"Natural gas drilling issue heating up for new year"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, December 22, 2010:

At the beginning of 2010, we knew gas drilling was an issue in Nockamixon. Today, we know it's an issue for all of us.

"DEP: Well cleanups progressing"

By Freda R. Savana, Intelligencer, December 15, 2010:

Officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection took Plumstead residents through a detailed presentation Tuesday on its efforts to address well contamination that, authorities say, was the result of fighting an industrial fire on Stump Road in June.

"Water rates on the rise in some locales"

By Peter Hall, Bucks County Courier Times, December 3, 2010:

Residents and municipal water companies supplied by Bucks County's public water and sewer authority will see the price of H2O increase in the new year.

"Nockamixon officials deserve credit"

Letter to the Editor of the Intelligencer, November 28, 2010:

On Nov. 11, the Intelligencer published an ill-informed letter from Tom Linzey, the executive director of the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund. The letter baselessly attacks Nockamixon Township officials and the Delaware Riverkeeper, who achieved a significant victory over Arbor Resources, which was seeking to develop gas drilling in the Township.

"Pa. activist unsure why surveilled by state"

By Bernard Harris, Scranton Times-Tribune/Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era, November 17, 2010:

Lancaster, Pa. (AP) -- Until recently, Virginia Cody's community activism extended to being president of the arts council in Wyoming County.

That was before she found her rural north-central Pennsylvania home surrounded by land leased to natural gas drilling companies. That was when she began asking questions and trying to get information.

That led to her and her husband writing letters to the editor of the local paper, posting those letters and other information on an Internet blog and posting comments on Facebook.

Handing out brochures at a picnic was the most direct action she took, she told a group of about 30 people at a public meeting Tuesday evening in Lancaster city's Southern Market Center.

"We merely spoke our minds," she said.

Yet, on Aug. 31, a whistle-blower leaked a confidential bulletin from the Pennsylvania Office of Homeland Security that listed her and her activities as subversive and under surveillance.

"Public water to cost up to $8,350"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, October 27, 2010:

West Schwenkmill Road residents will have access to water, but at a price.

"Officials credit resolve in forcing gas firm out"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, October 22, 2010:

But some people in Nockamixon are not happy they may lose royalties after Arbor Resources withdrew its state permit to drill in the township.

David may have toppled Goliath, but the gas drilling beast might still get back up in Nockamixon.

Arbor Resources withdrew its state-issued permit to drill for natural gas in the Upper Bucks community this week, and township officials are celebrating their victory in a hard-fought battle.

"Driller cancels permit"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, October 21, 2010:

Michigan-based Arbor Resources has withdrawn its state permit to drill for natural gas in Nockamixon.

A gas driller has given up the fight in Nockamixon.

Arbor Resources has withdrawn its state permit to drill in Nockamixon, seemingly ending its battle to begin exploratory drilling for natural gas in the Upper Bucks community.

"Business, DEP fight over water pollution"

By Freda R. Savana, Intelligencer, October 10, 2010:

Owners of an industrial business destroyed by fire three months ago are challenging the state over who is responsible for water contamination linked to fighting the four-alarm blaze.

Gas Drilling and Your Rights

 Drilling for Natural Gas in the Marcellus Shale and in Bucks County:

Your Community Rights as a Tax Payer in Pennsylvania

Saturday, October 23, 2010, 1:00–3:00 p.m.

James Michener Free Library

401 West Mill Street, Quakertown, PA 18951

In response to high interest from landowners, lease-owners, their neighbors, and the people who live downstream of proposed gas drilling, the Bucks Transition Group is offering a free public forum for helpful information about the rights and protections for the people of Pennsylvania. 

Drilling for natural gas is happening in the Marcellus Shale formation. Leases have also been signed in Nockamixon Township, Bucks County, PA.

Speakers:

1.   Paul Schmidt will address legal avenues for affected communities and potential lawsuit claims related to injury to individuals and property. Schmidt co-chairs the Zarwin Baum Environmental Practice Group in Philadelphia and provides environmental legal services to a wide range of clients.

2.   Shireen Parsons will discuss Pennsylvania citizens’ constitutional rights and possibilities of redress.  Parsons is a community organizer for the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund in PA. CELDF is a nonprofit, community-interest law firm. 

3.   Nancy Janyszeski, Supervisor for Nockamixon Township, where over 300 property owners have signed leases.

Speakers will also discuss local rights to clean air, water, and soil and will address your questions and comments.  Please join us.

