Recent News:

Water testing near gas-drilling sites first of five water-quality webinars

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Water quality and water conservation will be the focus of five Web-based seminars produced by Penn State Cooperative Extension this spring. Topics will include water testing, septic systems, managing ponds and lakes, and safe drinking water.

The first webinar will cover strategies to monitor water wells, springs and streams that are near gas-drilling sites. That presentation will air Wednesday, Jan. 27, at noon and again at 7 p.m.

"We're starting to get a lot of questions about how people should monitor or test water wells or streams when there is drilling nearby," said Bryan Swistock, senior extension associate in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. "This webinar will cover what they should do in terms of testing, what tests to run, who does it, how often and how much it will it cost."

Swistock said there are many different testing options, depending on the water use. He said the simplest way to monitor water quality is to test for total dissolved solids. "If there is a spill or leak from a drilling site, the dissolved solids would indicate that," he said. "But if you want to test drinking water, you'll need a more thorough test than that."

Swistock stressed that testing performed by the homeowner may have limited value if a case were to develop into a lawsuit. He suggested that in instances when legal action may occur, homeowners should hire a third-party lab or tester to collect the sample. Such precautions ensure that the water samples retain a "chain of custody" and that they are collected in the proper manner by a professional, he said.

The water-testing webinar is part of an overall series targeting the most common water questions and concerns people have about water resources on their own property, whether those are water wells, septic systems or ponds. The series will discuss water-resource types, what kinds of threats exist to water supplies, and how property owners can manage them.

Participants must pre-register for the webinars, but only one registration is required for the entire series. To register, visit http://water.cas.psu.edu/webinars.htm. Once participants have pre-registered, they may visit this Web site on the day of the presentation and simply click on the link with the title of that day's webinar.

Penn State Cooperative Extension Water Webinars are held the last Wednesday of each month from January until May and will air at noon and 7 p.m. on each date. Dates, topics and presenters for the 2010 series include:

• -- Jan. 27, Water Testing and Monitoring Strategies Near Gas Drilling Activity, Bryan Swistock, Penn State water resources extension specialist.
• -- Feb. 24, Saving Money and Your Septic System through Water Conservation, Tom McCarty, Penn State Cooperative Extension, Cumberland County.
• -- March 31, Managing Your Pond or Lake, Susan Boser, Penn State Cooperative Extension, Beaver County.
• -- April 28, Safe Drinking Water Clinic, Peter Wulfhorst, Penn State Cooperative Extension, Pike County.
• -- May 26, Managing Your On-Lot Septic System, Dana Rizzo, Penn State Cooperative Extension, Westmoreland County.

For more information, contact Bryan Swistock at (814) 863-0194, or by e-mail at brs@psu.edu.

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu said on Friday that fracking could be done in a way to remove oil or gas that would not harm the environment and suggested Congress should not outlaw the practice. "If it can be extracted in an environmentally safe way, then why would you want to ban it?" Chu told reporters. "I think it can be done responsibly."

Ninety percent of all new electrical capacity in America since 1990 has been natural gas, and it’s going to continue on that way as a baseload ... But natural gas is going to do very well in the future, and the discoveries from the Marcellus Shale all the way through Barnett, that is all the way from New York down to Texas, are going to be big source of new electrical generation.

**ALERT: This Monday, January 25, a Marcellus shale gas rally will be held in Albany, NY. More details on the event, which is being coordinated by IOGA-NY, HERE.

Exxon’s Tillerson Says XTO Gas Drilling Won’t Hurt Environment

“Exxon Mobil Corp.’s $30 billion bid for XTO Energy Inc. will expand natural gas production in shale formations, boosting the U.S. economy without harming the environment, Rex Tillerson, Exxon’s chief executive officer, plans to tell Congress today. “We can now find and produce unconventional natural gas supplies miles below the surface in a safe, efficient and environmentally responsible manner,” Tillerson said in testimony prepared for a hearing before the House Energy and Environment subcommittee. Exxon is the biggest U.S. oil company, and XTO is the biggest natural gas producer. … “You can find the petroleum distillates used in fracturing operations in laxatives and candy bars,” said Chris Tucker, a spokesman for Energy-in-Depth, a Washington-based group representing major gas producers including XTO.”
Bloomberg

