Resources for Understanding the Consequences of Industrial Shale Gas
Development in Western Maryland
ECONOMIC IMPACTS AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT_____________
Broad-based info/Studies
How Should We Think About the Economic Consequences of Shale Gas Drilling?
Susan Christopherson and Ned Rightor
http://cce.cornell.edu/EnergyClimateChange/NaturalGasDev/Documents/Green%20Choices
%20Papers/Marcellus_SC_NR.pdf
CaRDI Report: The Economic Consequences of Marcellus Shale Gas Extraction: Key
Issues, A Research Project sponsored by the Cornell University Department of City &
Regional Planning
http://cardi.cornell.edu/cals/devsoc/outreach/cardi/publications/loader.cfm?csModule=securi
ty/getfile&PageID=1018556)
or
http://www.greenchoices.cornell.edu/downloads/development/marcellus/Marcellus_CaRDI.p
df
EU-commissioned study on the potential impacts of gas development throughout Europe:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/energy/unconventional_en.htm.
Questioning Claims of Economic Benefit
Comments by economist Janette Barth on The Economic and Employment Contributions of
Shale Gas in the United States, IHS Global Insights' ANGA-commissioned study:
http://catskillcitizens.org/learnmore/JMBCommentsonIHSGIStudy(1).pdf
"The U.S. Chamber of Commerce/IHS report on Pennsylvania's energy future must be viewed
with caution. It makes the same inflated claims about gas drilling's impact on job growth and
tax revenue as previous industry studies that have been widely discredited…At the same time,
the report completely ignores the costs that drilling imposes on citizens, the environment, states
and local communities…The industry provides one-half of 1% of all jobs in Pennsylvania.”
http://pennbpc.org/proceed-caution-report-pas-energy-future-makes-unreliable-economic-claims
“…the problem of out-of-state ownership of land and production is immense and structural,
meaning wealth will continue to drain from the state. For this, there is no market solution
and government’s ability to address the problem is limited. Yet, if the problem isn’t
addressed, future phases of West Virginia’s gas boom may be as barren as the current
phase has been.”
http://www.the-state-of-my-state.com/2012/12/the-emperor-has-no-natural-gas-boompub.html
Unanswered Questions About The Economic Impact of Gas Drilling In the Marcellus Shale:
Don’t Jump to Conclusions
http://occainfo.org/documents/Economicpaper.pdf
UB Shale Play: Distorting the Facts about Fracking: A review of the University at Buffalo
Shale Resources and Society Institute's Report on "Environmental Impacts During
Marcellus Shale Gas Drilling" May, 2012 by The Public Accountability Initiative
http://catskillcitizens.org/learnmore/UBShalePlay.pdf
Damage to Property Value, Financing and Insurance Issues
While shale gas development can result in rapid local economic development, negative
externalities associated with the process may adversely affect the prices of nearby homes…
By itself, concern about groundwater contamination reduces property values by up to 24
percent. Full Source: http://public.econ.duke.edu/~timmins/w18390.pdf
Rush to Drill for Natural Gas Creates Conflicts With Mortgages; Drilling Down Series, New
York Times
Drilling Down Series - Natural Gas - NYTimes.com
www.nytimes.com/interactive/us/DRILLING_DOWN_SERIES.html
National Casualty (Insurance) Company, part of the Nationwide group of insurance
companies, has announced that hydraulic fracturing operations are prohibited in relation to
properties it insures.…The company has determined that the exposures presented by
hydraulic fracturing are too great to ignore.
http://www.riverreporter.com/news/14/2012/07/11/nationwide-insurance-no-fracking-way
COMMUNITY IMPACTS____________________________________________
Safety, Traffic, Emergency Response Issues
General Community Impacts (Duke study looks at development in CO, ND, OK, PA, TX,
and WY to predict community impacts of development in NC.)
