CONCERNS ABOUT GAS, OIL BOOM GROW
By Travis Moshier Endeavor News

Concern is growing about the potential environmental impact of increased gas and oil production in Potter County.

A recent Potter County Planning Commission (PCPC) survey of local government officials found worries about water quality and roads as the gas and oil boom intensifies. They're also feeling left out of the notification process, as drillers lease property, obtain state permits and move forward without contacting townships.

Seven of the nine township officials responding to the PCPC survey fear that oil and gas production could damage ground water and surface water

"We are very concerned about our springs and wells," said one respondent. "We are in the headwaters of three major rivers. Our streams are primarily High Quality and Exceptional Value designation. I hope people take this into consideration when considering where they will be drilling."

A concern of all nine responders is the impact of heavy drilling equipment on dirt roads that are not built to sustain the truck traffic.

Planning Director Charlotte Dietrich said a Pa. Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) official recently reported 125 wells had been inspected in the state, with some having violations, but with minimal wetland or stream disturbances.

The state is now requiring water management plans, Dietrich added.

PCPC has received its first application for water withdrawal, coming from Pennsylvania General Energy Company, LLC. That company wants to pull up to 20,000 gallons per day from East Fork, Wharton and Sylvania townships and use it for "hydrofracturing" wells in the Susquehannock State Forest.

In hydrofracturing, fluids are pumped down into the well to pressurize the rocks, causing them to crack, and that allows the gas to migrate to a collection system.