Marcellus Shale Newswire 03/25/2011
Vol. 2, Issue 02
A Collection of Marcellus Shale and Gas Drilling Articles from Pennsylvania and Beyond
PennEnvironment
Philadelphia Inquirer
Corbett opens door for local levies on shale drilling
By Angela Couloumbis and Joseph Tanfani
March 24, 2011
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/118560359.html
Gov. Corbett on Wednesday opened the door to imposing an impact fee on natural gas drillers, signaling that he may be easing up on his strong opposition to any levy on the industry. He added: “I understand that there is an impact to the local communities, and I believe that in some way, shape, or form, we need to address the impact.”
Patriot-News
Marcellus Shale advisory board is top heavy with representatives of business and industry
By Donald Gilliland
March 22, 2011
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/03/marcellus_shale_advisory_board.html
The balance of interests on the commission is tipped heavily in favor of the drilling industry, critics say, at a time when concern over the environmental impacts of drilling is higher than ever. The governor’s commission has 13 representatives from business and industry, while four come from environmental and conservation groups.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
DEP reviewing permit for hauler charged with illegal dumping
By Don Hopey
March 19, 2011
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11078/1133161-113.stm
According to the grand jury’s presentment, from 2003 to 2009 Mr. Shipman directed the illegal dumping of Marcellus Shale drilling wastewater, municipal sewage sludge and restaurant grease in Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence, Washington and Westmoreland counties, sometimes after dark or during heavy rains to mask the illegal activity.
New York Times
Natural Gas and Clean Water
Editorial
March 22, 2011
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/23/opinion/23wed2.html?_r=1&ref=opinion
A single well can cough up a million gallons of wastewater laced with carcinogens like benzene and radioactive elements like radium. Ian Urbina’s recent series in The Times found that conventional wastewater treatment plants in Pennsylvania could not prevent radioactive contaminants from entering rivers that provide drinking water for millions of people. The issue is whether [drilling for natural gas] can be done safely.
Daily American
Marcellus gas production data now recorded online
By Bruce Siwy
March 19, 2011
Although there is an increasing awareness about the state’s growing Marcellus Shale industry, Petras said she believes people should be cautious before dealing with gas companies. “It just seems like they have a lot of loopholes and they use all of them,” she said. “I think (the industry) needs to be regulated much more than it is.”
Patriot-News
Stacked Deck: Marcellus Shale commission has a chance to do good work – if it plays fair
Editorial
March 24, 2011
http://www.pennlive.com/editorials/index.ssf/2011/03/stacked_deck_marcellus_shale_c.html
Perhaps the most troubling part of the advisory commission is the absence of members with deep expertise in water issues. Arguably the top concern for voters is ensuring that the state’s waterways remain safe for drinking and outdoors activities, especially fishing.
Scranton Times Tribune
DEP halts Potter County pad work citing erosion
March 24, 2011
The Department of Environmental Protection has halted work on a natural-gas well pad in Potter County because of erosion that affected the water supply for hundreds of households.
Express-Times
Lehigh Valley Sierra Club chairman urges people to oppose Marcellus Shale fracking
By Tom Shortell
March 24, 2011
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1300939517261140.xml&coll=3
Drilling in the Marcellus Shale could make drinking water in the Lehigh Valley flammable, radioactive and full of cancer-causing chemicals, according to the chairman of the Sierra Club of the Lehigh Valley.