Contact:  Henry D'Silva

                  The Bucks Transitions Group

                  267-679-0617 – henrydsilva@comcast.net

"Water authority may extend lines"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, September 27, 2010:

East Rockhill: A group of homes with shallow wells along West Schwenkmill Road may get the chance to connect to public water.

The Perkasie Borough Authority is considering extending its lines to bring public water to residents with shallow, failing wells on West Schwenkmill Road in East Rockhill.

"DEP Issues Drought Warning for 24 Counties"

"Drought Watch for Remainder of State," September 16, 2010. Bucks County is under a drought warning. View drought map.

"Dry conditions draw warnings"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, September 9, 2010:

Scott Miller is hoping for a hurricane.

The Doylestown-based landscaper says his business is down about 25 percent this summer, a direct result of a lengthening spell of hot and dry weather that has scorched lawns, triggered drought concerns, cut into local crop yields and prompted fire danger warnings.

"Precious resource needs comprehensive oversight"

Intelligencer editorial, September 3, 2010:

Residents who rely on shallow (generally speaking, less than 100 feet) private wells for their water have long been familiar with the anxiety brought on by extended periods without rain.

"Region's water supply mapped out"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, September 2, 2010:

As Bucks County planners consider future land development, water is a major part of the equation.

"We've got a limited amount of fresh water and we have to do what we have to do to sustain that as a renewable resource," Dennis Livrone, senior planner for the Bucks County Planning Commission, told the board at its meeting Wednesday.

As development and the county's population expands so does the need for clean drinking water and wastewater treatment technology, he said.

"River basin project gets grant"

By Rachel Canelli, Intelligencer, September 2, 2010:
GRAPHIC

One of the groups involved in the project would like to see a tax placed on natural gas drilling in the river basin to support restoration of wildlife habitat and towns impacted by the drilling.

The Nature Conservancy has received a $450,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to fund a comprehensive conservation project in the Delaware River Basin, officials said.

"Lack of rainfall, geology bring water restrictions"

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, August 30, 2010:

Geology contributes to regular groundwater shortage problems in the Furlong area.

"Residents blame PBA for dry wells"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, August 29, 2010:

Last month, Robert Schlitz, 75, turned on the tap at his East Rockhill home, and nothing happened.

After 42 years with no problems, his 90-foot well, which had weathered several droughts, had run dry. He spent nearly $10,000 to drill a 280-foot-deep replacement well.

"Polluted ponds drained at site of fire"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, August 29, 2010:

The effort to determine the scope of water pollution in Plumstead continued last week as a contractor for the state began draining two contaminated ponds located near the site of a June 29 fire that destroyed an industrial building.

"Residents get lesson in 'fracking' dangers"

By Annie Tasker, Intelligencer, August 29, 2010:

Dozens of locals gathered in Quakertown Saturday for a discussion on hydraulic fracturing for natural gas, a practice that's boomed in recent years and prompted studies on its possible impact on the Delaware River and the 15 million people who rely on it for drinking water.

"Learning the ins and outs of gas drilling"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, August 27, 2010:

Bucks attorneys gathered Thursday to learn more about lease agreements with companies that are drilling for natural gas.

"Residents question why E. Rockhill wells went dry"

By Erin DuBois, MontgomeryNews.com, August 26, 2010:

For 40 years Robert Schlitz, who lives . . . [on] West Schwenkmill Road in Perkasie, has been able to rely on his well, even filling his 24,000-gallon swimming pool without a sputter. But that all changed July 23 when his approximately 100-foot-deep well went dry.

About the same time, . . . another West Schwenkmill Road resident, who did not wish to comment, discovered that his well had dried up; and neighbors . . . began experiencing intermittent water supply from their wells.

The growing epidemic led well owners to question whether they should blame the hot, dry summer or if a troubling coincidence was the culprit.

The day before Schlitz’s well went dry, Menlo Aquatic Center’s competition pool accidentally drained overnight. Perkasie Borough Authority used 300,000 gallons of water to refill the pool July 23. . . .

"Commissioners OK storm water plan"

By Peter Hall, Intelligencer, August 23, 2010:

The Bucks County Commissioners approved a storm water management plan for the Neshaminy Creek watershed that will allow the region to develop a coordinated approach to controlling erosion and flooding.

