Township Says It Tried to Obtain Answers on Well


Washington, PA Observer-Reporter
24 September 2009
By Bob Niedbala, Staff writer
niedbala@observer-reporter.com



Wayne Township supervisors have been aware of the CNX Gas Co. brine disposal well at the Blacksville No. 1 Mine Morris Run Shaft since it became operational in 2005.

The supervisors said they have questioned both CNX and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency about the well and once even took water samples themselves from trucks at the site.

"We've had concerns about what was going down that hole and whether it was harmful to residents if it would get into their well water," Supervisor Tim Chapman said.

EPA permitted the well for disposal of wastewater from the company's coal bed methane wells. The well has not been blamed for the Dunkard Creek fish kill, though the kill has drawn attention to the operations.

In a matter unrelated to the kill, EPA issued an administrative order last month assessing CNX a $157,500 penalty for failing to adequately staff and secure the well site, monitor the well's cumulative volume and report permit noncompliance.

Supervisor Allen Wells said CNX gave the supervisors a tour of the well site when it first opened and assured them it was safe.

When the number of trucks increased, the supervisors began dealing with CNX on road repairs and again questioned the company about the dumping. CNX agreed to allow the supervisors to test water in trucks at the site after taking a safety course required to enter the mine property.

Wells said he took samples from two trucks on Aug. 22, 2006. A basic analysis of the water showed it was safe, he said. A more complete analysis would have cost $4,000 a sample, which the township could not afford. The township also believed it should be regulatory agencies testing the water, not the township, Chapman said.

Because of the increase in Marcellus Shale drilling, the supervisors several months ago contacted EPA to ask about the well and were told CNX was sampling the water and providing EPA with results.

The company also was asked for its testing results, which were received by the township Tuesday. The supervisors plan to meet with EPA to review the data. Chapman said the supervisors have asked questions about what is going on at the site but have had problems getting answers. He noted the township was never informed about the company's violation at the well site or the subsequent consent agreement.