Associated Press: Pa. industry group to disclose drilling chemicals

PITTSBURGH — Members of the leading Marcellus Shale industry group in Pennsylvania will voluntarily disclose chemicals used in each natural gas well as of Jan. 1, the organization said. An environmental group applauded the move, but said it’s not enough.

The Marcellus Shale Coalition represents many of the largest gas drillers in Pennsylvania. The drillers use a process called fracking, which forces millions of gallons of water, mixed with sand and chemicals, deep into shale formations to free the gas.

The industry believes the process is safe, but environmental groups and people who live in drilling areas have worried about the exact chemicals used in each well, and the possibility of groundwater contamination.

Kathryn Klaber, president of the Marcellus coalition, said that the full disclosure was an “obvious choice” that the group’s members had no problem supporting. The disclosure will be mandatory for members, who will list the chemicals used in each well on the website FracFocus.org.

“You want to make sure the transparency is worked in to everything we do,” Klaber said.

The state of Pennsylvania already requires drillers to list all chemicals used in drilling on a website. But that doesn’t tell people what’s being used in a specific well near them.

Klaber said the group wanted to go beyond what the state requires.

Jan Jarrett, president of the environmental group PennFuture, said she applauds the decision by the Marcellus Shale Coalition.

“I’m not saying it’s a bad thing for them to voluntarily do it,” Jarrett said.

But Jarrett said that is no protection against firms that aren’t members of the coalition, which companies join voluntarily.

“This is a matter of public policy. And it’s really a proper role of government to set these kinds of rules,” Jarrett said. She called for the state to make the disclosure of chemicals used in each well mandatory for all drillers.

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DLP: PENNSYLVANIA TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERS AND MARCELLUS SHALE DRILLING RIG INJURY LAWYERS: Water Problems Debate Continues

The water problems and debate in Dimmock Pennsylvania continue.  CABOT GAS,  gas drilling company does not need to provide additional water to residents.   Property owners claim that methane levels in their water are increasing.  Experts continue to fight over the water issues.  The thirteen (13) lawyers at Dougherty Leventhal Price LLP—PENNSYLVANIA TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERS AND MARCELLUS SHALE DRILLING RIG ACCIDENT LAWYERS–CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THIS AND OTHER GAS DRILLING ISSUES IN CENTRAL AND NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA.

DLP:PENNSYLVANIA TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERS AND MARCELLUS SHALE GAS DRILLING RIG ACCIDENT LAWYERS: Boundaries Of Gas Field Still Not Determined

The boundaries for the Marcellus shale gas field in Pennsylvania are still being defined.  Drilling rigs are popping up at full speed in counties such as Bradford, Susquehanna and Tioga Counties.  However, fields are still undefined and the number of drilling rigs under construction have leveled off or declined in counties such as Wyoming, Luzerne and Potter Counties.  The thirteen lawyers (13) at DLP:–PENNSYLVANIA TRUCK ACCIDENT AND MARCELLUS SHALE GAS DRILLING RIG ACCIDENT LAWYERS continue to follow this and other gas drilling issues in Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania.

Washington Co. gets a boost thanks to Marcellus Shale

The strength of Washington County’s economy was again confirmed last week as the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics determined that Washington County had the third highest percentage increase of employment in the entire country

By Jeff Kotula; Originally published on October 16 in the Observer Reporter

 

The strength of Washington County’s economy was again confirmed last week as the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics determined that Washington County had the third highest percentage increase of employment in the entire country. The bureau determined that between March 2010 and March 2011, Washington County’s employment growth was 4.3 percent. Only two other counties in the U.S. – Elkhart County in Indiana and Ottawa County in Michigan had higher employment growth rates. This is a significant finding and is directly related to the positive economic impact of the Marcellus Shale industry in our county.

We have every reason to feel energized about Washington County’s future as we are at the epicenter of Pennsylvania’s natural gas development. The county was the home to the first Marcellus Shale well and the first horizontal well. We have one of the highest rates of drilling activity and production in the state. With an abundant supply of these natural resources, our county is attracting energy companies every day and this means jobs for our residents.

