Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Sues Gas Company

The Pennsylvania State Department of Environment Protection is suing Southwestern Energy Production Company $128,031. The Texas based gas-drilling company is said to have drilled five gas wells in Bradford County, after their permits had expired. Four of the wells were drilled 16 months after their permits expired, and one well was drilled 18 months after its permit had expired. A gas well drilling permit lasts one year after it is issued. Following that time, the permit must be renewed if drilling continues.