Marcellus Shale Newswire 03/18/2011
Vol. 2, Issue 01
A Collection of Marcellus Shale and Gas Drilling Articles from Pennsylvania and Beyond
PennEnvironment
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Bromide: A concern in drilling wastewater
By Don Hopey
March 13, 2011
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11072/1131660-113.stm
The spike in salty bromides in Western Pennsylvania’s rivers and creeks has already put some public water suppliers into violation of federal safe drinking water standards. Bromide facilitates the formation of brominated trihalomethanes, also known as THMs. Studies show a link between ingestion of and exposure to THMs and several types of cancer and birth defects.
The Mercury
Despite overhaul, gas wastewater still a problem
By David B. Caruso
March 12, 2011
http://pottsmerc.com/articles/2011/03/12/news/green/doc4d7ba36bac862978721917.txt?viewmode=fullstory
Records show that at least 2.8 million barrels of well wastewater were sent to treatment plants that discharge into rivers and streams. There have been concerns about the salt levels rising in some Pennsylvania rivers that supply drinking water.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Hundreds speak out on shale gas drilling
By Len Barcousky
March 11, 2011
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11070/1131191-503.stm
Speakers and spectators filled the Gold Room of the Allegheny County Courthouse to capacity on Thursday night for a public hearing on Marcellus Shale gas drilling. “Gas production and clean water don’t mix,” Paula Jean Tonsor, of Garfield, warned council.
The Scranton Times Tribune
Casey reintroduces natural gas bills
By Laura Legere
March 16, 2011
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey reintroduced three bills on Tuesday that aim to strengthen oversight of natural gas drilling and increase industry training for Pennsylvania workers. “Pennsylvanians have a right to know the chemicals used in fracking that could make their way into drinking water and other water sources,” Mr. Casey said.
Berks County News Reading Eagle Newspaper
Critics question wisdom of not taxing Marcellus shale gas drilling
By Darren Youker
March 13, 2011
http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=294030
Every other state with natural gas drilling taxes it, and Pennsylvania should do the same, said state Rep. Thomas R. Caltagirone, a Reading Democrat.
The Delaware County Daily Times
Vitali renews fight against shale drilling
By Alex Rose
March 13, 2011
http://delcotimes.com/articles/2011/03/13/news/doc4d7c412b24833704564621.txt?viewmode=fullstory
Vitali said about 725,000 of the 1.5 million acres of state forest lying above the Marcellus Shale has already been made available to gas drillers, a figure he regards as too high.