Odds Worsening in Shale Game

Developments in Pennsylvania show need for regulation of gas-drilling industry

Morgantown Dominion Post EDITORIAL
21 April 2011
 
Some are content with just enough news to confirm their own opinions. Newspapers’ opinion pages don’t have that “luxury.” We cannot hide from developments on any issue and our opinions are in print. Opinion pages are guarded and analytical, and rarely rush to judgment. But last fall we had read, seen and heard enough about the sweeping development of the vast Marcellus shale formation in West Virginia and other states. We called for comprehensive regulation of this industry in the upcoming regular session of the Legislature. That call went unheeded, as the House and Senate failed to compromise in the waning hours of the session. Then we urged the acting governor to call a special session of the Legislature as soon as possible, dedicated to regulating Marcellus shale drilling. Political posturing apparently muted that call as the acting governor refused to disrupt his campaign for the special gubernatorial primary. Following that, we joined with 23 legislators, from both sides of the aisle, who called for a moratorium on the issuance of new permits for Marcellus shale drilling. But the powers that be at the governor’s mansion and the state Capitol still don’t want to hear it. Which brings us to those new developments ... across our border in Pennsylvania. Though some in Charleston may ignore these developments, they do so at their own political peril, and possibly at great risk to the public. Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection has ordered Marcellus shale drillers to stop bringing their wastewater to treatment plants for discharge into rivers and streams by May 19. Where it will be treated or discharged after that wasn’t announced. But don’t even think about shipping it here. Turns out those treatment plants were not adequately treating this contaminanted water and it is polluting drinking water supplies in the Pittsburgh area, which an industry group even confirmed. Although West Virginia prohibits dumping this water into our rivers and streams, it does allow for injecting it deep below the earth into disposal wells. Yet, we suspect that even this process poses risks to our aquifer. And as a rule only about 20 percent of the chemical-laced water used in these wells is even extracted and injected underground. The rest finds its way somewhere. It’s said news is what people want to keep hidden, and everything else is publicity. When the need to regulate Marcellus shale drilling hits a crisis level our leaders won’t be able to hide.