Marcellus Environmental Impact Discussed

By Dr. Joseph Piroch
A recent spate of newspaper articles concerning Marcellus gas drilling together with public comments by persons employed in the Marcellus industry and others with a financial interest in the matter have universally failed to address the environmental implications of such drilling, implications with potentially devastating consequences for the areas and communities involved.

How many Foxburg residents, e.g., realize that a proposed Marcellus drilling site near Foxburg is situated on property adjacent to the site where Foxburg’s water wells are located, and from which this community receives its water supply! Why is this important? Because of the millions of gallons of chemically laden water pumped into a Marcellus well at very high pressure, only 70-80% is recoverable, leaving 20-30% underground. Despite the difference in depth of a Marcellus well relative to a water well, many geologists believe that-methane vents and natural faults in the “cap” overlying Marcellus shale can allow such trapped water to migrate to places unintended, including aquifers and wells from which individuals and communities obtain water. 
While Marcellus drillers are supposed to surround such aquivers and wells with casing to prevent contamination, failures can and do occur. During the past two years alone Marcellus drillers have been cited by the DEP for 1435 violations for such things as improper well casing construction, improper construction of waste water impoundments and inadequate blowout prevention such as the blowout which occurred in Clearfield Co. on June 3rd. Human error and inadvertence, as well as variation in underground rock strata account for much of this. In addition, Pennsylvania State Police have found that 40% of trucks serving the Marcellus industry had safety violations, such as spilling of fracture fluid and fracture fluid waste.
A preliminary study by researchers with the Academy of Natural Sciences, just published in the Philadelphia inquirer, indicates that rivers and streams are at significant risk in areas of Marcellus drilling- even without spills and accidents! (See article in The Derrick, Oct. 13, for full details.) 
Of the chemicals pumped into Marcellus wells - one report I have from the U.S. Dept. of Environmental Protection lists 85 - all are highly toxic substances whose effects are well-recognized by the medical profession and can affect virtually every system in the body; liver, kidney, lungs, central and peripheral nervous systems, etc. 
Congress has asked the U.S. E.P.A. to study Marcellus hydraulic fracturing over the next two years. This $1.9 million study is charged with investigating the potential adverse impact that hydraulic fracturing may have on water quality and public health. The Pennsylvania state legislature is also planning legislation to more closely regulate the Marcellus industry. 
It would seem that a prudent course for the A-C Valley School District (adjacent to Foxburg’s water wells) and any others in the area who are considering leasing their land for Marcellus drilling await the outcome of the federal study and state legislation
Despite the “hype” and overt hucksterism being employed by Marcellus advocates, there is no reason for precipitate action on something with such serious implications. Act in haste. Repent at leisure.  
(Dr. Piroch, a native of Emlenton, is a specialist in internal medicine and cardiology.  He resides in Foxburg.)