NEW CASTLE —
Until recently, the local impact of shale gas drilling has been mostly a theoretical, what-if discussion.
But as drilling, hauling, pipeline construction and related activities expand in Lawrence County, the issue has a more immediate — and practical — impact.
As with many land use activities, shale drilling creates conflicts. While some county residents welcome the drilling, others are fearful or flat-out opposed to the consequences.
Let’s be clear: Any drilling operation can pose a nuisance to nearby residents. That’s especially so with shale operations, because of their scope and all that’s involved in drilling deep underground and injecting fluids into the earth.
While most of these impacts are temporary, and many well projects have been completed without longer-term consequences, that’s not always the case. Problems have arisen at some drilling sites around the country, ranging from explosions to fluid spills to contaminated water supplies.
There are risks associated with all forms of energy production. Coal mining endangers lives and stripping away layers of earth has significant environmental consequences. Drilling for oil deep under the ocean poses risks that became all too obvious two years ago in the Gulf of Mexico. Nuclear power has radiation risks. Even wind energy production raises concerns because of the dangers to birds and bats.
So the question becomes: How dangerous is shale gas production compared to other energy endeavors? All things considered, we think it represents an attractive option. And it represents a potentially huge economic potential for this community and region.
Of course, that assessment may not fly with someone whose water well has been ruined or life has been otherwise disrupted by a problem. And the potential concerns of a well drilled in one’s neighborhood is far different than one located hundreds of miles away.
This is why it’s in everyone’s interest — particularly drillers and government officials — to take every reasonable precaution against negative impacts from shale gas operations. Problems inevitably produce public opposition. And opposition creates a political force that could lead to efforts to restrict drilling.
Right now in Pennsylvania, there is virtually no local control or regulation over shale drilling. State law puts that power in the hands of Harrisburg.
The lack of local input on drilling decisions has the effect of speeding up the process. But if things go wrong in communities, and there is no mechanism for giving residents or local officials a voice, the current streamlined process could backfire.
We see significant potential for Lawrence County related to shale drilling. And the best way to ensure this potential is realized is to avoid problems and conflicts. As for those that do arise, they need to be addressed and resolved as quickly and openly as possible.
Marcellus Shale
Our Opinion: Expanded shale drilling operations will have an impact
- Marcellus Shale
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Meeting set on Marcellus drilling
The League of Women Voters of Lawrence County will sponsor a panel discussion on Marcellus drilling on Tuesday. The discussion on drilling and property values will begin at 6:30 p.m. at New Wilmington Methodist Church, 125 S. Mercer St.
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SRU to host shale summit
Slippery Rock University will host a summit Tuesday to educate local businesses about the Marcellus and Utica shale industry. The session, called Shale Summit II, will be a joint venture of the university, the Grove City Area and Butler County chambers of commerce and WISR/WBUT radio.
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Education Options, Part 2: Current shale boom casts new light on county’s economic future
Second of two parts: Welcome to the Industrial Revolution of 2013. The Marcellus Shale phenomenon has arrived with the promise of jobs and prosperity for an area in dire need of just such a miracle.
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Seismic testing to be discussed
Seismic testing for Marcellus Shale will be discussed Tuesday in New Wilmington. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at United Methodist Church, located at the corner of South Mercer Street and Neshannock Avenue.
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Shale Update: Gas from 2012 wells entering pipeline
Wells drilled a year ago in Lawrence County are producing natural gas that is entering a pipeline for consumers. Natural gas from the Marcellus Shale formation under Lawrence County is now being pumped from two wells on the Harry Patterson property in the New Beaver Borough area into a major pipeline and is being sold, said Joe Minnitte, case manager for Shell Exploration and Production Co.
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Township requests shale money for bridges
North Beaver Township could be the first municipality to spend county Marcellus shale funds earmarked for bridge repairs. The supervisors have requested $63,000 from Lawrence County’s Act 13 transportation funds, which — by law — are to be used for rehabilitation or replacement of county and municipal bridges.
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Commission approves shale pact for Pulaski game lands
The Pennsylvania Game Commission will allow Hilcorp Energy Co. to extract oil and gas from Pulaski Township state game lands. The eight-member board today unanimously approved a restricted surface use oil and gas cooperative agreement for two separate tracts, including 586 acres of state game land 150.
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Estate planning workshop to address shale issues
A free workshop on estate planning for shale gas leases is planned this month in Lawrence County. Estate Planning for Marcellus Shale Lease Holders, will run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Shenango Township Volunteer Fire Hall, 2424 E. Washington St. It is being hosted by state Rep. Jaret Gibbons.
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Extension to review seismic tests, pipelines
A program on seismic testing, pipeline agreements and leasing will be offered three times next week. Penn State Extension and the Beaver-Lawrence Farm Bureau will present the program Tuesday in New Castle. It will be presented two more times on Thursday in Beaver County.
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Shell donation boosts Jameson project
Shell Appalachia’s search for natural gas will help fuel completion of Jameson Heath System’s emergency/surgical wing. Jameson is scheduled to take possession of its $20.3 million expansion Feb. 14.
- More Marcellus Shale Headlines
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Meeting set on Marcellus drilling
