Jonathon Berman, (202) 495-3033, jonathon.berman@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC -- Late yesterday, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) rejected Energy Transfer Partners’ request to resume horizontal directional drilling at two sites for its Rover fracked gas pipeline. This rejection comes after numerous leaks into Ohio’s wetlands, and Clean Air and Clean Water act violations. FERC has halted the process at only eight locations of the 32 where drilling is taking place under Ohio’s wetlands and streams.
Since news of the 15 violations broke on April 18th, Energy Transfer Partners has racked up 12 additional stormwater violations in northwest and southwest farming areas of Ohio, a spill of 10,000 gallons of drilling fluid in Harrison County, and failed to pay its 2nd installment of its 401 permit fee. Energy Transfer Partners is currently operating without a Clean Water Act permit in Ohio.
In response, Sierra Club Organizer Cheryl Johncox released the following statement:
“Yesterday’s rejection is further evidence that FERC should never have approved the fracked gas pipeline in the first place. The Rover pipeline has repeatedly proven to be disastrous for Ohioans and our land, and this will only get worse should construction continue. We applaud FERC for taking action now, but continue our calls for all construction on this dirty and dangerous pipeline to be halted as a comprehensive review and investigation into Energy Transfer’s practices and plans is conducted.”
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