Some studies show that land, water, and air are affected by the Marcellus ShaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock.ShaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. is one of the most highly productive types of sedimentary rock whose density provides tight stores forhydrocarbon reserves below. Marcellus ShaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. is a rock formationA body of earth material with distinctive and characteristic properties. running through about two-thirds of Pennsylvania, and areas of New York and West Virginia. Geologists estimate that there is a large enough natural gas reserve within the shaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. to power the United States for one to eight years. natural gasA naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon gases beneath the earth’s surface – often in association with petroleum. extraction process.  There are several levels of impact on vital resources and these impacts can affect decision making of companies, governments, and individuals.

LAND

Farmlands and forests are impacted when natural gasA naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon gases beneath the earth’s surface – often in association with petroleum. is extracted from the Marcellus ShaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock.ShaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. is one of the most highly productive types of sedimentary rock whose density provides tight stores forhydrocarbon reserves below. Marcellus ShaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. is a rock formationA body of earth material with distinctive and characteristic properties. running through about two-thirds of Pennsylvania, and areas of New York and West Virginia. Geologists estimate that there is a large enough natural gas reserve within the shaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. to power the United States for one to eight years..  The transportation of heavy equipment impacts municipal roadways.  The horizontal drillingHorizontal Drilling is the most rapidly growing movement in the industry. Essentially, in addition to the vertical shaft in an oil or gas well, special equipment allows producers to extend horizontal shafts into areas that could not otherwise be reached. techniques use less land surface than would be needed for vertical drilling.  Horizontal wells can reduce the number of access roads, well padsArea that has been cleared for a drilling rigThe physical apparatus used to drill and frack wells. These are large portable operations that are assembled on site and disassembled when the well has been capped or brought into production. to work on a plot of land designated for natural gas and oil extraction., pipelines, and production facilities needed.  Landowners also have the right to protection from “unreasonable encroachment or damage.”  According to the Department of Environmental ProtectionThis state agency has permitting and primary regulatory authority over the natural gasA naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon gases beneath the earth’s surface – often in association with petroleum. industry in the state., owners of surface rights should only seek legal advice and negotiate with drilling companies for location of access roads and drilling equipment and a reasonable price for damages, crop loss, etc.

When heavy equipment travels over farmland, soil compaction occurs.  Soil compaction is caused by tire pressure and this can have an effect on plant production.  Soil compaction is also caused by axle loads which reduce productivity for decades.  To avoid compaction, companies can move the topsoil and stock pile it to one side on the site.  Stone is then added to the subsurfaceEarth material (as rock) near but not exposed at the surface of the ground. to stabilize it before heavy equipment is moved across the land.  Once the well is completed, the topsoil is returned and crops can be grown.

Forestlands can also be affected by Marcellus drilling.  To drill, a large number of trees may need to be cut down to build access roads.  Shrubs and flowers may also need taken down for roadway access.   Owners of this land can stipulate where the access roads are placed or require drilling companies to use old lumbering roads.  It is important for the landowner to contact lawyers who specialize in Marcellus ShaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock.ShaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. is one of the most highly productive types of sedimentary rock whose density provides tight stores forhydrocarbon reserves below. Marcellus ShaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. is a rock formationA body of earth material with distinctive and characteristic properties. running through about two-thirds of Pennsylvania, and areas of New York and West Virginia. Geologists estimate that there is a large enough natural gas reserve within the shaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. to power the United States for one to eight years. natural gasA naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon gases beneath the earth’s surface – often in association with petroleum. extraction for legal advice regarding negative impact on the forests.

Responsible drilling companies can restore the surface land to its pre-drilling state.  But, it is important this information is included in the signed lease and specify how any problems will be handled.  It is recommended that landowners educate themselves with terminology as there are many complexities involved.  Again, this is why most landowners seek the assistance of an experienced lawyer.

WATER

There are also environmental concerns regarding Marcellus shaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock.ShaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. is one of the most highly productive types of sedimentary rock whose density provides tight stores forhydrocarbon reserves below. Marcellus ShaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. is a rock formationA body of earth material with distinctive and characteristic properties. running through about two-thirds of Pennsylvania, and areas of New York and West Virginia. Geologists estimate that there is a large enough natural gas reserve within the shaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. to power the United States for one to eight years. drilling and water contamination.  Both surface and ground waterThe supply of fresh water found beneath the earth’s surface, usually in aquifers, which supply wells and springs. Provides a major source of drinking water. are used in the drilling operations to extract natural gasA naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon gases beneath the earth’s surface – often in association with petroleum. from the shaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. formationA body of earth material with distinctive and characteristic properties..

The water that is used for drilling can come from various places such as  rivers, lakes, private water sources, municipal water, and recycled frackingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. water. This water, used in drilling, is contaminated and is hauled away to be treated.  It cannot be returned to its source.

Another major concern is water contamination.  Drilling through aquifers can contaminate water supplies.  To avoid contaminating drinking water aquifers, drillers use cement casings to surround the drilling pipe.  The frackingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. fluid contains chemicals used by the company to facilitate gas recovery from the shaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock..  The proportions of chemicals used by the drilling company is proprietary information and is not information released to the general public.

AIR QUALITY

Because natural gasA naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon gases beneath the earth’s surface – often in association with petroleum. is the cleanest of all fossil fuels, its air quality benefits are often praised.  However, natural gasA naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon gases beneath the earth’s surface – often in association with petroleum. production does not exist without consequences.  Its extraction from the Marcellus shaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock.ShaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. is one of the most highly productive types of sedimentary rock whose density provides tight stores forhydrocarbon reserves below. Marcellus ShaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. is a rock formationA body of earth material with distinctive and characteristic properties. running through about two-thirds of Pennsylvania, and areas of New York and West Virginia. Geologists estimate that there is a large enough natural gas reserve within the shaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. to power the United States for one to eight years. impacts air quality and releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Potential sources of air pollution varies on the phase of the drilling stage.  In the early phases, the air can be polluted by drilling rigs and frackingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. engines that are fueled by diesel or gasoline.  Air pollution also comes from the truckloads of water carried to the drilling site and the water being hauled away.  Once the drilling stage is completed, production begins – which includes compressor engines and condensate tanks.  Unintended leaks can also occur from drilling equipment that is worn, rusty, corroded, or not properly installed.

Air quality is an issue that needs a closer look with the increase of natural gasA naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon gases beneath the earth’s surface – often in association with petroleum. drilling and production.  Although there is some disagreement on the extent of air pollution,  it is suggested that more emphasis be placed in air quality monitoring.