Associated Press Published

Drilling Company Cited for Two Tank Explosions

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State regulators have ordered Antero Resources to suspend operations at two drilling pads where water tanks ruptured recently.

Two water tanks ruptured at the company’s Marsden Pad in Doddridge County on April 11. On April 15, two tanks ruptured at Antero’s Varner-West Pad in Harrison County.

Department of Environmental Protection spokeswoman Kelley Gillenwater said the agency’s Office of Oil and Gas issued two imminent danger notices of violation in response to each incident.

The office also issued a pollution notice of violation regarding the Doddridge County incident.

Gillenwater said pressure buildup in the tanks caused the ruptures.

The DEP ordered Antero to suspend operations at both sites until it provides detailed information related to the cause of the pressure buildup and a plan to prevent such incidents.