PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Marcellus Shale Coalition president David Spigelmyer issued this statement following the release today of Pa. DEP’s Mechanical Integrity Assessment Program data, which demonstrates the industry’s clear and strong record of environmental protection and regulatory compliance:
“At a time when anti-energy activists are seeking to undermine the integrity and safety of our operations, this report, like countless others, reflects that natural gas development and strong protection for our environment are not mutually exclusive.
“Our industry is laser-focused on leveraging continuously improving technologies, world-class engineering solutions and best practices aimed at safeguarding and enhancing our environment, including groundwater protection, as well as public health.
“Working together with regulators, and other stakeholders, we continue to make important and collaborative environmental as well as economic progress.”
KEY DEP FINDINGS:
- “A comprehensive analysis of the first year, 2014, shows that the majority of wells in the state are being operated in a manner that greatly reduces the risk for groundwater impacts.”
- “A comprehensive analysis (including file audits and independent site verification) of data submitted in 2014 showed that less than 1 percent of operator observations indicated the types of integrity problems, such as gas outside surface casing, that could allow gas to move beyond the well footprint.”
- “Operator compliance with mechanical integrity inspection requirements has been consistent since the program began, with reports submitted for approximately 99 percent of unconventional wells.”
# # #
