Posted: | May 2, 2014 04:01 PM |
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From: | Senator Michael J. Stack |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Creation of ombudsman - Marcellus Shale drilling complaints |
In the near future, I will introduce legislation that would create a Marcellus Shale ombudsman office within the Department of Environmental Protection that will be charged with investigating every complaint from landowners and other community members about problems with drilling operations. We have heard so many horrifying stories of contaminated drinking water, sick and dying livestock, environmental hazards, well explosions and other serious issues - there needs to be one point of contact to address these concerns. The ombudsman within DEP would serve as a liaison within the agency to address all community concerns appropriately and seriously. This office would handle all complaints and be fully investigated by the staff within this office. Similar states have ombudsmen when it comes to Small Business offices or other specialized fields. |
Introduced as SB1371