With the commissioners' adoption of the plan last week, 41 municipalities in Bucks and Montgomery counties within the watershed will have six months to modify and adopt a model storm water management ordinance contained within the plan. . . .

The plan is available on the Bucks County Planning Commission's website.

Wells running dry in East Rockhill

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/video?id=7615278

Town Hall meeting on hydraulic fracturing for natural gas

A Town Hall Meeting Presenting Information and a Discussion on Hydraulic Fracturing for Natural Gas
Focus on Nockamixon Township, Bucks County
Saturday, August 28, 2010, at 1:00 PM
The James Michener Free Library
401 West Mill Street, Quakertown, PA 18951-1248

"Water report nears completion"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, August 22, 2010:

As officials grapple with a declining supply, the goal is to translate complicated information into an understandable form.

After a decade of collecting and charting well water samples they say show a looming groundwater crisis in Upper Bucks, residents and local officials will soon have the information in hand.

"Tests of wells were wrong on benzene"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, August 20, 2010:

The state DEP said the tests mistakenly showed increased the levels of the chemical. A second round of testing showed acceptable levels in the water.

"Bucks could blame engineering firm"

By Peter Hall, Intelligencer, August 19, 2010:

Bucks County Commissioners will investigate whether its engineering firm may be liable for a mistake that lead to the release of sediment into two Central Bucks streams, killing thousands of fish last fall.

The commissioners on Wednesday approved settlement agreements with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the state Fish and Boat Commission that include more than $62,000 in fines.

An investigation by the DEP found that erosion and sediment control measures were not in place when the county began to drain water from flood control basins above Robin Run in Buckingham and Little Neshaminy Creek in Warrington, according to the settlement agreements. . . .

"Board votes to approve farm preservation"

By Bill Devlin, Intelligencer, August 18, 2010:

One of Bucks County's most popular pumpkin picking patches will continue as a working farm thanks to a decision Tuesday night in Plumstead.

The township supervisors agreed to pay more than $600,000 for the preservation rights for Hellerick's Family Farm on Route 611 and Haring Road.

"Bucks faces hefty fines for fish kills"

By Peter Hall, Intelligencer, August 18, 2010:

State environmental agencies could receive more than $60,000 in fine payments from Bucks to settle an investigation into two fish kills last year.

"Tankers pump in water"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, August 15, 2010:

For more than a month, . . . [a Plumstead resident] was unable to take a shower at his home on Ann Drive in Plumstead after water traveled from the site of a fire and polluted his private well.

But the 34-year-old finally got to rinse off at home last week after tanker trucks were brought in to pump water into his house and other residences that have contaminated wells.

"From 'Dump the Pump' to kill the drill"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, August 15, 2010:

Thirty years ago, the Point Pleasant Pump motivated thousands of Bucks County residents to link arms against an energy utility and the government. As natural gas drilling looms, "the emotional components are right in place for 'Pump Two,' " says a veteran of the Pump era.

Thirty years ago, an environmental movement swept through Bucks County, uniting thousands of residents and activists against a government they didn't trust and corporations they believed sought profit over public health.

Similar forces are aligning themselves today.

This time it's not the Point Pleasant Pump, which intertwined the lives of people across the spectrum, from housewives and lawyers to social and political activists such as Abbie Hoffman.

Now, it's natural gas drilling. And much has not changed.

Nukes, yesterday. Fracking, today. . . .

"Plumstead copes with fire's environmental aftermath"

"Water samples show contamination," by Rebecca Fink, Bucks County Herald, August 12, 2010, A1.

"Residents want answers on wells"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, August 11, 2010:

More than 100 people packed the Plumstead Municipal Building on Tuesday night looking for answers about well water contamination that authorities say is the result of runoff from a June 29 fire that destroyed an industrial building at 5189 Stump Road.

"Water contamination linked to fire"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, August 5, 2010:

DEP plans to test at least 30 wells near where an industrial building caught fire. Fighting the fire apparently caused water runoff that carried chemicals into homeowners' wells.

"Resident: High benzene levels in pond at fire site"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, August 4, 2010:

Worried that their well water might have been tainted by toxins following a Plumstead industrial building fire, residents went before township officials seeking answers Tuesday night.

Instead, Plumstead supervisors were the ones getting information.

. . . [A resident] of Stump Road, and his attorney came armed with a report Tuesday from the state's Department of Environmental Protection that revealed high benzene levels were discovered in the pond at the warehouse site, located on the 5000 block of Stump Road.

