Couple Settles Surface Contamination Claims Against Chesapeake Appalachia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - One of two neighboring couples who sued a shale gas driller for alleged contamination of hay fields and other surface property has notified the court that the parties have "amicably settled." R_ine v. Chesapeake Appalachia LLC_, No. 5:11-cv-00004-FPS (N.D. W.Va.).

Larry and Jana Rine filed a motion to voluntarily dismiss their action for injunctive and monetary relief in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, and the motion was granted on July 7 by District Judge Frederick P. Stamp Jr.

The Rines said in their motion that Chesapeake Appalachia LLC "is presently continuing …