http://dukespace.lib.duke.edu/dspace/bitstream/handle/10161/5123/Executive%20Summary
%20Shale%20Gas.pdf?sequence=2
Gas Drilling Impacts on Roads
http://www.steny.org/usr/Roads/OtherDocs/Gas-Drilling-Impact-on-Roads.pdf
Transportation Patterns and Impacts from Marcellus Development – PA DOT report
http://extension.psu.edu/naturalgas/webinars/recorded/transportation-patterns-and-impactsfor-marcellus-development/scott-christie-february-16-2012-powerpoint
Each well drilled requires approximately 592 one-way trips, with a truck that carries between
80-100,000 lbs. when fully-loaded. Multiple wells are drilled on each pad; each bore is fracked
multiple times. The traffic from the development of one well is equivalent to 3.4 million car trips.
http://www.greenchoices.cornell.edu/downloads/development/marcellus/Marcellus_Randall.
pdf
Well pads are often at the end of long, unpaved, one-way-in, one-way-out roads in rough
terrain, so emergency and haz-mat access is difficult. Severe winter weather, typical in
Garrett and western Allegany Counties, can further complicate access.
http://files.dep.state.pa.us/PublicParticipation/MarcellusShaleAdvisoryCommission/Marcellu
sShaleAdvisoryPortalFiles/Workgroups/Local%20Impact%20of%20Marcellus%20Shale%20
David%20Sanko.pdf
In the heavily-drilled northern tier of PA, between 2007 and 2010 region-wide truck crashes
increased over 60%, with truck crashes doubling in Bradford, Sullivan and Wyoming Counties.
http://www.northerntier.org/upload/NTRPDC%20Marcellus%20Shale%20Freight%20Transp
.%20Study.pdf
"Drivers hired by drilling companies were 'disrespectful' of local residents...The drivers are
not familiar with our narrow winding roads. Many of our residents are run off the road by
large trucks."— Marshall County, WV sheriff John Gruzinskas, testimony at WV Senate
hearing, http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-05-15/taxpayers-pay-as-fracking-trucksoverwhelm-rural-cow-paths#p2
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS_______________________________________
Air/Climate
Human health risk assessment of air emissions from development of unconventional natural
gas resources. Peer reviewed study.
(abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22444058 )
Full text:
http://cogcc.state.co.us/library/setbackstakeholdergroup/Presentations/Health%20Risk%20
Assessment%20of%20Air%20Emissions%20From%20Unconventional%20Natural%20Gas
%20-%20HMcKenzie2012.pdf
The Future of Fracking: New Rules Target Air Emissions for Cleaner Natural Gas
Production
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3404676/
“In recent days, news reports…have highlighted the problem of fugitive methane emissions
from natural gas production—leakage of a potent greenhouse gas with the potential to
undermine the carbon advantage that natural gas, when combusted, holds over other fossil
fuels.” Measuring Fugitive Methane Emissions from Fracking
http://ecowatch.org/2013/fugitive-methane-emissions-fracking/
“… fracked wells leak 40 to 60 percent more methane than conventional natural gas wells.”
