PA Marcellus News Digest
February 21, 2012
Spills in Butler and Washington counties, shale health impacts office opens, Hanger still shills for drillers, boom and bust cycle in NEPA, DCNR now dependent on gas leasing for its operations (but says no new leasing for now), hearing on Bradford compressor scheduled
Releases
DEP Announces March 22 Public Meeting, Hearing on Bradford County Compressor Station’s Air Quality Plan Approval
DEP Newsroom
Feb. 21
The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public meeting and hearing on Thursday, March 22, to discuss a proposed Air Quality plan approval for Angelina Gathering Co. for expansion of its Greenzweig Compressor Station in Herrick Township, Bradford County.
Link: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/newsroom/14287?id=19270&typeid=1
DEP Newsroom
Feb. 21
The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public meeting and hearing on Thursday, March 22, to discuss a proposed Air Quality plan approval for Angelina Gathering Co. for expansion of its Greenzweig Compressor Station in Herrick Township, Bradford County.
Link: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/newsroom/14287?id=19270&typeid=1
Cabot Oil & Gas Provides Operations Update
Market Watch
PR Newswire
Feb. 20
HOUSTON, Feb. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation COG +2.56% today provided a recap of recent achievements for the Marcellus, Eagle Ford and Marmaton. At the same time, the Company discussed changing market dynamics and the impact on near-term plans for Cabot.
Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/cabot-oil-gas-provides-operations-update-2012-02-20
Market Watch
PR Newswire
Feb. 20
HOUSTON, Feb. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation COG +2.56% today provided a recap of recent achievements for the Marcellus, Eagle Ford and Marmaton. At the same time, the Company discussed changing market dynamics and the impact on near-term plans for Cabot.
Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/cabot-oil-gas-provides-operations-update-2012-02-20
Articles
Range Resources could be takeover target
Tribune-Review
Bloomberg News
Feb. 21
Range Resources Corp.'s drilling operations in Pennsylvania's Marcellus shale natural-gas field are so coveted that the most expensive exploration and production company in America is a takeover target, according to analysts.
Link: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_782603.html
Tribune-Review
Bloomberg News
Feb. 21
Range Resources Corp.'s drilling operations in Pennsylvania's Marcellus shale natural-gas field are so coveted that the most expensive exploration and production company in America is a takeover target, according to analysts.
Link: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_782603.html
Marcellus development continues in area
Beaver County Times
Bill Utterback
Feb. 20
Natural gas developers have received state Department of Environmental Protection drilling permits for Beaver County, southern Lawrence County and western Allegheny County this month, according to DEP online records.
Link: http://www.timesonline.com/news/local_news/marcellus-development-continues-in-area/article_8300d6db-aa6d-5f80-98ba-417c48953ac1.html
Beaver County Times
Bill Utterback
Feb. 20
Natural gas developers have received state Department of Environmental Protection drilling permits for Beaver County, southern Lawrence County and western Allegheny County this month, according to DEP online records.
Link: http://www.timesonline.com/news/local_news/marcellus-development-continues-in-area/article_8300d6db-aa6d-5f80-98ba-417c48953ac1.html
First-ever shale health office opens
Nonprofit program to assess effects of rampant gas development
Post-Gazette
Don Hopey
Feb. 21
A new, first-of-its-kind medical program to assess both the individual and public health impacts of widespread Marcellus Shale gas development has begun in Washington County.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12052/1211615-113.stm
Nonprofit program to assess effects of rampant gas development
Post-Gazette
Don Hopey
Feb. 21
A new, first-of-its-kind medical program to assess both the individual and public health impacts of widespread Marcellus Shale gas development has begun in Washington County.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12052/1211615-113.stm
County may adopt gas impact fee
Council eyes being proactive as there now are no active drill sites to create revenue.
Times Leader
Jennifer Learn-Andes
Feb. 21
The Luzerne County Council plans to adopt a new state-approved natural gas impact fee, though officials say there aren’t any active drilling wells that would generate fee revenue at this time.
Link: http://www.timesleader.com/news/County_may_adopt_gas_impact_fee_02-20-2012.html
Council eyes being proactive as there now are no active drill sites to create revenue.
Times Leader
Jennifer Learn-Andes
Feb. 21
The Luzerne County Council plans to adopt a new state-approved natural gas impact fee, though officials say there aren’t any active drilling wells that would generate fee revenue at this time.
