The Department of Environmental Protection Thursday released revised Chapter 78 drilling regulations which split conventional well standards in a new Chapter 78 and unconventional (Marcellus Shale) well requirements in Chapter 78a during the Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting.

The split was required by a provision included in the Fiscal Code bill at the last minute right before the General Assembly adjourned for the summer.

DEP Secretary Chris Abruzzo told the Citizens Advisory Council in July, “I don’t think there will be substantive changes in the regulations.  It’s a change in format. I’m disappointed that it will delay the regulations.”

NewsClips:

DEP Forced To Split Regulations For Conventional, Unconventional Wells

DEP: New Drilling Rules Will Help Find, Cap Abandoned Wells

PA Oil And Gas Regulations Under Consideration

DEP Inspectors Key To Marcellus Regulation

A Day In The Life Of A Longtime DEP Inspector

Trial, Error Approach Leaves Marcellus Shale Wounds

System For Tracking Marcellus Well Compliance In Disrepair

Drillers Did Not Report Half The Spills Leading To Fines

Spreadsheet: Total Marcellus Shale Well Fines

Spreadsheet: All Marcellus Shale Well Fines

Negative Publicity Does More Damage To Drillers Than Fines

MarkWest Fined $150,000 For Gas Flaring In Washington County

DEP Fines MarkWest, National Fuel Gas For Violations

DEP Fines Pipeline Company $250,000 For Violations In Lycoming

Corbett: Hasn’t Seen Any Intentional Violations By Gas Industry

Auditor General: Don’t Rely On DEP For Good Information

9/29/2014