Pennsylvania Family Settles Gas Drilling Claim

A western Pennsylvania family has settled its lawsuit over claims its drinking water was polluted and home value wiped out by natural gas drilling on neighboring properties.

Stephanie and Chris Hallowich settled their lawsuit Tuesday against a trio of companies working in the Marcellus Shale. The settlement was sealed and a judge imposed a gag order.

The suit claimed the family’s health was adversely affected by water and air pollution from the drilling. It also claimed the Washington County property was rendered worthless by the nearby construction of gas wells, a processing station, access roads and a holding pond.

The Post-Gazette reported that the suit named drillers Range Resources and Mark West Energy Partners. Phone messages left Thursday for company spokesmen were not immediately returned.