 PA Environment Digest now available. Click Here to print this Digest.

CBF: Settlement With DEP Expands Drilling Permit Reviews In Special Protection Waters

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Department of Environmental Protection have reached a settlement in CBF’s 2009 appeal of three Marcellus Shale drilling permits which prohibits DEP from using its expedited permit review process in High Quality and Exceptional Value special protection watersheds and for well pads in or on a floodplain.

“In the nearly two years since we began this appeals process, DEP has made significant strides to improve the environmental safeguards with regards to drilling in the Marcellus region, and we commend them for those efforts,” said Ehrhart. “However, while the settlement means strengthened protection for our waters, this one victory does not mean that all the issues regarding permitting and environmental protection for development of the Marcellus Shale are resolved. CBF, through our partnerships and position on the Governor’s Marcellus Shale Advisory Committee, is continuing to advocate for improvements to safeguard our environmental resources.” Click Here for more....