Virginia Department of Energy

The board conducted an all-virtual meeting to vote on final written decisions for several formal hearings held in previous months regarding specific docket units. Additionally, staff provided an update on activities for the upcoming June meeting, including a change in the scheduled meeting location.

The meeting was an informal fact-finding conference concerning case docket number 1042 regarding objections to a permit application for a Pocahontas Gas LLC coalbed methane well. Diversified Production LLC, as a royalty owner, raised objections based on the claim that the proposed well impinges upon its gas and oil interests, threatens to violate property and statutory rights, and that the underlying pooling application failed to properly identify the well. Diversified requested a stay of the proceedings pending the outcome of a related appeal currently before the circuit court. Representatives for both parties presented arguments regarding the validity of the permit application, the electronic submission process, and the necessity of a stay.

The hearing addressed objections filed against a permit application for a methane well by Pocahontas Gas LLC. The proceedings involved a stipulation to incorporate evidence and testimony from a previous related hearing into the current application process. Both parties agreed to the submission of specific election letters, reservations, and transcript excerpts for the record to facilitate an efficient review.

The meeting was convened to address case docket FFH1040 regarding objections filed against a permit application for a coalbed methane well. A motion to dismiss was raised by a party due to lack of fair notice regarding an amendment to the permit application submitted shortly before the hearing. The discussion centered on notice requirements, the necessity for parties to have adequate time to review amended filings, and the procedural handling of permit modifications. Ultimately, the hearing was dismissed, and it was ruled that all interested parties shall have 15 days from the receipt of the notification of the permit modification to file objections.

The board received a quarterly report from First Bank and Trust regarding escrow funds, including account balances, distributions, and the status of outstanding checks. The board authorized the reinvestment of expiring Certificates of Deposit into a new one-year term. Additionally, the board approved a petition from Pocahontas Gas LLC concerning the disbursement of escrow funds and the dismissal of certain coal owners. The meeting also included a formal hearing regarding several docket items continued from previous sessions.