“Fugitive Methane" Released During Shale Gas Drilling Could Accelerate Climate Change,
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=fracking-would-emit-methane
Water
Methane Contamination of Drinking Water Accompanying Gas-Well Drilling and Hydraulic
Fracturing. Peer Reviewed study
http://www.propublica.org/documents/item/methane-contamination-of-drinking-wateraccompanying-gas-well-drilling
EPA Draft Report, groundwater contamination near Pavillion Wyoming
http://wyofile.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/R42327-2.pdf
“The case may be the first Marcellus contamination lawsuit to get resolved without a
nondisclosure agreement, meaning the parties can speak freely about the case.”,
Chesapeake to Pay $1.6 Million for Contaminating Water Wells in Bradford County
http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/06/21/chesapeake-to-pay-1-6-million-forcontaminating-water-wells-in-bradford-county/
“Federal health and environmental agencies are investigating whether Range Resources
Inc.'s Yeager Marcellus Shale gas drilling site in Washington County caused toxic air and
groundwater pollution that damaged the health of nearby residents.” Federal agencies
probe Range Resources' Yeager Marcellus Shale gas drilling site; Families say area
contaminated
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/marcellusshale/federal-agencies-probe-rangeresources-incs-yeager-marcellus-shale-gas-drilling-site-639636/?p=0
Geochemical evidence for possible natural migration of Marcellus Formation brine to
shallow aquifers in Pennsylvania, Peer reviewed study
http://biology.duke.edu/jackson/pnas2012.pdf
Fluid Migration Mechanisms due to Faulty Well Design and/or Construction: An Overview
and Recent Experiences in the Pennsylvania Marcellus Play
http://www.damascuscitizensforsustainability.org/wpcontent/uploads/2012/11/PSECementFailureCausesRateAnalysisIngraffea.pdf
Toxic Contamination from Natural Gas Wells
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/02/27/us/natural-gas-map.html
Evaluation of the Potential for Gas and CO2 Leakage Along Wellbores. Watson, T.L. and
Bachu, S. 2009, SPE Drill & Compl 24 (1): 115-126. SPE-106817-PA.
(abstract)http://www.spe.org/ejournals/jsp/journalapp.jsp?pageType=Preview&jid=EDC&mid
=SPE-106817-PA
Role of Casing Failure in Water Contamination
Detailed discussion, with citations, about cement casing integrity; includes review of
Schlumberger text: “After 10 years about 40 percent of wells have cement failure. After 30
years, about 60 percent of wells have cement failure…”
Does Cement Crack? Part 1; New Public Focus on Role of Cement & Whether ‘Proper
Cementing’ can Prevent Gas Migration, Contamination of Water Wells & Acquifers,
http://www.spectraenergywatch.com/blog/?p=1393
Statistics from PA DEP on casing failures/leakage of 6.2-7.2% occurring within 1 year of
drilling, derived from unconventional wells drilled between 2010-2012
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150893963683365&set=a.1015089396361836
5.406194.238848283364&type=1&theater
44% of Australian Coal Bed Methane wells experience failures/leakage:
http://gasdrillinginbalcombe.wordpress.com/2012/03/14/44-of-wells-leaking-at-australiangas-field/
Experienced cement specialist/inspector Jilda Rush discusses physical limitations of cement
casings in soil, and articulates her concerns in a letter to NY regulators in regard to hvhf wells.
http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20100425/VIEWPOINTS02/4250308/1120/Gas+fracki
ng+and+cement+cracking?nclick_check=1
http://un-naturalgas.org/weblog/?s=%22jilda+rush%22
Forests & Habitat
Study describes impacts of natural gas development on the natural resources of the Fernow
National Forest [an experimental forest in WV], and develops recommendations for
landowners and land managers. “Some of the effects (forest clearing, erosion, road
damage) were expected and predictable, and some were unexpected (vegetation death
from land application of fluids, an apparent increase in white-tailed deer presence”
http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/gtr/gtr-p-78papers/23adamsp78.pdf
Seismic Issues
“In northwestern England, however, an independent report commissioned by a drilling
company, Cuadrilla Resources, concluded that two quakes … last spring were related to a
fracking well.” Some Blame Hydraulic Fracturing for Earthquake Epidemic, New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/13/science/some-blame-hydraulic-fracturing-forearthquake-epidemic.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&src=recg&
“The increasingly common practice of disposing of oil and gas drilling wastewater by
