MARCELLUS SHALE: SHORT-TERM GAIN, BUT . . .

With the promise of increased Marcellus Shale gas well drilling for many years to come, many people are concerned about potential harm to our local natural resources. The region appears poised to benefit economically, but a lot is on the line for an area defined by its vast tracts of unbroken forest, pristine mountain trout streams, and wilderness character.

Increased gas well drilling will certainly bring much-needed revenue and jobs to an economically stressed region. Many are concerned about the Marcellus energy boom impacting our local aquatic resources. These concerns are not that outrageous.

Northcentral Pennsylvania has the highest concentration of high quality and exceptional value streams in the state. The large tracts of forests have protected our streams from many of the impacts that negatively affect waters in other parts of the state. These aquatic resources are also a wonderful economic asset, drawing people from all over the eastern United States.

With Marcellus gas well drilling, millions of gallons of water are taken from local streams, potentially damaging the biological communities during low-flow conditions. The Susquehanna River Basin Commission regulates water withdrawals in that watershed. However, no such regulatory agency exists for the Genesee and Allegheny River Watersheds.

A secondary concern is contamination of groundwater and surface water by chemicals used in hydrofracturing. Pollution has already occurred in Pennsylvania, and the results have been devastating. With such large numbers of wells being drilled, accidents are bound to happen. The results could be devastating to high-quality trout streams.

Another threat is sedimentation. From what I have seen, sufficient erosion and sedimentation control measures are being taken at gas well drilling sites to prevent runoff from polluting streams. However, the access roads with their heavy traffic lead to an incredible amount of sedimentation runoff. As more wells are drilled, there will be more roads being cut and more mud will enter our streams. Wild trout populations will certainly suffer.

But the largest threat the Marcellus Shale development poses is

disturbance of the longterm

ecological stability of our forests. With the movement of equipment and large scale forest disturbance will come the transportation of exotic plant seeds. Some of these plants are not harmful, but others pose a very real threat to our forests.

Three species in particular are starting to enter the region and pose an enormous threat to forest health and regeneration: mile a minute vine, Japanese stilt grass, and garlic mustard. These species will hitch a ride and spread to change the productivity of our forests forever.

The sad thing is, very little can be done. Equipment can be cleaned between sites, but the disturbances will facilitate the spread of these harmful plants.

In short, the Marcellus Shale natural gas development in our region will have short-term economic benefits at a time when we most need them. However, these will come at a great long-term cost to the health of our streams and our forests. Moreover, our region will lose much of the very characteristics that define it and make it such a special place.