In a landmark move poised to redefine environmental oversight within the energy sector, CNX Resources Corporation has announced plans to extend its radical transparency program to new locations in Bell Township and surrounding areas, namely BP6 in Bell, MAM15 in Bell, and Mamont Station in Washington Township. This decision builds on the success of the existing program at MAM16 in Bell Township, underscoring CNX’s commitment to environmental stewardship and public accountability.
A Partnership for Environmental Excellence
The expansion comes on the heels of a significant partnership between CNX and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, aimed at establishing the nation’s most advanced environmental monitoring and data collection initiative. This groundbreaking partnership is designed to grant the public unparalleled access to real-time environmental data, including metrics on air quality, water safety, and waste management.
This initiative emerges as a direct response to the growing discourse on the safety and responsibility of natural gas development, with CNX and Governor Shapiro’s collaboration representing a step towards demystifying industry practices and promoting informed public dialogue.
CNX’s Commitment to Innovation and Safety
CNX pledged to exceed industry standards reflects its dedication to not only enhancing operational transparency but also fostering sustainable community and environmental outcomes.
As part of the agreement with the state of Pennsylvania, CNX will implement several key measures aimed at bolstering environmental protection and public health, including:
- Intensive Air and Water Quality Monitoring: This will enable the state administration to leverage factual data to shape policy decisions and assess the need for further regulatory measures on the natural gas industry.
- Public Disclosure of Chemicals: CNX will proactively disclose all chemicals intended for use during drilling and hydraulic fracturing phases before their actual application on site.
- Expanded No-Drill Zones: The company has voluntarily agreed to extend no-drill zones to 600 feet for all sites, with a more significant buffer of 2,500 feet for areas near sensitive community locations, such as schools and hospitals.
- Support for Infrastructure and Waste Management Safety: CNX is set to back regulations aimed at inspecting gathering lines for corrosion and endorse safety measures for the transit of waste from unconventional well sites in cooperation with third-party waste haulers.
- Real-Time Data Sharing: In an effort to support comprehensive health responses to natural gas development, CNX will make all collected data available to the public in real-time through an open-source platform.