Link: http://www.timesleader.com/news/County_may_adopt_gas_impact_fee_02-20-2012.html
State probing second spill at Marcellus Shale well
Post-Gazette
Feb. 21
The state Department of Environmental Protection was continuing its investigation of the second spill of condensate fluids in three months at a Chevron-Appalachia Marcellus Shale gas well operation in Robinson, Washington County.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12052/1211600-58.stm
Post-Gazette
Feb. 21
The state Department of Environmental Protection was continuing its investigation of the second spill of condensate fluids in three months at a Chevron-Appalachia Marcellus Shale gas well operation in Robinson, Washington County.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12052/1211600-58.stm
Sierra Club's objective is ending coal-fired plants
Indiana Gazette
Michael Shomo
Letter to the Editor
Feb. 17
This is in reply to the Sierra Club announcing its plan to sue the Homer City Generating Station. This club of so-called environmentalists is not what it seems to be. The club took $26 million in secret donations from one of the gas companies drilling in the state.
Link: http://www.indianagazette.com/a_opinions/article_eaa74845-c771-5ef1-9960-5c5ccc14163d.html
Indiana Gazette
Michael Shomo
Letter to the Editor
Feb. 17
This is in reply to the Sierra Club announcing its plan to sue the Homer City Generating Station. This club of so-called environmentalists is not what it seems to be. The club took $26 million in secret donations from one of the gas companies drilling in the state.
Link: http://www.indianagazette.com/a_opinions/article_eaa74845-c771-5ef1-9960-5c5ccc14163d.html
Water discharge near Butler County gas well site probed
Tribune-Review
Timothy Puko
Feb. 21
Police and a Butler County hazardous materials team visited a gas industry site in Lancaster on Monday after gray, muddy water that pooled among sandbags and hay bales along Crab Run Road prompted at least one call to 911.
Link: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/regional/s_782645.html
Tribune-Review
Timothy Puko
Feb. 21
Police and a Butler County hazardous materials team visited a gas industry site in Lancaster on Monday after gray, muddy water that pooled among sandbags and hay bales along Crab Run Road prompted at least one call to 911.
Link: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/regional/s_782645.html
Company says leak from pipeline drilling work was 'inadvertent'
Tribune-Review
Timothy Puko
Feb. 21
The State Fish and Boat Commission is investigating whether a pipeline operation in Butler County inadvertently leaked a clay substance into a creek.
Link: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/regional/s_782729.html
Tribune-Review
Timothy Puko
Feb. 21
The State Fish and Boat Commission is investigating whether a pipeline operation in Butler County inadvertently leaked a clay substance into a creek.
Link: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/regional/s_782729.html
DEP investigating gas spill near Washington County well
Tribune-Review
Rachel Weaver
Feb. 21
[...]A township employee discovered the spill along Bigger Road on Thursday, prompting DEP to investigate. It is unknown whether the leak of condensate, known as "wet natural gas in the soil," made its way into nearby Bigger Run Creek, said John Poister, DEP spokesman.
Link: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/regional/s_782636.html
Tribune-Review
Rachel Weaver
Feb. 21
[...]A township employee discovered the spill along Bigger Road on Thursday, prompting DEP to investigate. It is unknown whether the leak of condensate, known as "wet natural gas in the soil," made its way into nearby Bigger Run Creek, said John Poister, DEP spokesman.
Link: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/regional/s_782636.html
Marcellus Shale gas drillers recycling more waste
San Francisco Gate
Kevin Begos, AP
Feb. 17
Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale gas drilling companies are recycling more and more of their briny, chemical-laden wastewater, in most cases complying with a request from state officials to keep the pollutants from being discharged into rivers that supply drinking water.
Link: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2012/02/17/national/a072432S14.DTL
San Francisco Gate
Kevin Begos, AP
Feb. 17
Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale gas drilling companies are recycling more and more of their briny, chemical-laden wastewater, in most cases complying with a request from state officials to keep the pollutants from being discharged into rivers that supply drinking water.
Link: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2012/02/17/national/a072432S14.DTL
Alliance between natural gas industry, environmental groups fractures
Washington Post
Juliet Eilperin and Steven Mufson
Feb. 19
Just four years ago, shale gas king Aubrey K. McClendon told shareholders of Chesapeake Energy that “finally, we made some new friends this year.”
The chief executive sketched a vision of working hand in hand with “leading environmental organizations” on issues “where our interests might be aligned.” He said, “We believe this collaboration is unique in the industry and will benefit both Chesapeake and these environmental organizations for years to come.”
Link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/2012/02/14/gIQAuxQEOR_story.html
Washington Post
Juliet Eilperin and Steven Mufson
Feb. 19
Just four years ago, shale gas king Aubrey K. McClendon told shareholders of Chesapeake Energy that “finally, we made some new friends this year.”
The chief executive sketched a vision of working hand in hand with “leading environmental organizations” on issues “where our interests might be aligned.” He said, “We believe this collaboration is unique in the industry and will benefit both Chesapeake and these environmental organizations for years to come.”
