Gas Companies and Rural Farmland?

By Drew Orient, Orion Consulting
The opening headline of this series of articles asked If These Two Environments could Co exist....rural farmland, with small communities and maintaining environmental quality with the development of Marcellus Shale gas. If you ask Ms. Caudette Bedard of Cooperstown in her letter to the editor, (See letter to the editor - "Concerning the Marcellus Shale") as well as groups of residents in Plum Boro, Murrysville. Jefferson Boro, Hickory communities around Pittsburgh were drilling activity is currently concentrated, they are expressing concerns and skepticism of gas companies claims that the drilling is safe. In the small town of Dimock in Susequehana County in Northeastern PA near the New York border a number of residents await settlement with Cabot Gas and Oil Corporation.

Just this past week the PADEP and Cabot announced a proposed settlement for ground water contamination resulting from in the residents mind Marcellus well drilling. number of residents await settlement with Cabot Gas and Oil Corporation. Just this past week the PADEP and Cabot announced a proposed settlement for ground water contamination resulting from in the residents mind Marcellus well drilling.
There are conflicting reports on what went wrong in Dimock, PA, and yes the plight of the residents was highlighted in the disputed documentary film called “Gasland”.
The issue for 18 residents in this small rural community was that their drinking water became contaminated reportedly after Cabot in 2008 developed Marcellus wells in their community.
The PADEP investigated the incidents and found evidence that Cabot had drilled through ground water aquifers and had not properly sealed off the pilot well bores, cement casing was inadequately poured. This elevated methane levels in drinking the water wells. In addition the iron content was increased. Understandably the residents called foul and initially Cabot was slow to act. The DEP demanded the company remedy the situation and provide a permanent solution. The company began installing methane filtration systems and drilling new water wells for affected properties. At the same time some of the residents filed suit against the company for damages. The DEP even proposed extending public water from the town of Montrose about six miles to relieve these residents.
But if one digs deeper one finds a letter to editor in the Rocket-Courier (October 14, 2010).  The letter to the editor is from a Loren Salsman, who has lived in Dimock for 15 years. Mr. Salsman has a B.S. degree in Environmental Engineering Technology from Penn State University. He wrote:
My experience includes two plus years in Environmental Consulting, including extensive ground water impact studies, 13 plus years in petroleum construction and design, and 1 year as a Public Health Sanitarian specializing in residential well water. Upon moving to my residence in 1995, I quickly noticed that there was supersaturated gas in my well water. When pouring a glass of water the water would be slightly cloudy, and then bubbles would rush to the surface, dissipate, and the glass of water would be perfectly clear.
Our water test at the time of the purchase of our home revealed moderately hard water and iron levels as well. I knew from my education that these bubbles were from carbon dioxide or methane, and that high mineral and gas contents in water can lead to sulfur water through microbial breakdown of the gas and minerals.
So if you have sulfur water, there is a good chance you have a significant level of methane in your water. Fortunately, there is no scientific evidence out there that the methane is harmful. Please note that there is no Primary or Secondary Drinking Water Standard for methane. Primary drinking water standards are set for constituents that present health hazards.”
He continued: “Cabot is in the process of designing and installing on site water treatment systems as needed”…”Upon installation of this system, my water quality should be better than it has ever been in the 15 years I have lived in Dimock”…After all, if you have drunk Montrose water lately, I’m sure you would prefer my treated well water over chlorinated lake water any day.”
The waterline idea provoked opposition from local elected officials, who called a boondoggle and threatened to sue to block it. So in the end Cabot has agreed to pay.
4.1 million dollars to the 19 affected homeowners. According to Environmental Secretary John Hanger, each family will receive an amount equal to twice the value of its home, with a minimum payment of $50,000. Cabot will also install whole house gas mitigation systems and pay the DEP $ 500,000.
Cabot Oil and Gas made a mistake and they have paid to fix the problem and may have made things in a way better. Just this week at an Oil and Gas Conference Executives of several of the large gas exploration companies leasing in our area called for the industry to adapt a zero tolerance policy regarding safety and environmental violations and enforce it through all their subcontractors. It could be argued, Ms. Bedard, that the issues cited in “Gasland” and the vocal public response have awakened the Gas Industry that they have to do a better job. Further. Before any landowner allows a gas company to operate on their property. The lease needs to be clear that there is adequate protection of drinking water sources with testing, including for methane, before any drilling can start. If there is doubt or concern on any matter. Have the lease reviewed by your attorney. If one is unsure. Penn State Extension service is a great resource.
Being on site as the drilling and hydraulic fracturing of the Ashbaugh #1 well near Knox, proceeded, provided an opportunity to see workers from a number of well service companies, working in adverse conditions, paying attention to safety and environmental concerns. Yes there is a risk of something going wrong as did happen in Dimock. We as a community need to be vigilant, and proactive making sure all involved in the Marcellus Shale Gas development share a zero tolerance policy to prevent a reoccurrence.