Potential Drilling Lawsuits

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By WBNG News

Story Created: Nov 18, 2009 at 9:13 PM EST

Story Updated: Nov 18, 2009 at 11:31 PM EST

A panel digs deeper into legal issues surrounding natural gas drilling.

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The Binghamton Regional Sustainability Coalition held this forum Wednesday night at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Binghamton.

Helen Slottje is the managing attorney for the group who recently opposed the Schlumberger drilling supply facility in Horseheads.

She says drilling is a potential liability for landowners and can create a legal battle among neighbors if a mishap on your land contaminates the local water supply.

She says this isn't covered by your typical insurance policy, since many exclude pollution.

But there are precautions landowners can take to reduce this risk.

"Being involved in a landowners coalition is going to give you the best chance at having some environmental protections but there isn't a piece of paper that's going to protect you from the potential of an accident," Helen Slottje, Public Interest Lawyer.

Slottje adds that if you're sued, you can also ask for money from your gas company.

But warns smaller companies may go bankrupt to avoid paying damages.

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