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DEP Discusses Clearfield County Well Blowout – Cause & Consequences DEP this week announced the results of an independent investigationof the Clearfield County gas well blowout in June. The investigation concluded that the blowout was the result of poor practices by the well operator and was preventable. DEP Secretary John Hanger said the blowout, which occurred during the completion state and allowed natural gas and wastewater to escape from the well uncontrollably for 16 hours, "was caused by [operator] EOG Resources and its failure to have proper barriers in place. This incident was preventable and should never have occurred." Hanger said that DEP will be stepping up its efforts to ensure well operators are following proper procedures. The agency has also issued a letter detailing new safety requirements. Kathryn Klaber, president of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, a drilling advocacy group, responded to DEP's letter on new safety requirements in a statement: "Our industry is committed to continuously enhancing and improving our operations, and leveraging the opportunities of the Marcellus in a manner that's safe, efficient and beneficial to all Pennsylvanians." Hanger noted that many of the state's drillers are already using at least two barriers to control pressure in a well during its completion, having a staffer certified in well-control procedures on site, testing blowout preventers before they are used, and posting emergency plans and phone numbers at each site. The blowout happened at a time when the relatively new industry in Pennsylvania is under heavy scrutiny. In the last month, several lawmakers including House Environmental Resources and Energy Chairman Camille "Bud" George, and Rep. Phyllis Mundy, have introduced legislation to further regulate the industry or put a moratorium on drilling, and DEP has proposed new well construction and testing regulations in the PA Bulletin. The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) released a new report entitled "Developing the Marcellus Shale," which calls for stricter oversight and new regulations on the development of the natural gas field in Pennsylvania. The report, which was developed following a May policy conference on the Marcellus Shale sponsored by Duquesne University, includes a series of recommendations the Council believes are necessary to ensure the safe production on natural gas in the shale. PEC President Don Welsh likened the development of the Marcellus Shale to the California Gold Rush, the Texas oil boom and the discovery of oil on Alaska's north slope.
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