"Drilling-Related Health Registry Never Implemented"

"HARRISBURG — An unfinished piece of business with state oversight of Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling continues to rear its head. That’s the matter of how Pennsylvania should track and evaluate potential public health problems caused by hydraulic fracturing, commonly called fracking.

The issue was thrust into the spotlight again last week with the controversy over the state Health Department’s handling of complaints from citizens about sickness related to drilling activities. Following media reports that employees were told to ignore complaints, the department announced new procedures to make it easier to file a complaint and require a written response to all complaints. Meanwhile, a coalition of health care professionals called for an independent investigation into  the department’s actions regarding drilling-related health issues."

Robert Swift reports for the Wilkes-Barre Citizens Voice August 24, 2014.