Section 1609.1-E. Deep wells and Utica Shale permits.
Notwithstanding section 6 of the act of July 25, 1961 (P.L.825, No.359), known as the Oil and Gas Conservation Law, before drilling a well that is to penetrate the Onondaga or deeper horizons or a depth of 3,800 feet, whichever is deeper, and that is intended to produce primarily from the Utica Shale formation or a deeper formation and no spacing order has been entered and no application is pending, the setback distance of 330 feet from the nearest outside boundary line of the lease shall be waived. The well operator shall obtain a permit and the application shall, at a minimum, include a plat prepared on a form developed by the Department of Environmental Protection.
(1609.1-E added July 12, 2026, P.L.265, No.21)