NC panel eyes unannounced fracking inspections

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — Hearing officers who studied public comments on fracking in North Carolina are recommending that rules be revised to allow unannounced inspections of hydraulic fracturing operations.

The report was prepared by three members of the state Mining and Energy Commission for the full board to consider at meetings starting Thursday.

One recommendation was to change language in draft rules “to allow unannounced inspections” by the state.

The three commission members who presided over public meetings on dozens of fracking rules noted many comments pertained to things they couldn’t change because of how state law is written.

For example, the report says that the commission can’t require companies to disclose all fracking chemicals regardless of trade secrets. The report says changing the confidential information provisions would require action from the Legislature.

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