Tempting treasure, but at an uncertain cost.
For better or worse, Marcellus Shale gas drilling is here. Some 1,566 drill permits have been issued in 2009 so far by the State DEP. See map of area gas drilling activity. (Thanks to www.pagaslease.com for these maps.)
This region has been harvested for profit before. During the lumber boom, many lumber company owners lived in Williamsport. Some of their mansions survive to this day. Their bequests spawned rich new growth for the city, including the James V. Brown library.
The massive deforestation brutally denuded the mountains of most trees, leaving the ground unable to hold water during rains, increasing flood damage.
The late 1800's also brought pollution to many creeks in this region by way of tanneries using hemlock tree bark which contained tannin.
Both of these examples happened before the state Department of Environmental Resources (DER) was formed in 1970. In 1995 the DER was split, with part becoming the Department of Environmental Protection. It is tempting to simply trust that this state department will take care of the details regarding Marcellus Shale exploration and development.
The Williamsport, Pennsylvania DEP offices expanded this Spring as a reaction to the gas drilling activity and a change in how gas well permits were licensed.
The most important question of this issue is, "Will this Marcellus Shale gas drilling leave any unsafe effects on the environment (including drinking water)?"
There are many voices answering the question, but they don't all agree on the answer.
While some voices say gas drilling is safe, many others disagree or argue that there isn't enough data for a conclusion.
New York state has blocked drilling to allow for further public comment. See New York Times editorial of October 16, 2009. There are worries about what gas drilling might to the New York water supply. The editorial also explains why the Environmental Protection Agency is excepted from regulating the hydro fracture drilling.
Scientific American reports that New York's Department of Environmental Conservation has recently found radioactivity in gas well water. Levels could be over 250 times that accepted for safe drinking water.
In western Pennsylvania, a landowner is suing a gas company for polluting drinking water wells.
The Philadelphia Inquire published an editorial November 9, 2009 about air concerns from Texas gas drilling and urges Governor Rendell to begin taxing gas production.
Trout Unlimited's Secretary, Robert Pennell, wrote about his concerns in the November 14, 2009 Patriot News Editorial.
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission calls for a real time monitoring network be set up to monitor the water quality now and for the future. Funding is needed for the system though.
The only prudent decision would be for the state to wait and examine more data before issuing any more drill permits.
This web site intends to bring all voices on this issue to our pages. We welcome your comments.
Comments
Post new comment