In Southpointe alone, over 50 energy and energy-related companies have located offices and operations. Companies such as Consol Energy, one of the nation’s largest producers of natural resources, chose Southpointe for its world headquarters and Range Resources, the first company to test modern drilling and completion techniques in the Marcellus Shale, will expand on its already significant presence when it opens its new headquarters in Southpointe later this year. In addition, energy and energy-related companies such as Chesapeake Energy, Rice Energy, UniversalPegasus, Select Energy, Steptoe & Johnson and others have established operations or expanded across our county. While these companies alone are creating jobs and investment, we should not forget the positive secondary effects of the energy industry on our local economy.

New industry also brings new opportunities for local businesses and residents. Many local industrial suppliers, manufacturers, restaurants, hotels, shops and services in our county are all experiencing an increase in business because of the energy industry. New business means new jobs. In addition, our agricultural sector, which is still one of the county’s largest industries, is being re-energized by leasing activities and is re-investing those resources into new equipment and improvements. This translates into new customers for farm suppliers and other businesses that support our local agricultural communities. The natural gas industry has created “economies of shale” that not only provides jobs and economic benefits for those in the energy industry itself, but also for local businesses, services and residents that are experiencing new growth by supporting the industry. All of these new jobs are why Washington County is third in the nation in percentage increase of employment growth, has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the region and why we are now considered “The Energy Capital of the East.”

Washington County is at the center of the largest nonconventional natural gas reserve in the world, and it is up to us to make the most of it. Exploring for and producing clean-burning natural gas in the Marcellus Shale will generate billions of dollars and continue to generate hundreds of thousands of jobs in Pennsylvania, many of them in Washington County. With states such as Ohio and West Virginia also looking to capitalize on natural gas opportunities, we must continue to support the industry locally and work with our legislators and business community to insure their growth continues to be ours. In Washington County we do not just believe the energy industry is revitalizing our county and creating jobs, we can prove it.

The writer is president of Washington County Chamber of Commerce.

Posted at Pioga.org

 

Webinar October 20th to look at natural gas compression in pipeline systems

The new season’s webinar series starts out by looking at natural gas compressor stations and exactly why they are necessary
from: http://blog.kesselco.comfrom: http://blog.kesselco.com

A Web-based seminar will be presented at 1 p.m. Oct. 20 by Penn State Extension and will examine the need for and performance of compressor stations in natural-gas pipeline delivery systems.

The 75-minute session features a presentation by Glenn Wininger, project engineer, with Englobal Engineering, Inc., titled “Compressor Stations: the Necessity and Expectations.”

A pipeline system in states like Pennsylvania, underlain by the gas-holding Marcellus shale, is rapidly expanding to transport gas from the thousands of wells drilled into the mile-deep formation in the last few years.

“In my talk, I will try to offer a basic understanding of gas compression,” Wininger said. “There are different types of compression units and I will cover them. It is necessary for the gas industry to compress gas for transport in pipelines.

“We will also discuss the factors that necessitate gas compression and the requirements for increased compression throughout the lifetime of a gas well. And we’ll look at enclosed versus non-enclosed compression stations, air-quality concerns from gas compression and noise concerns from gas compression.”

The webinar is part of a series of online workshops addressing opportunities and challenges related to the state’s Marcellus Shale gas boom. Information about how to register for the session is available on the webinar page of Penn State Extension’s natural-gas website at http://extension.psu.edu/naturalgas/webinars.

Previous webinars, publications and information on natural gas related topics are available on the Penn State Extension natural-gas website, http://extension.psu.edu/naturalgas

For more information about the webinar, contact John Turack, extension educator in Westmoreland County, at (724) 837-1402 or by email at jdt15@psu.edu .

reprinted from Penn State Ag Science News
Jeff Mulhollem, Writer/editor
(814) 863-2719
jjm29@psu.edu

 

Posted at PSU.edu

 

Natural Gas Drilling Effects on Municipal Governments in the Marcellus Shale Region (Part IV) Local Government Survey Results from Clinton and Lycoming Counties

A review of an economic impact study conducted by the Marcellus Shale Education and Training Center (MSETC)

This is the last of a four-part series highlighting the results of an economic impact study conducted by the Marcellus Shale Education and Training Center, a partnership of Penn College of Technology and Penn State Extension.

The economic impact survey was sent to nearly 500 Pennsylvania townships, boroughs and cities in a 12-county region, which included Clinton and Lycoming Counties. The survey was conducted in the fall of 2010 and was designed to provide insights into what occurred across the Marcellus Shale region.

