Permits upheld for gas wells near Mars High School
MIDDLESEX TOWNSHIP — A state Environmental Hearing Board this month upheld permits for gas wells drilled near Mars High School, ending a years-long legal battle over the issue.
According to documents issued May 11, wells at the Geyer well pad on Denny Road in the township meet environmental regulations outlined under the state’s Environmental Rights Amendment. Two of the six wells were drilled beginning in 2015, though a battle ensued with members of the community concerned over their proximity to residential areas and the school.
The Geyer wells, which were drilled by State-College-based Rex Energy Corp. and are 0.6 miles from the Mars School District property, have been protested by a group of parents in the district and some residents of nearby Weatherburn Heights.
In the May 11 filing, the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board outlined the arguments for contention by Delaware Riverkeeper Network. First, it contended that the Department of Environmental Protection’s approval of permits for the Geyer wells, “was an abuse of discretion and a violation of specific statutes, associated regulations, and the prohibition against permitting a nuisance.”
The group also argued that portions of the Environmental Rights Amendment — Article 1, Section 27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution — were violated. That section indicates people have a right to clean air, pure water and the preservation of the environment.
The hearing board found that while the DEP did not perform a site-specific assessment of risk, it did review permit applications and adhered to existing laws. It also met with concerned citizens and took those issues into account.
Additionally, the board ruled that those filing the appeal did not provide enough proof to back up their claims, saying they, “failed to demonstrate that the Department acted unreasonably or in violation of either the 2012 Oil and Gas Act or any other relevant statutes or regulations.”
Appellates also failed to prove that portions of the Environmental Rights Act were violated, the order states.
Read the full story in the Butler Eagle.
