On Thursday Feb 28, about 25 people from around upper Bucks came together to learn about the way that PADEP regulates oil and gas exploration and extraction. Representatives from the PADEP Bureau of Oil and Gas Management as well as the southeast regional office (Kevin Munley) were on hand to present the facts and answer questions. If you aren’t already aware, there are a number of leaseholds in Nockamixon, and Townships and the PADEP has issued 2 permits so far for gas drilling in Nockamixon Township. These permits are available for viewing at the Nockamixon Township building.
While it appears that the construction of these sites is pretty well regulated, discussions became heated when the audience asked what municipalities and residents could do to protect themselves against loss of water quality or quantity. Apparently, there are no requirements from the DEP to test wells for either quality or quantity, but many gas companies do this as a precaution as they are responsible for any problems reported by adjacent landowners within 1000 feet of the well (if confirmed by DEP as being caused by the drilling). Attempts by Nockamixon to regulate this activity have been thwarted by the State; which claims jurisdiction. It seems that it may fall to the landowner to prove that they have been harmed – so it behooves landowners to be aware of drilling on adjacent properties and to consult a professional for advice.
Some attendees were also concerned about drilling on the old Cabot property, a known contaminated site. While DEP officials have made a determination that no threat to water quality exists, they readily admit that they do not have any models that illustrate the way groundwater moves in the area, nor did they have any information regarding groundwater contamination on the site.
When asked about the pipelines to remove gas, if found, the answers were also disturbing. Apparently the company does not need to divulge easement agreements or plans for pipelines in advance. Therefore we do not know where they would run if needed. According to the regulations, wetlands and waterbodies less than 1 acre in size and streams that are not shown on a 7.5’ topo are not protected. That means that there are numerous vernal ponds and intermittent streams in Gallows Run Watershed that would be excluded from protection. Although it is unclear if any drilling is proposed for Cooks Creek Watershed at this time, if gas is found we will need to be vigilant if our headwaters are to be protected. And while it appears that our local officials would be willing to write ordinances to protect the people and our water from harm, note that efforts by Nockamixon to regulate drilling have been thwarted by the State.
A diagram illustrating Potential contamination scenario at Cabot drill sitecan be viewed by clicking on this link.