DEP Issues New Oil and Gas Inspection Report Form

In a reported effort to improve Department consistency, the DEP undertook an internal review of its inspection and enforcement procedures related to Marcellus natural gas drilling operations. DEP issued a copy of its internal review which concluded that there were inconsistencies among DEP regions in the application and enforcement of its regulations. In an effort to improve statewide consistency, the Department made a series of recommendations and issued a new Surface Activities Inspection Report for use by Department Water Quality Specialists. While the intent was to address Marcellus gas operations, it appears that DEP will apply the recommendations and new inspection form to conventional oil and gas operations as well. Copies of the internal review document and the report form can be found by clicking here.