Commitments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Commitments [Abstract]

Commitments

3. Commitments  

In November 2011, during a routine tank cleaning, the Company discovered a small amount of mercury in the bottom of the tank.  The tank was not in service at the time of the discovery and remains out of service.  A number of tests were performed to confirm no mercury entered the water supply and no employees or contractors present during the discovery were impacted.  The tank will remain out of service until it is approved for service by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, or DEP.  No disruption of service to any customers has occurred or is expected to occur.  The Company incurred total costs of $186 through March 31, 2013.  Recent tests have shown the tank is in compliance with safe drinking water standards and the Company has requested permission to place the tank back into service from the DEP.  If the DEP does not approve based on the testing completed, other options will be reviewed, including a project to reline and strengthen the interior of the tank or replace the tank through capital expenditures.