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For Immediate
Release
6/28/11
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Text of Floor Remarks
Baker's Wellsite Safety Bill Passes Senate
HARRISBURG - A bill to maximize wellsite safety and improve community
protections passed the state Senate today. The changes will reduce the risk for
workers, first responders and the community when things go wrong at drilling
sites, according to Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), who sponsored the measure.
"At its heart, this bill requires well operators to meet the most basic rules
of public safety," Baker said. "Plan ahead. Tell us where your wells are.
Give us clear directions to each site. Call at the first sign of trouble."
Baker's legislation requires gas well operators to post signs bearing their
GPS coordinates and other emergency response information at all wellsites and to
share those coordinates with appropriate state, county and local officials.
Emergency response plans must also be developed and shared with state, county
and local officials.
Currently, firefighters, ambulance crews, and haz-mat teams may not be told
where wells are being planned, or where the access roads to those sites begin.
Baker's measure requires that notification be triggered in the earliest stages
of planning, rather than after waste is discharged or chemicals are brought
on-site.
"This bill ensures the development of a complete emergency plan, covering
every stage from road clearing and well-pad preparation through well closure,"
Baker added.
Contact:
Dianne McNaughton
(717) 787-7428
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