"Well testing continues"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, August 1, 2010:

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has sampled well water that served a Plumstead industrial building ruined by fire as part of a widening investigation into water contamination in the township.

Samples were also taken from nearby ponds during the Friday visit from DEP, which will test the water in its Harrisburg laboratories, said spokeswoman Deborah Fries.

At least four Plumstead homes have tainted water in their private wells and additional residents are reporting possible contamination.

"Tainted water probe widens in Plumstead"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, July 30, 2010:

At least four homes have wells that are contaminated, and officials are concerned more wells might have been affected.

"Tests detect benzene in well"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, July 29, 2010:

Residents complained their drinking water had been fouled by runoff from a nearby industrial fire.

"Post-fire water woes"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, July 28, 2010:

Residents near last month's fire in Plumstead said their water has become too tainted to drink or bathe in.

"Federal study to tackle fracking impact"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, July 25, 2010: "Those who say gas drilling will poison the region's drinking water and threaten public health might finally get their wish for a $1 million federal study of its potential impact on the Delaware River Watershed. . . ."

"Summer forecast: Wilting profits"

By Colleen Boyle, Intelligencer, July 21, 2010: "Hot days and less rain have stunted some crops and may inflate prices of local produce as the summer continues. . . ."

Buckingham: "Drought warnings for township neighborhoods"

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, July 16, 2010: "Buckingham has issued a drought warning with voluntary restrictions for residents in the Furlong and Cold Spring water systems. . . ."

"Hundreds say ban gas drilling"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, July 15, 2010: "Passions ran high at a meeting of the Delaware River Basin Commission, which is in the process of writing regulations governing drilling in the river basin. . . . ."

Springfield: "PPL power line fight continues"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, July 12, 2010: "Officials and residents are anxiously awaiting a court ruling on PPL's plan to string power lines and plant a substation in a rural section of the township. . . ."

Bucks County Comprehensive Plan Community Survey

Let your voice be heard! Only 9 questions: Bucks County Comprehensive Plan Community Survey http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22AVGDYSWFW

"Mother Nature getting even"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, July 8, 2010: "The winter brought record-breaking snowfall, now we're getting hot, dry weather to balance a wet spring. . . ."

"Water supplies are safe--for now"

By George Mattar, Intelligencer, July 7, 2010: "Rainfall has been below normal the last two months, but heavy winter snows have staved off drought, according to officials. . . ."

"Fish kill prompts testing of ponds"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, July 1, 2010:

. . . As firefighters continued battling flames the day after a major blaze destroyed an industrial building in Plumstead, environmental officials tested for chemicals in two ponds at the facility where fish were killed.

Mulholland named to BCWSA board

Stacey Mulholland has been appointed by the Bucks County commissioners to a seat on the board of the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority, announced Frank Froio at a meeting of Plumstead's Board of Supervisors last night.

"Celebration set to welcome public water lines"

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, June 15, 2010:

Township officials and local businesses will boil hot dogs and make iced tea to celebrate public water at Cross Keys.

Tinicum: "Development ruling will be appealed"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, June 3, 2010: "A Bucks judge ruled that Tinicum has gone too far in its efforts to limit development, in response to a developer's appeal of the restrictions. The township is appealing. . . ."

Upper Delaware named Most Endangered American River

American Rivers named the Upper Delaware the #1 Most Endangered River in 2010: "The Upper Delaware River provides drinking water for 17 million people across Pennsylvania and New York. However, this clean water source is threatened by natural gas extraction activities in the Marcellus Shale, where chemicals injected into the ground create untreatable toxic wastewater. Until a thorough study of these critical impacts is completed, the Delaware River Basin Commission must not issue permits that will allow gas drilling in this watershed. In addition, Congress must pass the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act of 2009 to help protect all rivers within the Marcellus Shale region." [Read more.]

"Company hopes to find gas in Upper Bucks"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, May 23, 2010:

New permits have given a gas drilling company a way in. Nockamixon officials and environmentalists are taking more legal steps to keep them out.

"Gasland" at County Theater June 2

Special screening of Gasland, a documentary film by Josh Fox
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
6:00 p.m. Reception
7:00 p.m. Screening
Panel discussion following the film
County Theater, Doylestown

Delaware Riverkeeper Network invites you to attend a special screening of Gasland, a documentary film by Josh Fox. The showing in Doylestown on June 2 will be the kick-off of a 20-stop tour of Gasland across Pennsylvania and New York in a run-up to the June 21st HBO premiere of Gasland, winner of this year’s Sundance Special Jury Prize. Josh Fox will appear at the screening and you can meet him at the reception beforehand; a lively panel discussion will follow the film. For more info: delawareriverkeeper.org. Watch the trailer at youtube. RSVP on Facebook (optional).

