Wednesday, January 18, 2012

DEP Invites Public To 2 Discussions On Using Mine Drainage In Fracking Operations

The Department of Environmental Protection is inviting the public to participate in one of two upcoming public sessions to gather input and ideas about the use of acid mine drainage in hydraulic fracturing operations.
            In November, DEP announced an interim procedure for how the department would process requests by the oil and gas industry to use water impacted by active or abandoned mines for the development of gas wells particularly in the Marcellus Shale regions of the state.
            The process was outlined in a draft “white paper” that was developed by a team of DEP staff.  The department is following the process outlined in the draft white paper to guide staff in granting approvals for the use of AMD in fracking.
            Following the public input sessions, DEP will update the process, and publish a final “white paper” in the spring.
            The first public session will be held at 9 a.m., January 24 in the Second Floor Auditorium of the Rachel Carson State Office Building, 400 Market St., Harrisburg. 
            A second session will be held at 9 a.m. January 25 and be conducted via a webinar for those who can’t make the first session in person.  To register for the January 25 session, visit the online registration webpage.
            DEP Deputy Secretary for Water Management Kelly Heffner and John Stefanko, Deputy Secretary for Active and Abandoned Mine Operations will review the process and lead the discussion to gather your input. 
            A copy of the white paper is available online.

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