Federal Judge Denies Oil Firm's Motion to Dismiss Homeowners' Lawsuits

HARRISBURG, Pa. - A federal judge has denied a motion by Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. to dismiss a complaint on behalf of 63 residents in central Pennsylvania who claim that the company's natural gas drilling efforts have contaminated their property and groundwater. Fiorentino, et al. v. Cabot Oil & Gas Corp., No. 09-cv-2284 (M.D. Pa.).

Judge John E. Jones III of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania did dismiss a gross negligence count in the 22-page memorandum and order filed on Nov. 15, but left seven other counts brought against Cabot by residents in and …