Link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/2012/02/14/gIQAuxQEOR_story.html
DEP investigates spill at gas well site in Washington Co.
Post-Gazette
Don Hopey
Feb. 19
The state Department of Environmental Protection is continuing its investigation of the second spill in three months of condensate - "wet gases" and contaminated drilling liquids - at a Chevron-Appalachia Marcellus Shale gas well operation in Robinson Township, Washington County.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12050/1211352-100.stm
Post-Gazette
Don Hopey
Feb. 19
The state Department of Environmental Protection is continuing its investigation of the second spill in three months of condensate - "wet gases" and contaminated drilling liquids - at a Chevron-Appalachia Marcellus Shale gas well operation in Robinson Township, Washington County.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12050/1211352-100.stm
DCNR linked to gas revenue
Times-Tribune
Robert Swift
Feb. 20
HARRISBURG - The income from natural gas drilling in state forests plays a key role in managing the state parks and forests, but despite a spate of recent rumors, Gov. Tom Corbett has not lifted a moratorium on additional leasing of state forest land for drilling.
Link: http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/dcnr-linked-to-gas-revenue-1.1274107#axzz1n1qltnNj
Times-Tribune
Robert Swift
Feb. 20
HARRISBURG - The income from natural gas drilling in state forests plays a key role in managing the state parks and forests, but despite a spate of recent rumors, Gov. Tom Corbett has not lifted a moratorium on additional leasing of state forest land for drilling.
Link: http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/dcnr-linked-to-gas-revenue-1.1274107#axzz1n1qltnNj
Texas Coal Gassification & Carbon Capture Plant At Crucial Juncture
John Hanger's Facts of The Day
Blog
Feb. 17
The global rise in carbon pollution seems near unstoppable. If not unstoppable, it will be very difficult to stablize global concentrations of carbon pollution below 450 or even 500 parts per million, levels that will insure significant temperature increases, but prevent the most dangerous possible outcomes.
Link: http://www.johnhanger.blogspot.com/2012/02/texas-coal-gassification-carbon-capture.html
John Hanger's Facts of The Day
Blog
Feb. 17
The global rise in carbon pollution seems near unstoppable. If not unstoppable, it will be very difficult to stablize global concentrations of carbon pollution below 450 or even 500 parts per million, levels that will insure significant temperature increases, but prevent the most dangerous possible outcomes.
Link: http://www.johnhanger.blogspot.com/2012/02/texas-coal-gassification-carbon-capture.html
UT Study Of Shale Gas Impacts Is Objective & A Must Read
John Hanger's Facts of The Day
Blog
Feb. 17
"Separating Fact From Fiction In Shale Gas Development" is the title of the University of Texas Energy Institute Study. See http://energy.utexas.edu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=151&Itemid=160.
My initial review finds that the study is objective, useful, but necessarily limited. The whole study and the White Papers are substantial and a must read. The UT team states that more will be forthcoming that will add to this first stage of the study.
Link: http://www.johnhanger.blogspot.com/2012/02/ut-study-of-shale-gas-impacts-is.html
John Hanger's Facts of The Day
Blog
Feb. 17
"Separating Fact From Fiction In Shale Gas Development" is the title of the University of Texas Energy Institute Study. See http://energy.utexas.edu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=151&Itemid=160.
My initial review finds that the study is objective, useful, but necessarily limited. The whole study and the White Papers are substantial and a must read. The UT team states that more will be forthcoming that will add to this first stage of the study.
Link: http://www.johnhanger.blogspot.com/2012/02/ut-study-of-shale-gas-impacts-is.html
Jobs follow plant construction, but the environment will be affected
Tribune-Review
Timothy Puko
Feb. 19
AUX SABLE, Ill. -- From a mile away on Interstate 80, the 890-acre Equistar Chemicals plant lights up the night sky in Grundy County with a glowing dome of steam and fire above a sparse tree line.
Link: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/regional/s_782369.html
Tribune-Review
Timothy Puko
Feb. 19
AUX SABLE, Ill. -- From a mile away on Interstate 80, the 890-acre Equistar Chemicals plant lights up the night sky in Grundy County with a glowing dome of steam and fire above a sparse tree line.
Link: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/regional/s_782369.html
As gas drilling boom slows, worry sets in
Times-Tribune
David Falchek
Feb. 19
Vince Arena has a commanding view of Route 6 from Moore's Auto Showroom. Since 2006, he has seen the traffic on the two-lane road swell with the region's gas boom until it is bumper-to-bumper, light-to-light for miles just about all day.