Letter to the Editor, May 13, 2010

State forests under attack

Intelligencer

To the Editor:

Most Pennsylvanians would be surprised to hear that our wild forests are often being sold off to the highest bidder for destructive practices that will do irreparable harm to these beautiful places.

For example, state officials have already opened up 700,000 acres of state forest lands for harmful gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale region. That's more than 40 percent of Pennsylvania's state forests. This means more roads, pipelines, well pads and truck traffic in our state forests. In turn, this means further lost habitat for our state's species and more pollution in pristine streams that serve as drinking water sources for downstream communities.

Sadly, this trend may continue. Many politicians in Harrisburg only see the short-term financial gain that can be reaped from our state forest lands, profit that will go to many of the richest corporations in the world, like Exxon-Mobil and Halliburton.

Luckily, there is a proposal to halt further leases for drilling in our state forests, House Bill 2235, introduced by Rep. Greg Vitali of Delaware County. If passed, this legislation will help keep parts of Pennsylvania's state forest wild for now and for future generations.

David Masur, Director
PennEnvironment
Philadelphia
www.PennEnvironment.org

"Gas industry pumping in funds"

By Gary Weckselblatt, Intelligencer, May 12, 2010:

GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett has received the most from the industry - $361,000.

"Court upholds Nockamixon zoning in battle with quarry"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, May 6, 2010:

Hanson Aggregates had challenged the validity of the township's ordinances after attempting to expand quarry operations along Route 611.

A Bucks County judge on Wednesday dismissed procedural challenges that not only would have allowed a Nockamixon quarry to expand but also would have invalidated the township's entire zoning ordinance.

Nockamixon officials said the decision vindicated everything they had been fighting for. . . .

"Tainted wells in Bedminster, Hilltown may get filters"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, May 4, 2010: "The DEP plans to add carbon filtration systems to 35 homes in Bedminster and Hilltown with high levels of TCE. . . . On Wednesday, the state Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public hearing outlining its proposal to install whole-house carbon filtration systems. . . ."

"Report: A clean Delaware River is vital to area's economic growth"

By George Mattar, Intelligencer, May 3, 2010:

While government officials say the economy is improving, an environmental group says officials have undervalued the importance of the Delaware River, which provides drinking water for millions and economic benefits for the region.

The Delaware Riverkeeper Network in Bristol focuses on that issue in a new report called, "River Value - The Value of a Clean and Healthy Delaware River." . . .

"DEP sets hearing on contaminated water in Bedminster"

Bucks County Herald, April 29, 2010:

The state Department of Environmental Protection will accept public comments on a proposal to protect Bucks County residents in Hilltown and Bedminster townships from contaminated well water at 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 5, in the Bedminster Township administration building, 3112 Bedminster Road. . . .

To present comments, register in advance by calling DEP Community Relations Coordinator Lynda Rebarchak at 484-250-5820.

DEP will accept written comments until June 18. The comments should be sent to David Ewald, HSCA project officer, DEP Southeast Regional Office, 2 E. Main St., Norristown, PA 19401-4915. . . .

Visit depweb.state.pa.us, or call 484-250-5900.

"DEP: Some sewer hookups possible"

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, April 21, 2010: "Property owners in Doylestown might now be allowed to connect to the sewer system, but property owners in Buckingham, Doylestown Township and Plumstead are still out of luck. . . ."

"Black fly spraying along Delaware"

Intelligencer, April 21, 2010:

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection will conduct a black fly suppression operation beginning at 10 a.m. today, in Northampton County and continue south and east throughout the day.

Residents of Bucks County's Delaware River communities are advised that helicopter pilots may use several landing sites during this operation, including Riegelsville Borough Park, the Erwinna/Delaware Valley Fire Co. in Tinicum, and the Slack Road Farm in Upper Makefield.

The operation will include a gray (with green stripes) Bell 206-BIII helicopter with the tail number N302MG.

Pilots will be applying VECTOBAC 12AS to waterways to reduce the numbers of adult black flies that hatch from the river and streams. The product being used is a brown, slightly sticky liquid with a fish-like odor. Its active ingredient is a naturally occurring soil bacterium and not a synthetic pesticide.

