Natural Gas Drilling

Pennsylvania has seen a dramatic increase in the amount of exploration and extraction of natural gas in recent years. In particular, much interest has been generated in Marcellus Shale – a rock that is high in carbon and forms in Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia and Ohio. High levels of natural gas exist underneath this rock formation, and drilling technology has improved over the years making it much easier to access this gas.

Larger drilling pads (2-4 acres) are needed for Marcellus drilling and depending upon which type of drilling (lateral/horizontal or vertical) is used, it may take between 2 to 4 million gallons of water to fracture the rock formation and release the gas. Hydraulic fracturing (or fracing) a well occurs when large volumes of fluid combined with sand and chemicals are pumped under pressure into the rock formation. The sand and other particulates prevent the fracture from closing and the gas flows upward to the surface through the well. Many chemicals are used in the fracing process. 

The drilling of these areas is beneficial to the economy stimulating job growth and providing revenue to the landowner. However, gas extraction often negatively impacts the environment:

• Surface water – the location and amount of water withdrawl is of concern, especially potential impacts to small streams
• Ground water – possible release of toxins (from fracing chemicals) into the water when a gas well is drilled, which could contaminate nearby water wells and basins
• Wastewater pollutants – such as salts, metals, surfactants/detergents, total suspended solids and fracing chemical additives
• Limited number of water treatment facilities – concern with technology
• Air pollution from volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxides
• Displacement or destruction of plant and animal species habitat
• Higher demands on municipal services and infrastructure needs

What You Can Do

• Seek more information before you sign a gas lease agreement
• Attend a FracTracker training workshop
• Support renewable energy sources so that we are less dependent on fossil fuels
• Support legislation that protects the environment
   

 For more information on Marcellus Shale drilling

• http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/minres/oilgas/new_forms/marcellus/marcellus.htm
• http://extension.psu.edu/naturalgas
• http://www.fractracker.org
• Post Gazette: The Marcellus Boom Exploring the Impact
• Tribune Review Special Report on Marcellus Shale