The Bucknell University Marcellus Shale Initiative (MSI) announces a new educational resource: the MSI Publications Database, a web-based clearinghouse that references and summarizes primarily print-based publications on the Marcellus Shale natural gas extraction and related topics.

The Marcellus Shale, a geologic formation containing natural gas spanning NY, PA, WV, OH, and VA, is undergoing rapid development as a major US energy source. The use of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to release the gas qualifies the extraction to be termed “unconventional.” The Bucknell University MSI, directed by Carl S. Kirby, Professor of Geology, was created in 2010 to support Marcellus Shale-related research in the physical sciences, social sciences and humanities at Bucknell.

The MSI Publications Database covers primarily print-based publications as these are the most reputable sources of information to date. The database contains links to publications as well as short summaries of each publication. The database also explains the differences among publication types and how to access and retrieve copyrighted publications. As the database grows, it will also include more references to publications that are not directly related to the Marcellus Shale; such publications might feature other unconventional gas extraction such as the Barnett Shale, hydraulic fracturing, potential health issues, or address socioeconomic changes in energy boom towns.

The MSI Publications Database is intended to serve the public as well as regulators, industry, citizens’ groups and academics who want to know more about the background and potential impact of the development of this resource. The Initiative is dedicated to updating the database as rapidly as resources allow. This database does not provide coverage of websites, blogs, news articles, newsletters, or other media. Partners in this effort include the Forum for Pennsylvania’s Heartland, the Degenstein Foundation, and Geisinger Center for Health Research.

The MSI is the fourth and newest initiative of the BUEC. The MSI will also facilitate teaching and additional public outreach efforts. Because an avalanche of information is reaching the public through the web and other media, the MSI also has a long-term plan to critically evaluate this information. This effort is currently in development.

Conducted by Hudsonia Ltd. and Hickory Creek Consulting
April 8, 2011
Empire State Plaza Convention Center (the Egg), Albany, NY

Hudsonia Ltd. and Hickory Creek Consulting will conduct an important session on the final afternoon of the 11th Northeast Natural History Conference (NENHC) focusing on the potential and known biological effects of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in the Marcellus Shale. Presenters will examine the impacts on biodiversity, on forest, wetland, and stream habitats, on large mammals (including those that have economic value through hunting), on songbirds, and on fish, salamanders, and aquatic insects.

Hudsonia’s Executive Director, Erik Kiviat PhD, said that the session is significant because “hydrofracking for natural gas is proliferating in Pennsylvania and will likely begin in New York later this year, yet its effects on biological resources are not well understood. Fracking has the potential to pollute streams and wetlands, fragment upland habitats, and affect populations of endangered species, trout, and other fauna and flora.” The session will engage the topic with a series of influential scientists working in the field.

The Biological Impacts of Hydrofracking Session begins at 3:45 pm, Friday, April, 8th, 2011, in Room 5 in the North East Gallery of the Empire State Plaza Convention Center (the Egg) in Albany, NY.

Press Conference

A press conference will be held at 5:20 pm in Room 5 to enable the media to question the presenters directly. Media can reserve seats for the session – call 845-758-7273.

Speakers and Subjects

• Erik Kiviat (Hudsonia) and Karen Schneller-McDonald (Hickory Creek Consulting) – “Framework for Assessing Biodiversity Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing”
• Jacqueline Frair (State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry) and Mark Hebblewhite (University of Montana College of Forestry and Conservation) – “The Impact of Oil and Gas Development on Large Mammals: Lessons from the West”
• Richard Horwitz, F. Anderson, J. Mead and D. Velinsky (Academy of Natural Sciences) – “Impacts of Marcellus Shale Drilling in Pennsylvania”
• Nels Johnson (The Nature Conservancy, Pennsylvania) – “Potential Habitat Impacts of Current and Future Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Drilling in Pennsylvania”

Hudsonia Ltd.
Since 1981 Hudsonia has conducted environmental research, education, training and technical assistance to protect the natural heritage of the Hudson Valley and neighboring regions. A non-advocacy organization, Hudsonia serves as a neutral voice in the challenging process of land use decision-making. Hudsonia’s work includes education, basic and applied research on rare species and their habitats, wetlands and estuaries, and the study of invasive plants and other threats to biodiversity.

Hickory Creek Consulting LLC
Hickory Creek’s mission is to promote conservation of natural resources by bridging the gap between practical, cost effective land use decisions and the information provided by scientific research. This is accomplished through comprehensive planning, zoning and protective ordinances, effective and thorough environmental impact assessment, and application of up to date research information particularly in the areas of watersheds, biodiversity and climate change.

Northeast Natural History Conference (NENHC)
This conference promises to be the largest regional forum for researchers, natural resource managers, students, and naturalists to present current information on the varied aspects of applied field biology (freshwater, marine, and terrestrial) and natural history for the Northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. It serves as a premier venue to identify research and management needs, foster friendships and collegial relationships, and encourage a greater region-wide interest in natural history by bringing people with diverse backgrounds together.

The NENHC is made possible through the generous support of the Eagle Hill Foundation whose broad mission involves exploring both the way art and culture have been shaped by the natural world in which they have developed as well as how they have influenced the societal perceptions and understanding of nature through the ages.

By Charles Christen, DrPH, MEd – Director of Operations, Center for Healthy Environments and Communities, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health

In August and November of last year, we reported on the start up of the Citizen Surveillance Project targeting surveillance and water monitoring of the industry developing the Marcellus Shale deposit for natural gas. I would like to update you on the progress of this project.

Currently this is a two phase project beginning with attendance at a Visual Assessment training followed by an optional Water Monitoring training. Since the start up of this project three visual assessment trainings have been held: Connellsville, Washington and Greensburg, PA as well as a water monitoring training.

To aid in the visual assessment training, a manual has been developed by the partners forming the core of the Citizen Surveillance project. The manual uses information from the Society of Petroleum Engineers in order to provide a detailed description of the well pad selection, drilling procedures, fracturing and well completion. There are also detailed descriptions of water and air related issues and how to perform surveillance with the senses of sight, smell, sound and touch. A section of the manual is also devoted to safety issues when performing surveillance on industry operations. The manual concludes with instructions for a full visual assessment of an industry site and surrounding area.

The project started as a pilot in the fall of 2009 in Fayette County, with the intention of expanding the project into all areas where Marcellus Shale gas industry develops. This project was developed out of the realization that as the number of wells grew the necessary enforcement officials from the PA Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) to provide oversight on the industry would be lacking. The realization of the need for additional “boots” on ground developed into a project to provide education and empowerment to individuals living in and around these gas industry sites. The content for training citizens in surveillance of the industry is provided by the manual for the Visual Assessment training. View the Visual Assessment Manual. You may print and use this manual freely.

If you would like to participate in visual assessment training or water monitoring training you can contact Veronica Coptis, project coordinator for the Citizen Stewardship project. Her contact information is (724) 455-4200 extension 4# and veronica@mtwatershed.com.

Project Partners

Mountain Watershed Association (MWA) Youghiogheny Riverkeeper Center for Health Environments and Communities (CHEC), University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health

Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP) Clean Water Action (CWA PA) Three Rivers Waterkeeper Fayette County Conservation District