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