Responses were received from 10 of 29 Clinton County municipalities, and 37 of 52 Lycoming County municipalities (response rate of 58 percent).  Of the respondents, 23 reported that Marcellus Shale-related natural gas drilling or development currently is occurring in their municipality.  The analysis below represents responses from these 23 (2 are in Clinton County, and 21 are in Lycoming County).

Please indicate whether or not the development or drilling of Marcellus Shale has increased or decreased each of the following areas. If there has not been an impact on a certain area, please check “No Change” for that area.

Population
Cumulative     Cumulative
Q8A     Frequency     Percent         Frequency       Percent
————————————————————–
Increased          10             43.48            10            43.48
No Change         13             56.52            23          100.00

Road maintenance
Cumulative      Cumulative
Q8B      Frequency     Percent        Frequency        Percent
————————————————————–
Increased          15             65.22            15            65.22
No Change           8             34.78            23          100.00

Road construction
Cumulative      Cumulative
Q8C      Frequency     Percent        Frequency        Percent
————————————————————–
Increased             6            27.27              6           27.27
No Change          16            72.73            22          100.00

Frequency Missing = 1

Tourism
Cumulative     Cumulative
Q8D      Frequency     Percent        Frequency        Percent
————————————————————–
Increased            1               4.55              1            4.55
Decreased           1               4.55              2            9.09
No Change         20              90.91            22         100.00

Frequency Missing = 1

School enrollment
Cumulative     Cumulative
Q8E       Frequency     Percent        Frequency       Percent
————————————————————–
Increased            9              39.13             9           39.13
No Change         14              60.87            23         100.00

Property values
Cumulative     Cumulative
Q8F       Frequency     Percent        Frequency       Percent
————————————————————–
Increased          11              47.83            11           47.83
Decreased           2                8.70            13          56.52
No Change         10              43.48            23         100.00

Crime
Cumulative     Cumulative
Q8G       Frequency     Percent        Frequency       Percent
————————————————————–
Increased           4               17.39             4           17.39
No Change         19              82.61            23         100.00

Use of emergency services
Cumulative     Cumulative
Q8H       Frequency     Percent        Frequency       Percent
————————————————————–
Increased           7               30.43             7           30.43
No Change         16              69.57            23         100.00

Unemployment
Cumulative    Cumulative
Q8I        Frequency     Percent        Frequency       Percent
————————————————————–
Decreased           6              26.09             6           26.09
No Change         17              73.91            23         100.00

Employment
Cumulative    Cumulative
Q8J        Frequency     Percent        Frequency       Percent
————————————————————–
Increased          11              47.83            11           47.83
No Change         12              52.17            23         100.00

Residential construction
Cumulative     Cumulative
Q8K        Frequency     Percent        Frequency       Percent
————————————————————–
Increased           2                9.09              2            9.09
No Change         20              90.91            22         100.00

Frequency Missing = 1

Hotel construction
Cumulative     Cumulative
Q8L        Frequency      Percent       Frequency       Percent
————————————————————–
Increased           5               21.74             5           21.74
No Change         18              78.26            23         100.00

Other commercial construction
Cumulative     Cumulative
Q8M        Frequency      Percent       Frequency       Percent
————————————————————–
Increased           7               30.43             7           30.43
No Change         16              69.57            23         100.00

Workforce migration into municipality
Cumulative     Cumulative
Q8N         Frequency      Percent       Frequency       Percent
————————————————————–
Increased          12              52.17            12           52.17
No Change         11              47.83            23         100.00

Community conflict
Cumulative    Cumulative
Q8O         Frequency      Percent       Frequency       Percent
————————————————————–
Increased            5              21.74             5           21.74
No Change          18             78.26            23         100.00

Water use/disposal
Cumulative     Cumulative
Q8P          Frequency      Percent       Frequency       Percent
————————————————————–
Increased           12             52.17            12           52.17
No Change          11             47.83            23         100.00

Manufacturing
Cumulative     Cumulative
Q8Q          Frequency      Percent       Frequency       Percent
————————————————————–
Increased            3              13.04             3           13.04
No Change          20             86.96            23         100.00

Water quality
Cumulative     Cumulative
Q8R           Frequency      Percent      Frequency      Percent
————————– ————————————
Decreased            4             17.39             4           17.39
No Change          19             82.61            23         100.00

