January 2013 Update

by friendsofyellowcreek@gmail.comMarcellus ShalePosted on Comments are Disabled

As area residents know, drilling and development within the park conservation zone has halted for the time being.  It is unclear whether this is the result of geological feature making it unprofitable or the drop in gas prices.

At this time, there are still leases in the conservation zone which could be developed.

The legal status of local Marcellus legislation is in limbo.  If you are interested in this issue as it impacts Indiana county, you may want to follow the activites of the Coalition for a Healthy County.  http://coalitionforahealthycounty.wordpress.com/

Marcellus Shale

by friendsofyellowcreek@gmail.comMarcellus ShalePosted on Comments are Disabled

 

watewater in Yellow Creek Protected Zone

DCNR has received a request to drill a Marcellus gas well within Yellow Creek State Park.

 

MDS Energy began drilling a Marcellus gas well within the Yellow Creek Conversation Zone; it is now seeking a zoning exception from the county, in order to be able to legally continue this drilling.

The well site located on private property,  approximately 1500 feet from the shore of the lake, and within 1/2 mile of both Boy Scout Camp Seph Mack and the DCNR cabins.   Many years ago, Indiana County established a buffer zone around the state park, thus the need for an exception before MDS could drill in this area.  

 

 

 

 

 


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Hydro Fracking in the Yellow Creek Conservation Zone

by friendsofyellowcreek@gmail.comMarcellus Shale, NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

 

MDS Energy has resumed drilling at the Ray Road site within the Indiana County Conservation Zone just 1500 up hill from the lake. After beginning this well illegally, they have now been granted permission to drill, with some conditions, by the Indiana County Zoning Hearing Board which held that the operation would not be in violation of the Conservation ordinance.

Ray Road, Penn Run Pa. Y

Unfortunately, the current law does not explicitly prohibit drilling within the zone, even though its intent is “to ensure adequate protection for the quantity and quality of the park waters and to prohibit any use that poses a potential to degrade the park waters. Additional environmental concerns include air pollution in the forms of particular and noxious odor, noise pollution, and aesthetic incompatibitities, any one of which can destroy the rural park setting if allowed to operate at an abusive level. (4.600 Intent of Conservation (C) Zone)”

As many FOYC members will know, this well is close to both the Boy Scout Camp and the DCNR cabins.  If you would like to become more informed and participate in the effort to get this 30-year old law revised, please visit Coalition for a Healthy County.

CHC Announces Waltz for the Wild and Petition

by friendsofyellowcreek@gmail.comEvents, Marcellus ShalePosted on Comments are Disabled

The Coalition for a Healthy County includes such area groups as The Sierra Club and the Central Indiana Water Council. Along with PenEnvironment they will be participating in the Waltz for the Wilds on June 14 @ College lodge.

Please encourage your organization to officially join our coalition by supporting our Coalition’s goal, to rewrite the zoning ordinance for the conservation zones to ban fracking.http://www.petitiononline.com/CHCind11/petition.html

Good News on Marcellus Drilling in the Yellow Creek Conservation Zone

by friendsofyellowcreek@gmail.comEvents, Marcellus ShalePosted on Comments are Disabled

The Indiana Gazette Reports that MDS Energy  “will not be allowed to drill a shale-gas well near Yellow Creek State Park unless it can show how it will ensure the park and its lake will be protected, the Indiana County Zoning Hearing Board has ruled.” There is the possibility for a reapplication or appeal.  Friends of Yellow Creek and a loose coaltion of community groups provided essential testimony to the County Commissioners and Indiana County Zoning Hearing Board.

Read the full story “Panel Denies Drilling Permit,” Sam Kusic May 3, 2011

Notice of Meeting: Marcellus Fracking in Yellow Creek Protected Zone

by friendsofyellowcreek@gmail.comEvents, Marcellus ShalePosted on Comments are Disabled

April 13, 10:30am @ the County Courthouse

Hydraulic fracking is a dangerous process, but it is a process that is here in our state, and in particular in Indiana County, and not going away in the short-term. Our County Commissioners can take steps to ensure public safety and environmental preservation that is clearly threatened by this hazardous process. The proposed Marcellus Shale vertical well that was illegally started in the conservation zone that surrounds Yellow Creek Park is a clear consequence of this negligence. 

Community organizations are joining with local land owners and concerned citizens to ask the County Commissioners to act immediately to stop the Yellow Creek well, and to take common sense steps to protect our county from unintended environmental damage.

Please join us on April 13, 10:30am @ the County Courthouse, 2nd floor Commissioners hearing room. Contact G. Smith @ 724-910-0690 if you would like further information, or will be able to attend.