Emergency Hearing / by Justin Merriman




TOP: June Chappell, of Hopewell Township, Washington County, wipes away tears after speaking at a hearing by the Senate Health Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, on emergency response in the Marcellus Shale region, chaired by U.S. Senator Bob Casey at the Federal Courthouse, Downtown Pittsburgh on Monday, July 26, 2010. In 2007, 118 acres of property surrounding Chappell's home was sold by a coal company to a gas drilling company and she testified to the hardships the drilling has caused on her and her family. She became emotional when she spoke saying, "The good news about the wastewater impoundment being filled in was bitter sweet. On February 26th, 2010, my husband died. I know he would be proud of me." BOTTOM: U.S. Senator Bob Casey chairs the hearing