Air quality
Cumulative     Cumulative
Q8S           Frequency      Percent      Frequency      Percent
————————————————————–
Decreased            3             13.04             3           13.04
No Change          20             86.96            23         100.00

Stormwater runoff
Cumulative    Cumulative
Q8T           Frequency       Percent      Frequency     Percent
————————————————————–
Increased             6             26.09             6           26.09
No Change          17             73.91            23         100.00

Other environmental issues
Cumulative    Cumulative
Q8U              Frequency     Percent     Frequency     Percent
————————————————————-
Increased             3             17.65             3           17.65
No Change          14             82.35            17         100.00

Frequency Missing = 6

Reprinted from the Clinton County Natural Gas Task Force www.clintoncountypa.com.
The survey was written by Timothy W. Kelsey, professor of agricultural economics and Melissa M. Ward, graduate student of rural sociology and human dimensions of natural resources and the environment, Penn State, with Tracy Brundage (Penn College), Jim Ladlee (Penn State), Jeff Lorson (Penn College), Larry Michael (Penn College), and Tom Murphy (Penn State).

 

Posted at PSU.edu

 

DLP: PENNSYLVANIA TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERS AND MARCELLUS SHALE DRILLING RIG ACCIDENT LAWYERS: Pennsylvania Drilling Rigs Approach 2000

The number of drilling rigs in the Marcellus Shale regions of Pennsylvania is approaching two thousand (2000).  Reports note that over one thousand and eight hundred gas drilling rigs  (1800) have been placed in operation.  Industry leaders are touting the great positive economic impact of the expanding natural gas industry.  Hundreds of new Marcellus Shale gas drilling rigs are planned throughout Pennsylvania.  Thr thirteen lawyers at DOUGHERTY LEVENTHAL PRICE LLP—DLP—PENNSYLVANIA TRUCK ACCIDENT AND MARCELLUS SHALE GAS DRILLING RIG INJURY LAWYERS, continue to follow this and other Marcellus Shale gas drilling issues in Pennsylvania.

DLP: PENNSYLVANIA TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERS AND MARCELLUS SHALE DRILLING RIG INJURY AND ACCIDENT LAWYERS: Pipe Line Moves Forward

Reports note that construction of the 30 mile pipeline for transporting Marcellus Shale natural gas in Northeastern Pennsylvania is moving forward.  Pipeline clearing, digging, routing under the Susquehanna River and other construction activities remain on schedule.  Opposition in various municipalities continues and meetings are being held.  The thirteen (13) lawyers at DOUGHERTY LEVENTHAL PRICE LLP –DLP–PENNSYLVANIA TRUCK ACCIDENT AND MARCELLUS SHALE GAS DRILLING RIG INJURY AND ACCIDENT LAWYERS continue to follow this and other gas drilling issues in Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania.

DLP: PENNSYLVANIA TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERS AND MARCELLUS SHALE DRILLING RIG ACCIDENT LAWYERS–New York Waits For Drilling

A recent trip to New York farm country revealed an anxious number of people waiting for drilling to commence in their state.  Local property owners have signed gas leases, some at rate as high as $6500/acre with 20 per cent royalties.  Discussions elsewhere focused on environmental concerns especially water safety.   A moratorium on gas drilling continues statewide in New York.  the thirteen (13) lawyers at DOUGHERTY LEVENTHAL PRICE LLP—DLP-  PENNSYLVANIA TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERS AND MARCELLUS SHALE DRILLING RIG INJURY LAWYERS continue to follow this and other gas drilling related issues.

DLP: DOUGHERTY LEVENTHAL PRICE LLP PENNSYLVANIA TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERS AND MARCELLUS SHALE DRILLING RIG ACCIDENT LAWYERS: Deleware River Basin Delays Drilling Vote

The Deleware River Basin Authority has delayed a vote on permitting natural gas drilling in the Pennsylvania and New York water shed areas until late November.  Environmental concerns remain a top issue in the debate.  the thirteen (13) lawyers at DLP-PENNSYLVANIA TRUCK ACCIDENT AND MARCELLUS SHALE GAS DRILLING RIG ACCIDENT LAWYERS CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THIS AND OTHER GAS INDUSTRY ISSUES.