CLEARFIELD – On Tuesday the Clearfield County Commissioners received additional information on a proposed disposal injection well off of Highland Street in Brady Township.
It is believed the Class 2 well would be used for the disposal of liquid waste, most notably brine water associated with fracking. The well would be drilled to a depth of 7,300 feet. She stated that there are already two injection wells in Clearfield County.
Marianne Atkinson addressed the commissioners, as she did in October 2011.
On Tuesday, Atkinson informed the commissioners that Windfall Oil and Gas has yet to apply for the permits it needs to operate such a site, but that it is expected they will do so. She stated that she and her husband were worried a catastrophe could affect their neighborhood’s aquifer. She stated that should something happen to their water, Brady Township would be unable to provide them with water.
Commissioner Mark McCracken said he and fellow commissioner John Sobel were part of a conference call with Congressman Glenn Thompson and state Rep. Matt Gabler, as well as others. McCracken said that all three levels, county, state and federal, are engaged in the situation. He indicated that when information comes down that the permits are filed, a hearing must be had.
“We want to make sure everyone has a chance to express their feelings,” said McCracken.
McCracken likened the disposal well to another form of landfill. He stated the commissioners have been supportive of frac water treatment plants, which also help to create additional jobs.