CLARIFICATION
Last week Friends of the Cheat was notified that the WV DEP had issued guidance against water withdrawals from WV streams. Because there is no current rule mandating water withdrawals the guidance is open to interpretation and also not enforceable. From what we understand inspectors are open to interpret this guidance and determine whether withdrawals are appropriate. Still, if you see something that concerns you--please report it to the WV DEP Oil and Gas office. I apologize for any confusion.
Below is the direct quote from WV DEP:
By James Martin, WV DEP: “Please get word out to the inspectors that under the current conditions, flows in many streams, perhaps most streams, are not going to be at sufficient levels for withdrawals. _If they witness such activity and it is clear that the flow is too low they should stop the activity immediately_. If they have a question about the flow conditions, they can contact the office to check the stream gage information through the withdrawal tool”.
*WV DEP Office of Oil and Gas*
Preston County inspector: Bryan Harris (304) 553-6087
Mon County inspector: Tristan Jenkins (304) 552-3874
Inspector supervisor: Dave Belcher (304) 926-0499 ext. 1647
(304) 389-7590 cell
Amanda Pitzer
Executive Director Friends of the Cheat
www.cheat.org
Find your place on the planet. Dig in, and take responsibility from there. - Gary Snyder