Pennsylvania Gas Drilling Blamed For Extensive Water Contamination

June 24, 2011

A new report from Duke University suggests that natural gas drilling operations in the Marcellus Shale region could be responsible for polluting nearby sources of drinking water. Although industry insiders insist that further study is required before jumping to conclusions, for those who live close to drilling sites, stepped-up governmental oversight could not come too soon.

Extracting Natural Gas

The Marcellus Shale is a black shale formation rich in natural gas deposits: scientists estimate it contains some 168 trillion to 516 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. The Marcellus Shale runs underground throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and southern New York.

Until relatively recently, there was little interest in exploiting the natural gas reserves of the Marcellus Shale: parts of the formation in Pennsylvania are buried more than 7,000 feet below the surface. However, thanks to advances in extraction techniques like horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, it is now possible to reach these deep deposits.

In horizontal drilling operations, a shaft is extended vertically before the well is curved at a certain depth to follow a vein of shale. But, hydraulic fracturing is far more common in the Marcellus Shale region. This process involves pumping large quantities of hydraulic fracturing fluid (water fortified with chemicals to reduce friction, prevent bacterial growth, etc.) into a well in order to create fissures in nearby rock, thereby allowing gas to escape.

Tainted Wells

Water contamination has become a grave concern among those living close to drill sites, especially when hydraulic fracturing has been employed. These concerns are not unfounded: researchers at Duke University recently released a study linking proximity to gas drilling sites and methane contamination in drinking water. After testing 68 drinking water wells in the Marcellus Shale region, Duke scientists found that those wells within one kilometer of a drilling site contained an average methane concentration 17 times higher than those farther away.

Although the health effects of methane exposure are not well understood, the gas can accumulate in buildings, causing explosions.

A Demand for Action

While the Duke study may be the first scientific analysis of Marcellus Shale drilling contamination, residents of the region have long been wary of under-regulated gas companies. Faulty well casings and careless operations have led to harmful toxins being released into several regional water supplies.

In early June, hundreds of citizens gathered at the Pennsylvania State Capitol to ask the legislature to mandate better water protection, more research on related environmental impacts, and disclosure of chemicals used by drilling companies. With a rising public outcry against sloppy drilling operations, increased enforcement and further regulations could be on the horizon at both the state and federal level.

If you or a loved one live near a gas well and have suffered potentially-related adverse health consequences, contact a Pennsylvania personal injury attorney to explore your legal options.

Article provided by Marcus & Mack
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