"Judge Approves Settlment Over Marcellus Shale Well Site Discharge"

"WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. -- A federal judge has approved settlement with a Texas firm over the discharge of fluids from a Marcellus Shale natural gas well site in Lycoming County."

"The consent decree approved Wednesday by U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann requires XTO Energy Inc., a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corp., to pay a $100,000 Environmental Protection Agency civil penalty.

In addition, the government estimates XTO will spend $20 million to implement preventive measures and adhere to the required recycling and disposal of fluids from hydraulic fracturing and well operations."

John Beauge reports for the Harrisburg Patriot-News September 18, 2013.