For years the use of hydraulic fracturing—or fracking—has been exclusive to Southwest Virginia, but some organizations and communities are vehemently opposed to it. Now, as companies are exploring more energy sources throughout the state, such as natural gas and shale, officials are feeling more pressure to amend regulations that govern the practice.
State Water Commission Chair and Delegate Thomas Wright says he's in favor of offshore drilling and whatever the state can do to produce more energy—but he also advocates environmental stewardship.
"And I think we're doing that, I think the regulations that are being considered now show that we're not rushing into anything, plus there's a history of hydraulic fracturing and I think some lessons learned will be very valuable to us."
Governor McAuliffe has asked the commission to review 13 different proposed fracking regulations. They include disclosing the chemical ingredients used in the process, a state registry, and monitoring of water quality in an expanded, one-quarter-mile radius. Additional proposed rules include testing of equipment such as production casings, requirement for enclosure of temporary wastewater storage pits, and certification of compliance with local land use ordinances.
The proposed regulations are also under review by the governor’s office. Once approved, they will be submitted for a 60-day public comment period.