It will be applied perpendicular to the stream flow in multiple locations along the rivers and streams by a low-flying helicopter. A product label is available upon request.

More info: http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/blackfly and the Delaware Riverkeeper's 4/20/10 press release.

"Gas drilling debate rages in Del. River watershed"

By Michael Rubinkam, Associated Press, April 18, 2010:

Pleasant Mount, Pa. — A few hundred yards from Louis Matoushek's farmhouse is a well that could soon produce not only natural gas, but a drilling boom in the wild and scenic Delaware River watershed.

"County officials seek to push Delaware River dredging plan"

By Peter Hall, Intelligencer, April 15, 2010:

The Bucks County commissioners will join the county redevelopment authority in an effort to persuade the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to support dredging to maintain the Delaware River shipping channel from Philadelphia to Trenton.

"Sewer problems becoming a messy situation"

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, April 5, 2010:

Property owners in four municipalities in the Doylestown area will have to go through an extended sewer usage planning process that will cost them more time and money to build or to expand or change the use of an existing building.

The state Department of Environmental Protection determined that Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority exceeded capacity at three of its treatment facilities in 2008, so owners of property that would be connected to those facilities now will have to submit full sewer planning modules.

Planning modules are typically required only for large developments while DEP and the sewer authority typically exempt smaller developments and changes in use from the months-long planning process. The DEP has decided that it will no longer grant the exemptions.

Property owners in parts of Doylestown, Doylestown Township, Buckingham and Plumstead are affected by the decision. . . .

"EPA to study natural-gas drilling's effect on water"

By Juliet Eilperin, Washington Post, March 19, 2010: "The Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday that it will launch a $1.9 million study into how drinking-water supplies are affected by hydraulic fracturing, a method used to turn shale rock into natural gas wells. . . ."

"Vapor testing to begin April 12"

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, March 26, 2010: "The EPA will test for intrusion of chemical vapors into the site of the former Chem-Fab plant and nearby buildings. . . ."

"EPA to test near former Chem-Fab plant"

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, March 23, 2010:

The Environmental Protection Agency plans to soon begin testing buildings on and near the former Chem-Fab plant on Broad Street in Doylestown for "vapor intrusion" - that is, the possible leaching of chemical vapors through the soil and into the air.

"Judge rules against developers"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, March 22, 2010:

Bedminster officials were "cautiously optimistic" after a panel of Commonwealth Court judges sided with their zoning law, affirming a decision made by a Bucks County judge in August.

Two developers - Bedminster Associates and the Piper Group - had been seeking the ability to increase housing density in the township's agricultural preservation district to build a total of more than 500 homes, arguing that a 2002 state Supreme Court ruling on behalf of C&M Home Builders cleared the way for their plans.

"Aqua Pennsylvania seeks rate hike"

By Rich Pietras, Intelligencer, March 3, 2010:

A public hearing tonight in Hatboro will hear testimony concerning a proposed 11.8 percent rate increase for Aqua Pennsylvania Inc. customers in Bucks and Montgomery counties.

Aqua filed the request with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission last month requesting a $5.51 a month (18 cents a day) increase in rates for a typical residential customer.

The hike would raise monthly residential bills to $53.79 and, if approved, would begin in August.

In Bucks County, Aqua provides water to about 30,000 customers in parts of Chalfont, New Britain Borough and Township and Solebury, as well as in Bensalem, Bristol, Bristol Township, Lower Southampton and Upper Southampton. . . .

"Critic seeks to join sewer and water agency board"

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, February 26, 2010: "Borough council's president has applied for a seat on the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority. . . ."

"Activists: No backing for natural gas fracking"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, February 26, 2010: "'Down river' residents who have great concern about natural gas drilling's effect on the environment traveled hours by bus to tell the Delaware River Basin Commission about it. . . ."

Nockamixon: "Panel to address water problems"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, February 24, 2010:

After rounds of detailed research on a growing water crisis in Nockamixon and the surrounding communities, scientists are ready to flush out an overview.

Scientists with the Bridgeton-Nockamixon-Tinicum Groundwater Committee will have the floor at Thursday night's work session in Nockamixon, which will bring together township supervisors and planning commission members.

The committee is expected to highlight years of collected data, showing increased stress on the rural Upper Bucks region's groundwater supply. . . .

