Scott Ely Discusses Victory in Fracking Lawsuit

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A Susquehanna County man said the trial which resulted in a verdict against a big energy company in a water contamination case was a "nerve-racking" experience.

Scott Ely was one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against Cabot Oil and Gas Corporation.

Ely and his wife, along with another Dimock Township couple, contended Cabot's fracking operations had caused well water contamination.

A federal court jury in Scranton awarded the two families about $4.25 million in a verdict announced on Thursday (March 10).

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program the morning after the trial ended, Ely described the legal case as "a long haul." He said the past two-and-a-half weeks had been "very emotional."

Ely said he believed the trial indicated the importance for people to "stand by your convictions."

Most Dimock residents who were battling Cabot settled with the company in 2012. But Ely chose to keep fighting, knowing he was challenging what he described as a "humongous industry."

In a statement, Cabot Oil and Gas said the company will appeal the verdict. The company contends the verdict disregarded "overwhelming scientific and factual evidence" that Cabot's operations in Dimock were proper.

LISTEN to Scott Ely's comments made on "Binghamton Now" March 11, 2016.

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