Resident: Gas Work Hurts Road
Says trucks destroying Beaver Hollow Road
Morgantown Dominion Post
23 February 2011
By Alex Lang
At least one resident of Beaver Hollow Road in Preston County said the
once well-maintained gravel road has been torn up by trucks associated
with Marcellus shale drilling.
“If any of the neighbors [have] a two-wheel drive vehicle they can’t
get home,” R.J. Williams said.
The trucks are associated with Chesapeake Energy’s new Marcellus shale
well at the Dellslow Hunting and Fishing Club.
Various types of trucks use the road in association with the natural
gas drilling operation.
Williams said that current road conditions make it more difficult to
travel the road. He said he damaged his diesel truck.
In a statement, Chesapeake Energy director of corporate development
Stacey Brodak confirmed that the company is using the road for access
to the Dellslow Hunting and Fishing Club well site.
The company has met with state road supervisors and filed the necessary
road maintenance permits, Brodak said.
“Chesapeake is committed to keep roads that we use in a safe and
passable condition, and to repair any road damage that results from our
operations,” she said.
Brodak also noted that spring is the toughest time of the year for road
repairs.
DOH spokesman Brent Walker did not respond in time for this report to
questions about whether permits have been filed.
About 30 people use the road regularly and about 15 homes are situated
along it, Williams said.