County Conservation Districts Taken Out Of The Loop By DEP

By DAVID THOMPSON dthompson@sungazette.comSun Gazette
The state Department of Environmental Protection said recent changes to its policy regarding the review of sediment, erosion and stormwater control plans for gas exploration will enhance environmental safeguards.
Some environmental groups said they fear the changes will give the oil and gas industry a free pass to do as they please regarding those safeguards.
Under the new policy, county Conservation Districts will no longer review the plans. The reviews now will be done by DEP staff, according to the agency.
The department also is making plans to streamline its erosion and sediment and stormwater permitting processes as they pertain to gas drilling.
A letter from the DEP's Office of Water Management notified the agency's regional offices and Conservation Districts about the changes. More...