Gas firms prodded for not complying with state’s rules
DAVE THOMPSON/Sun-Gazette
John Hines, state Department of Environmental Protection Office of Water Management deputy secretary, right, speaks during Thursday’s Susquehanna River Basin Commission meeting as Kenneth Lynch of New York looks on.
STATE COLLEGE — Gas companies are learning not to fool with the Susquehanna River Basin Commission. During its quarterly meeting Thursday in State College, the commission accepted payments from three gas companies for not complying with state regulations regarding the withdrawal of water used for gas drilling. The commission requires permits to withdraw water from any water source to be used for gas drilling. Texas-based Novus Operating LLC began constructing two wells in Tioga County without receiving the proper water withdrawal permits from the commission, according to Thomas W. Beauduy, commission deputy director. The company was ordered to cease construction and penalized $100,000, Beauduy said. Another company, Southwestern Energy, also of Texas, began construction on a single well in Bradford County without acquiring permits from the commission, he said. The company agreed to remove pipe it had installed in the ground and agreed to pay $50,000 in lieu of a fine, he said.
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City Council passed two ordinances on first reading Thursday, authorizing two general obligation loans totaling $6 million.
However, council and city taxpayers were assured the money won’t be repaid from the city general fund.
New apartment site gets council go-ahead
City Council approved a land development plan Thursday for a new 8-unit apartment building planned by Jay Two Associates, owner of two existing apartment buildings next to the Basin Street Plaza.
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Commission approves water withdrawal
STATE COLLEGE — The Susquehanna River Basin Commission Thursday approved Williamsport-based TerrAqua Resource Management LLC’s request to withdraw up to 375,000 gallons of water per day from the Tioga River in northern Tioga County.
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