Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Another Fine For a Gas Drilling Company in Bradford County, PA

Southwestern Energy Production Company was recently fined $50,000 by the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) because they violated regulations on or about January 8th.  What did Southwestern do?  They started construction at a well pad without a permit.  They installed a well conductor pipe, used to move water, before obtaining permission from SRBC.  All water-related construction activities at these kinds of sites require SRBC prior approval.  The $50,000 has been termed a "payment in lieu of a penalty."

Another example of the rampant disregard for the law.  My suggestion for such an incident:  Shut down the company immediately.  How many "oopsy" things would happen if the penalties were more severe?

Read the whole article which appeared in the Towanda Daily Review on March 24.

DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Yes, the gas drilling execs must get quite a chuckle out of the pittance they are paying for not following the laws. I agree with you wholeheartedly that shutting the operations down would be MUCH more effective at preventing this complete and utter distain for the laws. They may have no regard for people's health and quality of life, but you'd think that they would at least have SOME regard for laws that are already on the books.But, NOOOOOOOOOOOO...