State Seeking Public Comment on Marcellus Rule
Charleston Gazette
By the Associated Press
9 September 2011
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The public can start weighing in on West
Virginia's new rule governing Marcellus Shale drilling.
The 30-day comment period began Thursday in advance of legislative
review of the rule.
The emergency regulation for this vast natural gas reserve was
issued last month. Among other topics, it requires drillers to
explain how they'll protect area land, manage the large volumes of
water involved, and respond to accidents.
State Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin, acting as governor,
ordered the Department of Environmental Protection to draft the
rule. It lasts 15 months. Public comments are meant to help
lawmakers write a permanent version in 2012.
Legislators are also attempting a more comprehensive Marcellus
measure that can be acted on during a special session this year.
DEP is accepting the comments, including by email at
dep.comme...@wv.gov.