Possible Explosive Devices Found At Two Gas Drilling Sites
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Marie Cusick
Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the possible remains of small explosive devices at two natural gas drilling sites in northeastern Pennsylvania.
According to the Associated Press, the FBI has also gotten involved:
Shell Oil spokeswoman Kelly OpDeWeegh says in an email that the company contacted state police on April 12 after “charred debris” was found at an inactive drill site in Tioga County. Shell also informed authorities of a possibly similar finding on a different pad on March 21.
State police spokeswoman Maria Finn says there are no signs people or drilling operations were in any danger.
Finn confirmed the AP story to StateImpact Pennsylvania,”Weāre analyzing the material and conducting investigations.”
She declined to comment further, citing the ongoing investigation.
[UPDATE] Shell spokeswoman Kelly OpDeWeegh emailed this statement to StateImpact Pennsylvania:
On April 12, 2013, Shell personnel contacted the Pennsylvania State Police following the discovery of charred debris on an inactive Shell natural gas well pad site in Jackson Township, PA in Tioga County. Shell personnel also informed State Police of a second, possibly similar finding, on a different pad site in Rutland Township, PA in Tioga County that was found on March 21, 2013.
These incidents did not result in any injuries or damage to any facility.
The PA State Police and the FBI are now investigating these incidents. Given the active investigation, we are unable to comment further about these incidents, and we are fully cooperating with law enforcement officials.