In what amounts to a redistribution of personnel resources, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will soon initiate a series of field inspections of some active Marcellus shale gas drilling sites.

Beginning next month, the agency will begin monitoring wells that are in close proximity to waterways and wetlands. The purpose of the inspections will be to monitor safety measures at drilling sites and access roads, and to obtain water quality data from locations in the nearby waters. At present, Fish and Boat works with the state Department of Environmental Protection and other agencies to investigate spills and problems related to used-water discharges.

In July, commission board members told reporters that one of the reasons they have asked executive director Doug Austen to resign was disagreements over his handling of the monitoring of Marcellus shale drilling operations. He's expected to leave the job by early 2010.

"Until now our agency has only reacted to those drilling sites where a problem resulted in material entering a waterway or wetlands," said Austen, last week in a prepared statement. "We are now taking a proactive approach to identify possible problems at a drilling site and to work with the company to ensure necessary measures are in place to minimize the possibility of damaging nearby waterways."

So far, more than 150 active Marcellus shale drilling sites have been identified for inspections. The monitoring is expected to happen during the next several months.

"The commission recognizes the need for and importance of the development of the Marcellus Shale for gas production and believes in can be accomplished in a manner that provides protection to Pennsylvania's valuable aquatic resources," said Austen. "Because of the importance of this issue, waterways conservation officers and field staff have set aside other job duties and functions for a period of time in order to conduct these field inspections."

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