Another enviro scare aimed at oil, gas

“Key to unlocking energy resources like the Marcellus Shale deposit is a process known as hydraulic fracturing. Drillers inject fluid -- 99.5 percent of which is water -- into wells to create horizontal fractures, which enable recovery of trillions of cubic feet of natural gas and billions of barrels of oil that would otherwise be inaccessible. Hydraulic fracturing has been widely used for 60 years, especially in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. But now, as energy companies greatly expand the use of hydraulic fracturing in other areas of the nation, environmental extremists see an opportunity to mount a new national scare campaign. … studies by multiple reputable organizations, including the EPA in 2004, concluded that hydraulic fracturing poses no danger to drinking water after being used more than 1.1 million times in the U.S.”
Washington Examiner, Editorial

Marcellus shale coalition picks president

“The Marcellus Shale Coalition last week announced Kathryn Klaber as its first president and executive director. The recently formed coalition brings together energy companies, the IOGAPA and the Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Association to work with regulators, government officials and other stakeholders in addressing both the economic growth and environmental effects of Marcellus Shale drilling. … "I think the appointment comes at a critical time for our operators, and from what I understand of Katie's background, the committee couldn't have made a better or more appropriate choice," said Chris Tucker, spokesman for Energy In Depth, a coalition of small, independent oil and natural gas producers. "The advantage Katie has is that she can point to real, tangible results of our efforts to date -- more than 60,000 jobs created, billions in wages and revenues generated, and a remarkable record of safety and performance."
E&E News

Shale Drilling in Northern PA Puts Focus on Water Quality
WGAL-TV (PA)

Exxon CEO to tout safety of ‘fracking’ at House hearing

“Exxon Mobil Corp. CEO Rex Tillerson will use a House hearing Wednesday to defend the safety of a natural gas drilling technique called hydraulic fracturing that the industry is increasingly employing to access abundant U.S. reserves. Tillerson will appear before an Energy and Commerce Committee panel exploring Exxon’s proposed $41 billion acquisition of XTO Energy Inc., a company that specializes in producing natural gas from shale formations.”
The Hill

Exxon’s Tillerson to Say XTO Bid Will Boost U.S. Jobs, Economy

“Exxon Mobil Corp.’s $30 billion bid for XTO Energy Inc. will add jobs, support the U.S. economic recovery and help the environment, Rex Tillerson, Exxon’s chief executive officer, plans to tell Congress tomorrow. Exxon’s “global scale” complements XTO’s “unconventional natural-gas resource base” in the U.S., such as in shale formations, Tillerson said in testimony prepared for a hearing before the House Energy and Environment subcommittee. Exxon is the biggest U.S. oil company, and XTO is the biggest U.S. natural gas producer.”
Bloomberg

House Panel to hold Exxon, XTO merger hearing Wednesday

“US Rep. Ed Markey (D., Mass.) will lead tomorrow’s US House panel hearing that will determine the outcome of the proposed merger between XTO Energy Inc. and Exxon Mobil Corp. The hearing will take place at 9:30 a.m. EST and is slated to include testimony by Exxon chief executive Rex Tillerson and XTO chairman Bob Simpson. It is expected that both will comment on hydraulic fracturing, the controversial drilling technique that lies at the heart of the proposed transaction. Those opposed to the technique say it could potentially pollute drinking water, while the industry continues to attest to its safety.”
Oil & Gas Financial Journal

Williams combines affiliates to create large player in natural gas sector

“Williams Cos. said Tuesday it will create one of the largest natural gas partnerships in the nation by combining its pipeline and processing units. The deal provides Williams with more money to explore for natural gas. Many energy companies are manuevering to get a bigger portion of the huge natural gas reserves in the U.S. that have been discovered due to advances in drilling technology.”
Associated Press

Open houses set for proposed natural gas pipeline project involving Haynesville Shale

“Another major pipeline to move natural gas from the Haynesville Shale and the producing East Texas region is being proposed by Canada-based energy delivery company Enbridge. DeSoto Parish residents will have a chance today to learn more about the LaCrosse Pipeline during an open house in Logansport. Another session is set for Wednesday in Natchitoches. The 340-mile interstate natural gas pipeline would originate with the Enbridge Carthage Hub in Panola Country, Texas, enter DeSoto Parish north of Logansport and slice southeast before entering Natchitoches Parish. It will ultimately connect with Southern Natural Gas Pipeline in Washington Parish.”
News Star (LA)

Limits put on outside water

“Hydro-fracking involves injecting large amounts of water, sand and chemicals into shale formations thousands of feet underground. The pressure created by the process fractures the shale, releasing natural gas, which is then collected and used as a source of fuel. Orville R. Cole, president of Gastem Inc., Quebec, which developed the Ross No. 1 well, has said the company plans to ask the city to treat flowback fluid created by future wells the company develops in New York. Each well is expected to produce about 35,000 to 40,000 gallons. The state Department of Environmental Conservation also must approve the process. Mr. Sligar said Tuesday that he is willing to work with in-state well operators to help the state explore the permitting process.”
Watertown (NY) Daily Times