Link: http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/as-gas-drilling-boom-slows-worry-sets-in-1.1273569#axzz1msjoGlqp
Times-Tribune
David Falchek
Feb. 19
Vince Arena has a commanding view of Route 6 from Moore's Auto Showroom. Since 2006, he has seen the traffic on the two-lane road swell with the region's gas boom until it is bumper-to-bumper, light-to-light for miles just about all day.
Link: http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/as-gas-drilling-boom-slows-worry-sets-in-1.1273569#axzz1msjoGlqp
Gas drilling bill is all about money
Philly Burbs
Editorial
Feb. 19
Anyone with the perseverance to wade through the 174 pages of HB 1950, the recently passed and signed bill regulating the state’s burgeoning natural gas drilling industry, will find the following in the bill’s Chapter 33, Page 159:
“Except with respect to local ordinances adopted pursuant to the MPC (Municipal Planning Code) and the act ... known the Flood Plain Management Act, all local ordinances purporting to regulate oil and gas operations ... are hereby superseded. ... The commonwealth, by this section, pre-empts and supersedes the regulation of oil and gas operations as provided in this chapter.”
Link: http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/the_intelligencer_news/opinion/gas-drilling-bill-is-all-about-money/article_b8259352-edd2-51f4-9f54-c7d3272e9d5a.html
Philly Burbs
Editorial
Feb. 19
Anyone with the perseverance to wade through the 174 pages of HB 1950, the recently passed and signed bill regulating the state’s burgeoning natural gas drilling industry, will find the following in the bill’s Chapter 33, Page 159:
“Except with respect to local ordinances adopted pursuant to the MPC (Municipal Planning Code) and the act ... known the Flood Plain Management Act, all local ordinances purporting to regulate oil and gas operations ... are hereby superseded. ... The commonwealth, by this section, pre-empts and supersedes the regulation of oil and gas operations as provided in this chapter.”
Link: http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/the_intelligencer_news/opinion/gas-drilling-bill-is-all-about-money/article_b8259352-edd2-51f4-9f54-c7d3272e9d5a.html
Coal demand falls as cheap gas cuts use to 20-year low
Tribune-Review
Bloomberg News
Feb. 18
CHICAGO -- Coal demand in the United States is collapsing as power companies switch from the fossil fuel to take advantage of the cheapest natural gas in 10 years.
Read more: Coal demand falls as cheap gas cuts use to 20-year low - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_782244.html#ixzz1n3I4hkAM
Link: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_782244.html
Tribune-Review
Bloomberg News
Feb. 18
CHICAGO -- Coal demand in the United States is collapsing as power companies switch from the fossil fuel to take advantage of the cheapest natural gas in 10 years.
Read more: Coal demand falls as cheap gas cuts use to 20-year low - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_782244.html#ixzz1n3I4hkAM
Link: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_782244.html
DCNR Budget Hearing: No New Drilling Leases Planned For State Forests
PA Environment Digest
Feb. 20
As usual, the Committee dispensed with Secretary Allan's prepared remarks. Here are some of the highlights from the questions asked--
Drilling Leases: There are no plans to lease additional State Forest Land, but if they would, they would follow the recommendations of the Governor's Marcellus Shale Commission to only do leases where they leave little or no surface impact.
Link: http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=21576
PA Environment Digest
Feb. 20
As usual, the Committee dispensed with Secretary Allan's prepared remarks. Here are some of the highlights from the questions asked--
Drilling Leases: There are no plans to lease additional State Forest Land, but if they would, they would follow the recommendations of the Governor's Marcellus Shale Commission to only do leases where they leave little or no surface impact.
Link: http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=21576
PennEnvironment Marcellus Shale Violations Report Half-Baked
NorthCentral PA
John Krohn
Feb. 11
Open up most papers this week and you will find a rather startling headline. In all of its forms, it reads along the lines of: natural gas developers cited for 3,355 violations in four years. Unfortunately, that is where the story ends in most media accounts. It’s far from the worst reporting we’ve seen, but it certainly lacks context. Here we provide that context so folks who live in the heart of the Marcellus Shale can understand exactly what is happening. It’s nothing like the simplistic story told by the report.
Link: http://www.northcentralpa.com/feeditem/2012-02-11_pennenvironment-marcellus-shale-violations-report-half-baked
NorthCentral PA
John Krohn
Feb. 11
Open up most papers this week and you will find a rather startling headline. In all of its forms, it reads along the lines of: natural gas developers cited for 3,355 violations in four years. Unfortunately, that is where the story ends in most media accounts. It’s far from the worst reporting we’ve seen, but it certainly lacks context. Here we provide that context so folks who live in the heart of the Marcellus Shale can understand exactly what is happening. It’s nothing like the simplistic story told by the report.
Link: http://www.northcentralpa.com/feeditem/2012-02-11_pennenvironment-marcellus-shale-violations-report-half-baked
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