Water Source Protection Plan Progresses; Meeting Wednesday

Potter County Commissioners Doug Morley, Paul Heimel and Susan Kefover are moving forward with a Source Water Protection Program, involving state and local partners working with the county. Goal is to form a coalition to protect public water sources across Potter County from potential degradation from natural gas well drilling or other disturbances.

An organizational meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 20, at 9 am. Representatives from each of the identified community water systems in Potter County are being invited.

Mark Stephens, a geologist from the Pa. Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) will share information on partnerships local governments can form with DEP for fully funded source water protection programs. Other presenters will be Jim Clark, an educator and water specialist with Penn State Cooperative Extension, and representatives of the Potter County Planning Department.

On a related note, the Commissioners and Planning Department have created a Municipal Checklist For Natural Gas Drilling Activity that assists townships and boroughs in preparing for gas drilling and related activities. To obtain a copy of the detailed checklist, call 274-8254.