Corbett: Shale Fee Could Cap Abandoned Oil & Gas Wells, But They Aren't A Priority

The Tribune Review reported this week, Gov. Tom Corbett said in an interview for the first time he would support using Marcellus Shale impact fee revenue for a statewide purpose: plugging abandoned oil and gas wells.

"We have thousands of uncapped shallow (oil and gas) wells, and they're an environmental hazard," the Governor said. "If you're looking for a statewide use of funds, capping shallow wells-- which we have across the state-- is a logical use."

Pennsylvania may have as many as 100,000 abandoned oil and gas wells, but the question is are they an environmental hazard?

According to the 2010 PA Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report prepared by the Department of Environmental Protection, "petroleum activities" rank number 27 out of 35 sources of primary impairment of Pennsylvania's 16,547 miles of polluted streams.

DEP said 52 miles of streams have petroleum activities as their primary source of pollution, just below golf courses at 53 miles.

Based on science and actual stream quality assessments done by DEP, the most serious threat to water pollution and the environment in Pennsylvania are abandoned mine drainage-- 5,546 miles-- and agriculture-- 5,484 miles.

For more background on the DEP report, visit "80 Percent of Streams, Rivers Meet Standards, 16,547 Miles Do Not."

Visit the Renew Growing Greener Coalition website for more information on funding priority environmental restoration programs in Pennsylvania.
NewsClips: Corbett: Shale Gas Fee Could Cap Abandoned Wells