We’re sitting on what may be the second-largest natural-gas field in the world—but is it possible to improve our air and water while making the most of the enormous economic opportunity?
An article, by Christine O’Toole, on Marcellus shale is in the August issue of Pittsburgh Magazine, and an introduction to it appears below.
Dubbed a “super-giant” find by energy companies, Marcellus Shale is now thought to contain 500 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Forcing large volumes of high-pressure water, sand and chemicals up to 8,000 feet into the earth, “fracking” allows the trapped gas to escape into a well. However, air pollutants, wastewater and toxins from the process can escape, too. That has galvanized drilling opponents to demand stringent regulations on drilling procedures, locations, wastewater treatment and work site traffic. Citing the damage wrought by 20th-century coal mines and steel mills, they argue that communities must be more vigilant in protecting their shared resources.
Throughout the past five years, local Marcellus activity has gone from blip to boom. Washington County has seen more than 300 wells drilled since 2007; Greene County, 175-plus. In June, Exxon made its second purchase in the region, paying $1.7 billion to explore 317,000 acres. Debate on state involvement—from environmental regulations to severance taxes—preoccupies Harrisburg. The natural-gas gold rush has arrived—but is the Pittsburgh region ready?
Bobby Vagt is president of the Heinz Endowments. He says, environmental protection and cost efficiencies can converge as with the on-site treatment of wastewater, which can save more than $330,000 per well and millions of gallons of water. But he cautions that negotiations on those solutions must start now. Even if expensive, the environment must be protected.
Pittsburgh Magazine asked five regional leaders with deep experience on all sides of the issue to weigh in on the Trillion-Dollar Question: How do we improve our air and water while making the most of this enormous economic opportunity? Their responses frame a debate that may define the region’s 21st-century history. (But, do these leaders fully appreciate the incredible challenges to the local residents, the infrastructure and the environment? Our experiences in Wetzel county in West Virginia provide some doubt. DGN.)
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