injecting it underground can trigger earthquakes, according to federal scientists who studied
quakes since 1970 in Colorado and neighboring states.” Colorado officials question link of
fracking-waste disposal to quakes
http://www.denverpost.com/recommended/ci_22118583
Waste and Disposal
EPA Initiates Rulemaking to Set Discharge Standards for Wastewater from Shale Gas Extraction
http://water.epa.gov/scitech/wastetech/guide/upload/shalereporterfactsheet.pdf
US Issues Framework on Study of Fracking and Grounwater, Reuters,
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/21/us-usa-epa-fracking-idUSBRE8BK0S920121221
Natural Resources Defence Council assessment of shale waste disposal methods,
http://www.nrdc.org/energy/files/Fracking-Wastewater-FullReport.pdf
PUBLIC HEALTH IMPACTS_________________________________________
Impacts of Gas Driliing on Human and Animal Health, Peer Reviewed study
http://www.psehealthyenergy.org/data/Bamberger_Oswald_NS22_in_press.pdf
Missing from the Table: Role of the Environmental Public Health Community in
Governmental Advisory Commissions Related to Marcellus Shale Drilling, Bernard
Goldstein, et al., Environmental Health Perspectives (specifically names Maryland and the
lack of public health input)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3339470
DRAFT study –please,do not cite (2012, including useful bibliography) comparing birth
outcomes for mothers who live near gas development. The results suggest that exposure to
NGD before birth increases the overall prevalence of low birth weight by 25%, increases
overall prevalence of small for gestational age by 17% and reduces 5 minute APGAR
scores. http://dyson.cornell.edu/research/researchpdf/wp/2012/Cornell-Dyson-wp1212.pdf
PA homeowner survey and analysis, Earthworks’ Oil & Gas Accountability Project (OGAP)
investigated the extent, types, and possible causes of health symptoms experienced by
Pennsylvanians living near gas development.
http://www.earthworksaction.org/files/publications/Health-Report-Full-FINAL-sm.pdf
Natural Gas Operations from a Public Health Perspective (Colborn, Kwiatkowski, et al).
Study includes a profile of possible health effects based on the number of chemicals
associated with shale gas development; demonstrates that toxic chemicals are used during
both the fracturing and drilling phases of gas operations, that there may be long term health
effects that are not immediately recognized, and that waste evaporation pits may contain
numerous chemicals on the Superfund list. Recommends full disclosure of the contents of
all products, extensive air and water monitoring, a comprehensive human health study, and
regulation of hydraulic fracturing under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
http://www.endocrinedisruption.com/files/NaturalGasManuscriptPDF09_13_10.pdf
Public Health, continued
VIDEO: Roxana Witter, MD. The Health Impact Assessment of New Energy Sources: Shale
Gas Extraction (22:44). Witter’s literature review is very helpful in identifying areas of known
and potential community-wide impacts.
http://www.iom.edu/Activities/Environment/EnvironmentalHealthRT/2012-APR-30/Day1/Session-4/1-Witter.aspx
“A significant public health hazard associated with drilling for natural gas in the
Marcellus
Shale formation must be seriously investigated …This hazard is from radioactive
radon gas and the
potential for large numbers of lung cancer among natural gas
customers…” Radon in Natural Gas from Marcellus Shale, Marvin Resnikoff, Radioactive
Waste Management Associates
http://gdacc.org/2012/01/10/radon-in-natural-gas-from-marcellus-shale-by-marvin-resnikoffradioactive-waste-management-associates/
AGRICULTURE, FOOD SECURITY & LAND USE _______________________
Images of general environmental impacts of shale gas development in WV:
http://anr.ext.wvu.edu/r/download/93417
Flyover Images of well pads and the accompanying infrastructure of industrial gas
development in PA, WV, OH:
http://www.marcellus-shale.us/
“…lower prices entice absentee investors to buy up farmland and gain favorable “farm rate”
tax breaks, even as they speculate on the gas boom. ‘Fracking is not a healthy development
for food security in regions near fracking or away from it’. “
Fracking our Food Supply, produced in collaboration with Food & Environmental Reporting
Network, http://www.thenation.com/article/171504/fracking-our-food-supply#
Fracking’s Footprint: Scientists Study Impact of Shale Gas Development on Pennsylvania’s
Forests, Crop Sciences Society of America (CSA) News Magazine
https://www.crops.org/files/publications/csa-news/frackings-footprint.pdf