After sorting through some 69,000 comments on draft rules published last December, the Delaware River Basin Commission is set to vote Nov. 21 on a final set of rules governing natural gas drilling in northeast Pennsylvania.

The
rules are designed to allow gas drillers to use the controversial hydrofracturing (or fracking) technique to extract natural gas from a deep rock
formation known as the Marcellus Shale, while protecting water quality
in the Delaware River and its tributaries.

The commission, which oversees the water supply for Philadelphia and
half the population of New York City, has imposed a moratorium on all
Marcellus Shale drilling projects in the four-state basin until the rule-making process is complete.

The Associated Press reported tonight that, once the moratorium is lifted and drilling begins — perhaps early
next year — the gas industry would be limited to 300 wells until the
DRBC votes to allow additional drilling. The agency also said it would
study the effectiveness of its new rules after 18 months and make
adjustments as necessary.

Drilling industry cautious – New York Attorney General opposed

The drilling industry and a pro-drilling landowners group reacted
cautiously to the draft regulations, while New York’s attorney general
and environmental groups that oppose any drilling in the watershed
attacked the rules as inadequate.

“By issuing these modified draft regulations, the federal government
continues to ignore New Yorkers’ concerns about the impact fracking may
have on our environment, health and homes,” said Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman, who has filed a federal lawsuit meant to halt drilling
in the basin at least until a cumulative environmental impact study is
performed.

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