Environmentalists call for PA-DEP to hold Marcellus Gas Drillers accountable after recent spills of unknown chemicals

Harrisburg, PA - In response to Wednesday's reported spill in Dimock, Pennsylvania of over 8000 gallons of chemicals used in the mining of natural gas, Clean Water Action has called on Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to levy fines against Cabot Oil & Gas and immediately test the wells used for drinking water. Clean Water Action, a statewide environmental group, has been making calls to local residents of Dimock and representatives of DEP to learn more about the unknown substance released into the area this week. Reportedly, Halliburton, working on behalf of the drilling leaseholder, failed to properly control a "drilling gel" used to aid in exploration.

"We've been living around these well-sites and worrying about the safety of our drinking water and Burdick Creek for a long time. The fact that this spill happened two days ago and no one can seem to tell the people in Dimock what they spilled just shows that there aren't enough rules about what these drilling companies have to tell the public about the
chemicals they are using in our backyards," said Richard Seymour, a resident of Dimock who lives near the spill site.

"DEP needs to take strong enforcement actions with heavy fines for Cabot Oil & Gas. It's time to create a financial incentive for these companies to behave in a safe manner. DEP must show the people of Pennsylvania that they come first - not the profits of the oil and gas companies," said Brady Russell, Eastern Pennsylvania Director of Clean Water Action. "DEP should also move swiftly to test individual water wells nearby the spills. The very fact that Halliburton is reluctant to release the chemicals in the gel is reason enough to begin testing."

Residents and other Pennsylvanians interested in getting more involved in protecting our drinking water and working for safe drilling should call Nathan Sooy in Clean Water Action's Harrisburg Office: 717-233-1801.