Pocono News Section

Gas Drilling Company Banned

Gas Drilling Company Banned - Friday, April 16, 2010 at 04:03AM EST

Reported by: Mike Trim
Friday April 16 2010
DIMOCK TWP., SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY -- A gas company has been banned from drilling in part of Susquehanna County because of environmental concerns. The DEP says Cabot Oil and Gas has contaminated 14 ground water wells in Dimock Township.

They've been ordered to stop drilling for one year and now face heavy fines. Cabot must also abandon three drilling sites around the contamination. It will also have to supply homeowners there with with fresh water.

People we spoke to it's better to be cautious. Mae Licata of Dimock Township said, "If there's a problem they really should take care of it before they do any more drilling. look around at all these wells. we had a well right down here on the hill, we step out on our deck, we can walk to it."

The company says no rigs are actively drilling in the area. Cabot Oil and Gas does plan to drill in Dimock Township again when this ban is lifted.