HARRISBURG – State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 Houtzdale, said Tuesday’s report on the June 3-4 Marcellus Shale well blowout in Clearfield County documents the need to improve oversight and prevention.
“The dangers and risks inherent in natural gas extraction must be met responsibly and sufficiently by the industry and the Commonwealth,” said George, chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. “The accident in Clearfield County may have been among the first in Pennsylvania’s gas-drilling boom, but it won’t be the last.
“Either we learn from them and prepare for them or face costly consequences.”
George said many of the report’s findings were troubling, including:
? Failure of EOG Resources to test the blow-out preventers before they were employed;
? Unavailability of an emergency response plan, leading to a four-hour delay before Clearfield 911 was notified of the accident.
? Failure by EOG and its contractor, C.C. Forbes, to have appropriate personnel on location;
? Apparent lack of policies governing deployment of pressure barriers.
“Most troubling is the apparent disregard of rules that are considered standard operating procedures within the industry,” Rep. George said. “No human endeavor is going to be mistake-free, but the report suggests disregard for basic safeguards, which should trouble everyone.”
The analysis included seven recommendations, including:
? Testing blow-out preventers immediately after they are installed and before used;
? Making recorded test results of blow-out prevents available at the well site;
? Requiring at least one well supervisor to be on site during specific operations;
? Establishing a “clear and concise” notification process.
Operations by EOG Resources and Forbes were suspended for 40 days after the accident. Fines totaling $400,000 were assessed and the companies were ordered to take corrective actions.
“Too much is at risk to rely simply on improving reactions,” said Rep. George, whose House Bill 2213 would bolster protections from gas drilling.
The 17-page report is available on George’s Web site, under Reports/Updates on the Environmental Committee link.