"Drilling application draws crowd upriver"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, February 23, 2010: "Fearing the effect on our area's drinking water supply, local environmentalists will head north to fight natural gas drilling. . . ."

"House panel to investigate ‘fracking’"

By Marty Reddington, AP/Phillyburbs.com, February 19, 2010: "An oil and gas drilling technique that is becoming more widespread is drawing scrutiny from lawmakers concerned that it may pose a hazard to human health by tainting drinking water and harming the environment. . . ."

Nockamixon: "County promises more openness on defunct dump"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, February 18, 2010.

"Shale group: Rendell tax unfair, Pa. laws outdated"

By Marc Levy, AP/Intelligencer, February 12, 2010: "The natural gas industry in one of the nation's hottest exploration spots is bracing for a political tussle over whether and how Pennsylvania will tax methane from the potentially lucrative Marcellus Shale formation. . . ."

Bridgeton: "Updated regulation limits drilling for oil, natural gas"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, February 12, 2010:

Bridgeton updated regulations Thursday night, restricting oil and natural gas drilling within the rural Upper Bucks township.

The guidelines for oil and natural gas piggyback on the township's well-established regulations for mineral exploration and extraction, which have been on the books since at least 1999, supervisors said.

That ordinance restricts drilling to areas of Bridgeton designated industrial.

Those seeking to drill would also have to submit water resources and traffic impact studies if the location merited such actions. . . .

"Gas drilling in Appalachia yields a foul byproduct"

"Gas drilling in Appalachia yields a foul byproduct that can pollute drinking water, kill fish," by Marc Levy and Vicki Smith, Associated Press/Intelligencer, February 2, 2010.

Nockamixon: "Township wants answers on landfill"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, February 2, 2010:

There are too many things hiding in Hidden Valley, say Nockamixon officials.

Newly discovered bright orange leachate could be masking unknown and possibly dangerous compounds that might be seeping out of the landfill and into nearby waterways, according to the township's environmental advisory committee and the Gallows Run Watershed Association.

"That's part of the reason we want to talk with the county - to see what their stewardship is," said chemist Stephen Donovan, co-chairman of Nockamixon's environmental advisory committee and the Bridgeton-Nockamixon-Tinicum Groundwater Committee. . . ."

"Susquehanna residents wary of gas-drilling operation"

By Andrew Maykuth, Philadelphia Inquirer, Dec. 13, 2009.

"Pa. to hire more oil and gas drilling inspectors"

By Andrew Maykuth, Philadelphia Inquirer, Jan. 28, 2010.

"Request to block Delaware River dredging denied"

By Marty Reddington, phillyBurbs.com, January 29, 2010.

Buckingham: "Township approves new well"

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, January 28, 2010: "Buckingham will spend more than $886,000 to develop a new municipal well, which officials hope will compensate for several inadequate Furlong area wells dug by developers. . . ."

"Hilltown yanks memberships"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, January 28, 2010:

In an era when regionalization is often encouraged and cooperation between municipalities is rewarded by the state, Hilltown has taken an unusual step toward isolation.

Earlier this week, the township dropped membership with both the Bucks County Association of Township Officials and the Pennridge Area Coordinating Committee, saying the groups move government away from the people and detract from Hilltown's authority.

LWV's Marcellus Shale drilling forums

"Marcellus Shale drilling forum meets controversy," by Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, January 17, 2010: "The League of Women Voters meetings on Marcellus Shale held in numerous counties in Pennsylvania are being blasted by some environmentalists. . . ."

Next forum: Wednesday, February 24, 9:15 AM, Heritage Towers, 200 Veterans Lane, Doylestown. Note: This is a change of location; best to double-check the League's calendar.

"Bucks sewer rates changing "

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, January 7, 2010: "In an attempt to stabilize rates, the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority lowered rates in Central and Upper Bucks and increased them in Bensalem. . . ."

"DEP: Plant pollutes river--again"

"Briston Township officials expect to pay at least $100,000 in fines for environmental violations," by James McGinnis, Intelligencer, December 13, 2009.

"Bristol Township's Croydon sewer plant is not properly treating sewage, and discharge reports show unacceptable amounts of feces and other bacteria headed into the Delaware River, state inspectors said. . . .

"Maya Van Rossum, Delaware Riverkeeper: 'The fact that this pollution has been done knowlingly, continually, and that it's ongoing is almost beyond words.'"