Wetzel County Action Group
Wetzel County Action GroupI am in receipt of your correspondence regarding the permit
process for oil and gas operations in West Virginia. I appreciate your
bringing this matter to my attention.
In an effort to be of assistance to you, I have forwarded your information
to Secretary Randy Huffman of Department of Environmental Protection and
also Secretary/Commissioner Paul Mattox of Department of Transportation. I
have asked both offices to review your concerns and respond directly to you.
I am certain you will hear from them.
Thank you for taking the time to contact me. If I can be of other
assistance, please let me know.
We have received a copy of a letter that was mailed to you
on June 1,2009 from Donald L. "Woody" Ray of New Martinsville requesting our
support for a comprehensive review of the existing process used to grant
permits for exploring and extracting natural resources in West Virginia.
During the past two years several companies have dramatically increased
their gas/oil operations in Wetzel County.
Our state and communities have gained many benefits from these operations.
The companies conducting these operations are engaged in a legitimate
business, and they work hard to comply with state laws and regulations.
However, the impact of drilling and exploration operations in the community
of Silver Hill, located in Wetzel County, have been profound. The roads have
deteriorated and the increased numbers of large vehicles and oversized loads
makes driving more dangerous and much more difficult.
Therefore, the three of us ask that you support and conduct a comprehensive
review of the existing permitting process used to grant permits for
exploring and extracting natural resources in West Virginia.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.