Pennsylvania Litigants in Settlement Talks Over Alleged Environmental Contamination

SCRANTON, Pa. - Parties to a contentious lawsuit over alleged water well contamination from fracking have agreed to postpone any scheduled hearings for several months while they pursue a settlement, according to recent court filings. Fiorentino, et al. v. Cabot Oil & Gas Corp., et al., No. 3:09-cv-02284-JEJ (M.D. Pa.).

Defendant Cabot Oil & Gas Corp., meanwhile, has withdrawn a motion for sanctions and to compel discovery that led, in part, to the court's appointment of a special master to resolve disputes it said were taxing the court's resources.

Counsel for Cabot submitted its Notice of Withdrawal on April 25, …