Several million gallons of water are required to complete a Marcellus gas well. A developing Marcellus boom in the region raised concerns that DEP does not adequately regulate or seek disclosure about where that water comes from or how it is treated and disposed of when it returns to the surface.

The agency released the draft guidance and permit addendum for public comment in March 2009.

In the final document, the DEP Office of Oil and Gas offers online resources to help operators make responsible decisions about withdrawing from surface waters. It asks operators to haul water responsibly and to design and install storage pits properly. And it encourages them to consider recycling water and using underground injection for disposal.

The permit addendum requires operators planning to use or dispose of more than 5,000 barrels — about 200,000 gallons — of water to answer 12 questions that specify their expected water volumes and sources and the disposal methods they plan to use.

Oil and Gas Chief James Martin has said that, as companies report their projected water use, the Office of Oil and Gas will begin to get a picture of the volume of brine treatment and disposal needs across the state.

The documents may be found on the WVDEP Web site.