Emergency Response For Gas Well Accidents
Comes Under Scrutiny
The sufficiency of local emergency response plans in
gas drilling areas and the capacity of state officials to act quickly when
problems hit will be the subjects of a public hearing held by the state
Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.
Senator Lisa Baker, committee chair, said community
groups and environmental activists are questioning whether plans to deal
with well blowouts, leaks, and spills are in place and detailed enough to
meet the challenges posed by the increased drilling activity in the
Marcellus Shale.
"These concerns warrant our attention. As I have said
many times, proper precautions are better than the best emergency response.
Community safety, public health, and water quality are put at risk if there
are any holes in emergency planning. With government budgets at every level
under severe strain, it is a legitimate worry that preparation and training
have not kept pace with the need," Baker stated.
"In the wake of the recent gas well blowout in
Clearfield County, there are local rumblings that PEMA was either not ready
or not properly engaged. There is a responsibility to air the situation and
find the facts," she said.
"The heavy truck traffic resulting from equipment and
fracking material being shipped in raises the possibility of collisions,
turnovers, and spills. We are dealing mostly with rural areas and small
communities. What is the state of readiness? Is there the necessary
coordination and communication between levels of government, before we are
tested by crisis? Are the resources immediately available when the worst
happens?" Baker pointed out.
The Senate hearing is scheduled for June 29th,
at 10:00 a.m., in Conference Room 8 E-B, East Wing.
Contact:
Aaron Shenck
ashenck@pasen.gov
(717) 787-7428
