New rule toughens water use regulation at drill sites
Photo by Susan Phillips/StateImpact Pennsylvania
A worker collects a water sample at a natural gas wastewater recycling plant in Susquehanna County. At this facility, the wastewater reused in oil and gas drilling, and the solids that contain salts are sent to a landfill.
(Harrisburg) — Natural gas drillers will face more restrictions on their water use from the Susquehanna River.
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission, which is responsible for regulating any activities in the Susquehanna River Basin, is expanding the definition of drilling to include all activities at a pad site.
“The Commission undertook rule-making to clarify that rule to make it more clear as to what exactly water uses are subject to that rule, which is basically all of them,” saysExecutive Director Andrew Dehof. The SRBC is also asking drilling companies to hold on to any approvals regarding water use.
Additionally, the commission will now regulate how water is used to suppress dust, any excavation of underground lines, and tank cleaning outside the well site.
The Marcellus Shale Coalition, a gas industry group, says it’s already recycling and reusing water and is working on more innovations.
The changes are expected to take effect in mid-January.
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