Greater Binghamton Chamber to present forum on gas drilling

“Gas drilling in Broome County and its impact on economic and work force development will be the focus of a panel discussion presented by the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce from noon to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Binghamton Regency. Guest speakers will be: Rayola Dougher, senior economic adviser of the American Petroleum Institute; Joseph Sluzar, county attorney; Darcy Fauci, deputy county executive; and Terry Stark, director of Broome-Tioga Workforce New York.”
Press & Sun-Bulletin (NY)

Jan. 20 forum tackles benefits, costs of natural gas extraction

“The League of Women Voters of Lackawanna County has teamed with The University of Scranton’s Task Force on Sustainability to host a forum to discuss the Marcellus Shale natural gas extraction. Speakers will include representatives from the Marcellus natural gas industry in Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection, and from environmental advocacy organizations Penn Future and Damascus Citizens for Sustainability.”
Wilkes Barre (PA) Times-Leader

Sociologist taps in to drilling debate

“Questions over the possible environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing — whereby a 3.5 million gallon mixture of water, sand and chemicals is pumped into the ground to release natural gas locked thousands of feet beneath the surface of the Earth — are fueling a firestorm of debate that only escalates as drilling activity increases in Bradford County and the Marcellus Shale. While scientific controversy swirls about, Abby Kinchy, a professor at Renssalear Polytechnic Institute and native of Milan, Pa., has recently embarked on an ambitious research project to study the divisive issue through a much different lens: sociology.”
Morning Times (PA)

Paterson proposes tax on Marcellus gas extraction, soda in state budget

“Gov. David A. Paterson today proposed a severance tax on some natural-gas producers. A 3 percent tax would be imposed on natural-gas producers in the Marcellus and Utica Shale formation in the Southern Tier and central New York using a horizontal well. The state doesn’t expect any revenue in the 2010-11 fiscal year, but estimates $1 million in the following fiscal year.”
Ithaca (NY) Journal

Hydrofracking to be taxed under Paterson's plan

“Gov. David Paterson proposed a 3 percent tax on natural gas exploration companies that use high-volume hydraulic fracturing, or hydrofracking, to capture gas in the Marcellus or Utica Shale formations. The state Department of Environmental Conservation is reviewing proposed regulations on hydrofracking, a technique that environmentalists say could pollute drinking water and damage Upstate New York.”
Syracuse (NY) Post-Standard

EWG questions safety of 'fracking'

“The Environmental Working Group released a report questioning the safety of hydraulic fracturing the night before two energy company executives are scheduled to testify before a congressional panel. The EWG report says that natural gas companies use petroleum distillates that contain toxic chemicals in the ”fracking” process and pose a threat to water supplies. The technique is so called because drillers inject water, chemicals and sand to fracture rock formations allowing natural gas to flow to the surface. The contention that fracking is a pollution hazard isn’t new. Environmental groups have fought for years for more federal regulation of the practice. The industry contends that state regulations are sufficient. Here’s more from the industry’s perspective.”
The Hill

Loophole lets gas drillers inject chemical; Texas official says water untainted

“A legal loophole could be letting gas drillers inject fluids with high levels of benzene into the ground in gas-rich regions such as North Texas' Barnett Shale, a study by an environmental group finds. Although Congress regulated the use of fluids containing diesel fuel to extract gas from the ground, many other petroleum distillates that are not restricted have far higher benzene levels and pose a greater risk to people, the report by the Environmental Working Group said.”
Dallas Morning News

Oil and gas operators skirt federal law, report says

“Oil and gas operators are skirting federal law when they inject toxic "fracking fluids" into wells, threatening drinking water supplies from Pennsylvania to Wyoming, according to a new report by the Washington-based Environmental Working Group. The report urges Congress to repeal a measure that exempts these drilling practices from the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Drilling companies in West Virginia and elsewhere have opposed such a move, saying states should regulate the practice.”
Charleston (WV) Gazette

Report says drilling threatens Colo. Wildlife

“A new report by a conservation group says that large tracts of land in northwest Colorado that support the country's largest mule deer and elk herds are under lease for oil and gas drilling. The Colorado Wildlife Federation says its report is intended to give the public and policymakers a look at how much wildlife habitat has already been leased and the risks to an important part of the state's heritage.”
Associated Press

Sign up to rally in Albany or kiss N.Y. natural gas exploration goodbye says gas lease coalition leader.

Frustrated by the lack of support for safe drilling for natural gas in the NYS Marcellus Shale We are organizing an opportunity for residents to rally in Albany and show their support.

