A Pittsburgh lawyer known for arguing fracking cases will be handling appeals by Cyclone residents opposed to a fracking waste disposal well in their community.
Attorney Lisa Johnson will be meeting with residents appealing the decision Saturday afternoon. Approximately 40 residents have filed formal appeals. The meeting will be held at 3 PM at Hilltop Baptist Church.
The proposed disposal well would be built by Catalyst Energy out of an old gas production well on Route 646, which would have fracking waste from across the state brought to it for disposal.
Johnson told WESB News that time was of the essence because under Pennsylvania law, an appeal does not stop the project while it is being heard.
“Here in front of the Environmental Hearing Board, the permit isn’t stayed. Catalyst can still operate under the permit while the appeal is pending. That’s wrong and that’s an issue that’s specific to Pennsylvania.”
The DEP quietly approved the proposal in January, despite near universal opposition during a public hearing in September.