DEP will host virtual meetings to take public comment on air pollution regulation related to fracking
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Pennsylvania environmental officials will host three virtual meetings to take public comment on proposed state regulations aimed at reducing air pollution from unconventional natural gas drilling operations.
The draft regulation would require additional controls at fracking sites and related infrastructure like compressor stations. Department of Environmental Protection officials estimated that, if enacted, the new regulation would reduce volatile organic compound pollution by more than 4,400 tons per year, and reduce methane pollution by more than 75,000 tons per year.
“This regulation is part of Governor (Tom) Wolf’s Methane Reduction Strategy, which is an important part of fighting climate change in Pennsylvania,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “By utilizing reasonable pollution controls we can reduce air pollution from gas wells and related infrastructure and improve air quality.”
Virtual hearings will take place June 23 and June 25 at 6 p.m., and June 24 at 2 p.m.
Anyone wishing to present testimony can contact Jennifer Swan at 717-783-8727 or at RA-EPEQB@pa.gov at least 24 hours in advance of the hearing. Addresses and phone numbers are required. Witnesses must be Pennsylvania residents, and organizations are limited to one designated witness per group. Organizations can only offer testimony at one of the three meetings.
Officials from the citizen group Protect PT, which has opposed fracking in Penn Township, are planning to attend the hearing and comment on the regulation, according to executive director Gillian Graber.
Members of the Marcellus Shale Coalition are also planning to participate.
“While we are reviewing the proposed rulemaking and will provide in-depth comments, our industry remains absolutely committed to ensuring methane, the product we produce and sell, as well as related emissions are effectively and safely managed,” coalition President David Spigelmyer said in a statement. “Through new technologies and best practices – such as robust leak detection and repair programs and vapor recovery systems – operators continue to make significant progress to ensure natural gas reaches market, resulting in meaningful air quality progress.”
Hearings can be streamed live by clicking here.
To view the regulation or submit written comments, see AHS.DEP.pa.gov/eComment. Comments will be accepted through July 27.