Plan Would Limit Fracking Near Western Md. Lake

OAKLAND, Md. (AP) -- A proposed management plan for the Deep Creek watershed seeks to limit hydraulic fracturing for natural gas near Maryland's largest freshwater lake.

The plan presented Tuesday to the Garrett County Commissioners would prohibit wellheads in more than 41,000 acres around Deep Creek Lake. The watershed comprises about 10 percent of the county.

The commissioners accepted the plan but took no action on any of its proposals.

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a technique involving both horizontal and vertical drilling. The plan wouldn't ban drilling beneath the watershed but would prohibit drilling activity and gas collection on the surface.

The proposal is meant preserve the area's scenic beauty.

A separate state commission is devising safety recommendations for hydraulic fracturing in the Marcellus shale underlying the western Maryland county.

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