Gas drilling companies paid $750K settlement

WASHINGTON, Pa. (AP)--  Newly released court documents show that gas drilling company Range Resources and other defendants paid $750,000 to settle claims that the activity ruined a western Pennsylvania family's property.

But the settlement that Stephanie and Chris Hallowich of Hickory agreed to also notes that there was no medical evidence to support claims that the activity harmed their health. The dispute was settled in July, 2011, but the companies asked that the records be sealed and a judge agreed.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the Washington Observer-Reporter challenged that decision and on Wednesday another judge ruled in their favor.

Range spokesman Matt Pitzarella says the company does not have concerns about the judge's decision to make the settlement public.

The Hallowich's attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.