Ready or not, gas drilling permitting could begin in March

By Mark Binker

Raleigh, N.C. — Those hoping to drill for natural gas in North Carolina have less than three weeks before they can begin the permit application process, despite what opponents and even some backers describe as lingering questions with regard to the state's regulations.

"I believe there will be holes drilled in the ground before the end of the year," said James Womack, a Lee County commissioner and member of the state Mining and Energy Commission, which developed the rules for natural gas drilling in the state.

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In general, the new gas exploration rules that go into effect mid-March do require drillers to have a waste management plan and identify the specific chemicals they need to treat within the wastewater. However, DENR officials confirmed Friday there are no water treatment plants in the state capable of treating water bearing chemicals typically associated with fracking.

Environmental advocates also say that sufficient controls aren't in place to deal with air pollution created fracking rigs.

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Whatever questions might be opened, it appears that they will be answered as they are encountered. Lawmakers emphasized Friday they were in no mood to step in and slow down the process.

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