Complaints from area residents have prompted the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to increase its enforcement presence in the five-county area of northeastern Pennsylvania connected to the Marcellus Shale, the agency said Friday.

The move was sparked by complaints involving carriers transporting commodities without a PUC certificate. Complainants also alleged that several carriers were violating the PUC’s hours of service regulations. Increased inspections are taking place in Tioga, Bradford, Sullivan, Wyoming and Susquehanna counties to ensure that motor carriers are complying with regulations, the PUC said.

Trucking companies are required to have a PUC property certificate and proof of insurance if they are involved with transporting commodities related to natural gas operations, such as water, sand and stone. Carriers operating without the certificate and insurance can be subject to penalties. Carriers violating safety regulations that pertain to the drivers and equipment can be cited and placed out of service.

In New York state regulators are in the process of reviewing proposed rules for companies active in the Marcellus Shale. These include rules that would apply to the trucking of commodities (see Daily GPI, Oct. 2, 2009).

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