Pa. seeks stronger look at drilling near water sources

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania’s environmental regulators are agreeing to take more precautions before they approve drilling-related permits for oil and natural-gas wells that could pollute waterways.

The state Department of Environmental Protection agreed to the measures to settle a lawsuit filed by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The settlement, dated Wednesday, was approved by an Environmental Hearing Board judge.

The requirement for the stronger review process of up to 60 days will still require a public comment period and approval by a separate regulatory board. Currently, those permits can get approved in a matter of days.

Under the settlement, the department will seek approval for the stronger review if there’s the potential of polluting a high-quality waterway, or if construction is on a flood plain or a contaminated site.