Will the test wells be halted?

Federal agencies weigh in

By FRITZ MAYER

UPPER DELAWARE VALLEY — There are now five test wells being constructed in Wayne County, but if an environmental group is right, those wells may soon be shut down because they will require review by the Delaware Basin Commission (DRBC).

On June 14, Carol Collier, the executive director of the DRBC, announced from that point forward test wells along with all other wells would require permits from the commission, but nine wells that had already received permits from the state could go forward.

However, on June 25, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife joined with the National Park Service to send a letter to the DRBC urging that the five test wells also be reviewed. According to the environmental group Damascus Citizens for Sustainability (DCS), the action from the two federal agencies compels the DRBC to comply.

DCS issued a press release calling the development a “game changer,” and said under DRBC rules it will be required to shut the wells down until it completes the process of formulating new regulations about how gas drilling will proceed in the basin.

The Northern Wayne Property Owners Alliance (NWPOA), a landowners collective representing gas leaseholders, did not respond to an email seeking comment.

Kate O’Hara of the DRBC said, “The commissioners will consider the letter’s request at the July 14, 2010 DRBC meeting and public hearing.”

In a related development, Newfield Exploration Company and Hess Corporation sent letters to NWPOA lease holders saying that they were suspending payments on the leases until the DRBC completes the rule making process.

According to an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the move throws into doubt some $200 million in payments to Wayne County property owners. NWPOA has hired a law firm in Philadelphia to pursue their interests with the DRBC.