October 11th, 2016 by WCBC Radio
An advisory panel in far western Maryland is reviewing proposed state's regulations for hydraulic fracturing for natural gas.
The Garrett County Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Advisory Group meets Tuesday evening in Oakland. The agenda includes a review of proposed regulations the Department of the Environment released for public comment last month.
The advisory panel has been pressing for specific regulations aimed at protecting public health and the environment of Garrett County, where most fracking activity would occur.
The proposed rules include a few of the panel's recommendations, especially for groundwater protection and agency oversight.
But the state has not adopted a recommendation to require formal state approval of the comprehensive drilling plans that companies would have to prepare and publish. The proposed regulations would require state agency review and comment.
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