Letter to the editor: Local operators produce natural gas responsibly

Ignoring existing regulations and standard operating procedures, as well as robust water recycling and conservation efforts, anti-natural gas activists are leveraging Beaver Run Reservoir’s latest drought watch to peddle false narratives around the industry’s responsible and stringently regulated water management practices (“Environmental groups scrutinize Beaver Run Reservoir water usage in the wake of drought watch,” March 21, TribLive).

In 2012, when Act 13 established the framework regulating the state’s modern natural gas industry, it required operators to obtain an approved water management plan in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) before any water is withdrawn. At no point are water needs for homes, schools, hospitals or other consumption placed at risk due to industry withdrawals, as the law also automatically suspends them if water levels fall below certain thresholds.

In fact, operators prepare for times of low water levels and often store reserves of water as levels ebb and flow. Regardless, no withdrawal can occur at any time without a PA DEP-approved plan that prioritizes and safeguards residential consumption needs, aquatic life and recreational uses.

Responsible natural gas development continues to benefit Pennsylvania communities, and operators here lead the industry in reusing 93% of wastewater, significantly reducing freshwater needs. We are committed to safely producing this abundant, critical resource across the commonwealth.

Dave Callahan

Robinson

The writer is president of the Marcellus Shale Coalition.