W.Va. Senate Approves Some Marcellus Gas Rules
Charleston Gazette
2 March 2011
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Companies drilling in West Virginia's
Marcellus shale field would face steeper permit fees and some new rules
under legislation advancing this session.
A unanimous Senate sent the House a proposal for these operations
Wednesday. It focuses mostly on developers that employ a horizontal
drilling method to tap this rich natural gas reserve.
The bill also adds rules overseeing the cracking of the shale with a
high-volume mix of water and chemicals. But surface owners and
environmental activists had sought stronger provisions.
The Senate also voted to increase permit fees from $650 to $5,000.
State regulators say they need $10,000 fees to hire needed inspectors.
The House of Delegates is considering its own bill addressing this
mile-deep natural gas field.