homepage - naturalgas - rulemaking - moratorium and regulatory reform in the delaware river basin
Delaware River Basin Commission issued draft natural gas development regulations on December 9, 2010. The purpose of the proposed regulations is to protect the water resources of the Delaware River Basin during the construction and operation of natural gas development projects. The draft regulations establish requirements to prevent, reduce, or mitigate depletion and degradation of surface and groundwater resources and to promote sound practices of watershed management. Sierra Club and Delaware Riverkeeper submitted comments on the proposed regulations in April 2011.
On July 14, 2010, the DRBC allowed two in-progress exploratory wells to go forward as an exception its general moratorium.
On June 14, 2010, recognizing that poorly-regulated exploration wells also pose a risk to the Delaware, the DRBC extended its moratorium to these wells.
On May 19, 2009, the DRBC issued a "special determination" banning extraction wells in its "Special Protection Waters" unless the Director specifically approves them.