Marcellus Shale - Gas Wells

By Matt Hughes mhughes@timesleader.com
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The state Department of Environmental Protection on Monday released the results of a study into Marcellus Shale natural gas operations and their effect on air quality.

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The survey, based on data collected near Marcellus Shale natural gas operations in Susquehanna and Sullivan counties over four weeks, detected the main constituents of natural gas, including methane, ethane, propane and butane, as well as low levels of associated compounds such as carbon monoxide and odorants, but not in concentrations significant enough to present a health risk.

“This short-term study of the air emissions at surveyed sites shows no emission levels that would constitute a concern to the health of residents living near these operations,” DEP Director of the Bureau of Air Quality Joyce Epps said. “This study provides us with good information as part of our ongoing effort to gauge the impact these operations have on our air quality, public health and the environment.”

DEP said it did not intend the study to be comprehensive or to address the cumulative impact of the substances it tracked.

The air monitoring surveys near natural gas operations in Susquehanna County were conducted at a completed and operating gas well in Dimock Township; two compressor stations near Springville and at a well site being hydraulically fractured near Lawton.

The agency collected background samples at Sones Pond in the Loyalsock State Forest in Sullivan County.

DEP also conducted similar air-monitoring studies near Marcellus gas facilities in north-central and southwestern Pennsylvania. The results of results are currently being evaluated. Results from a study in southwestern Pennsylvania were announced in November 2010.

The full report is available on DEP’s website, http://www.depweb.state.pa.us.