Residents Urged to Attend DEP Meeting on Flatirons’ Drilling Proposal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

                                                                      February 17, 2012

Residents Urged to Attend DEP Meeting on Flatirons’ Drilling Proposal

            State Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25) and State Representatives Sam Smith (R-66) and Matt Gabler (R-78) are urging local residents to take part in an upcoming public meeting to be held by the Department of Environmental Protection. 

            The meeting, scheduled for 8 p.m. on Wednesday February 22 at Brockway Area Junior/Senior High School, will focus on a proposal by Flatirons Resources to drill a Marcellus Shale well in Brockway.

            “This is a great opportunity for Brockway residents to learn more about the permitting process, DEP’s role in enforcement and how the company plans to implement environmental protections,” Scarnati said.  “Our goal throughout the development of this growing industry has been to ensure public safety and protect our natural resources. Residents with questions or concerns should take this opportunity to speak with DEP and company representatives.”

            “This open forum is an excellent opportunity for local residents to listen, learn and ask direct questions of DEP and Flatirons Resources relative to this gas well and the security of their water source,” Smith said. “I realize people have many questions and concerns about this process and I appreciate that DEP and company representatives will be on hand to address them.  Again, I encourage people to attend this meeting.”   

            “This is an issue that I have been following from the beginning, and I am aware of the concerns held by many residents of the Brockway area,” added Gabler. “It is important that as many people as possible speak out and take part in this conversation to ensure that their voice is heard, and that Brockway’s water supply is protected.”