Penn State officials address Marcellus Shale issues in Murrysville
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The more information that is disseminated, the more negativity seems to surround the potential of Marcellus Shale drilling for natural gas in Murrysville.
Two representatives from the School of Forest Resources at Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences were on hand June 16 to provide information and answer questions during a Marcellus Shale informational session at Murrysville's council chambers.
Residents have packed this and similar sessions since representatives from Range Resources announced in the spring that they intend to look into setting up a well site near the intersection of Logans Ferry and Saltsburg roads.
Many have had questions regarding the potential impact to the community and environment.
Gary Sheppard, director of Penn State's Westmoreland County Extension, discussed property leasing issues. His colleague, Dana Rizzo, Penn State Westmoreland County Extension educator, lectured the audience on how the drilling could affect the area's water supply.
"The first Marcellus Shale gas well was drilled in Pennsylvania five years ago," Mr. Sheppard said. "We don't know everything. We're in the process of educating ourselves on this subject too."
The Marcellus Shale is a layer of rock located one to two miles below the Earth's surface. Most energy experts believe it contains up to 300 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
With that resource comes the expectation of a financial bonanza that can be reaped by area gas companies. Murrysville and other communities in Westmoreland County and some in Washington County are now targeted by those companies.
Mr. Sheppard stressed that if area residents are approached by gas company representatives, they should seek legal counsel, especially if there is a desire on the property owner's part to enter into a lease agreement.
First Published June 24, 2010 5:55 am