“A $70 million coalition lease was backed out of last week because companies are fearful of the regulatory climate in New York state. These companies continue to actively seek more property in Pennsylvania and invest more money in Pennsylvania while New York landowners sit with their hands tied by NYS and the DEC on what will be a boon for this area of New York.”

This lack of support will affect every resident in our area, “New York and its citizens cannot afford to chase away any more opportunities or businesses. It is simply time to put the EMPIRE back in the Empire State.”

The coalitions have oganized for, January 25^th, a bus trip to the state capital. Residents should bring their fellow landowners leased or not. We cannot state often enough that safe gas drilling will benefit every resident regardless of whether or nor their land is leased for natural gas drilling.”

The coalition busses will leave for Albany around 7AM based on location. Bus stops/locations will be determined as residents sign up for the trip. The press conference in Albany should begin around 10:30 AM in the capital. Immediately following the press conference the coalition supporters will conduct their own rally outside the Capital building, East Park.

“This is important if we don’t stand up and express our support we will watch the obstructionists kiss our chance of a gas lease good bye.” The rally is being planned for Monday, January 25^th because the various obstructionist groups will converge on State Capital to rally AGAINST natural gas exploration in New York around 11AM.

“While natural gas exploration has been conducted safely in New York for decades, the public and lawmakers have been misinformed repeatedly by these obstructionist groups whose agenda is only to kill new investments in some of the state’s most economically deprived regions,”

To sign up contact a member of your local landowners’ coalition

As Congress examines critical role that shale gas can play in securing America’s energy future, U.S. Energy Secretary renders his scientific judgment on key technology needed to produce it.

Tomorrow morning, the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on energy and environment will preside over a congressional hearing slated to examine, among other issues, the current dimensions and future trajectory of the American energy revolution known as shale gas exploration.

The event is not expected to include testimony from U.S. Energy secretary Steven Chu. But if Mr. Chu’s recent comments on the safety and necessity of hydraulic fracturing are any indication, the 1997 Nobel prize-winner in the category of physics has plenty to add to a debate that would certainly benefit from some genuine scientific perspective.

Now, it’s true: Chu’s professional expertise isn’t often considered to reside in the sphere of upstream oil and natural gas production. But the man is considered an expert in the magneto-optical trapping of subatomic particles; it was Chu, after all, who came up with the idea of adding a spatially varying magnetic quadrupole to the red detuned optical field to perfect the process of laser cooling (why didn’t we think of that?!). So when the Energy secretary has something to say about the safety of modern-day shale gas technology, as he did late last week, he’ll find in us a captive audience:

We believe it can be done safely as well, incidentally – and not just because we’ve been deploying fracturing technology for more than 60 years now, and more than 1.1 million separate times, without engendering a single, credible case of drinking water contamination. For us, the better guidepost is science – science that not only confirms that which has not happened in the past, but a field of study that considers the geo-physical realities at play in ensuring it does not, and indeed cannot, happen in the future.

So for that, we look to geology – specifically, the physical barriers that exist between the underground strata containing potable supplies of drinking water (generally found between 100-350 feet below the surface) and the formations below (often miles below) that hold trillions of cubic feet of diffuse, tightly packed, job-creating shale gas resources. How do we know those confining strata will do their job and ensure the water at 200 feet is appropriately separated from the shale at 8,500 feet? Because they’ve been doing that job for a million years now -- preventing the salty water that’s already down there naturally from penetrating our aquifers and ruining our drinking water.

But the science doesn’t end there; it’s expanded upon by operators and engineers on the surface, gilding the lily even further by cementing millions of pounds (and thousands of feet) of steel casing into the well – thus eliminating any and all pathways of exposure between what’s taking place inside the wellbore, and what’s naturally occurring outside it. That’s why fracturing is safe – not just because of the technology used to safeguard our water; not just because of the natural, geological barriers that exist below ground; not just because of the thorough regulatory oversight executed by the states; but thanks to a confluence of all these important components; each and every time, in each and every state in which the technology is deployed.

So, the question is: Will any of this come up in the subcommittee hearing tomorrow? Tough to say for sure. What we do know, however, is that Chairman Markey understands the critical role that the responsible development of America’s shale gas can play in achieving several specific economic and environmental goals near and dear to his heart. We include his latest comments on shale gas below – but trust us: the audio file does his statement a whole lot more justice.

He’s right – the future of natural gas is as bright as it is boundless. But its potential will only be realized if Congress heeds the advice of Secretary Chu, the scientist, and doesn’t indulge itself in the unscientific justifications peddled by exponents of the FRAC Act.

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