Gas at a Glance

Temple University holds gas teach-in

The Center for Natural Resources Development and Protection at Temple University will conduct an educational summit on March 18, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Philadelphia, PA. A wide range of experts representing environmental groups, government, industry and scientists will discuss the various aspects of gas drilling. The summit will include lectures, panel discussions and poster sessions, and will make its proceedings public and communicate them to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia. For more information contact Michelle Smith at ceed@temple.edu or 215/204-7814. Visit www.temple.edu/environment/NRDP_shale_schedule.htm to see the event schedule.

Permit sought for new Wayne County well site

Wayne County Commissioners have received Act 14 Municipal Notification that Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc, Engineering and Related Services, is applying for coverage under the Erosion and Sediment Control General Permit for earth disturbance associated with oil and gas exploration, production, processing or treatment operations or transmission facilities from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for the Pitcairn Well Site. The Stone Energy project is located East of Turner Road approximately 1,500 feet south of Dixon Valley Road in Pleasant Mount, PA and consists of construction of several temporary and permanent features on the 594.75 acre property, including a 7,500-foot access road, a 120,000-square-foot seeded pad, a frac pond and a 22,500-square-foot gravel well pad.

Stone Energy permit deadline extended

The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) has extended its deadline for written comments on two Stone Energy Corporation projects to support natural gas exploration. One project entails a surface water withdrawal from the West Branch Lackawaxen River in Mount Pleasant Township, PA (Docket No. D-2009-13-1). The other concerns an existing natural gas well drilling pad site in Clinton Township, PA (Docket No. D-2009-18-1). Both projects are located in Wayne County within the drainage area of a portion of the main stem Delaware River that the DRBC has classified as Special Protection Waters. Written comments will now be accepted until 5 p.m. on April 12 and may be sent via email to Paula.Schmitt@drbc.state.nj.us or to the attention of the Commission Secretary, DRBC, either by fax to 609/883-9522; U.S. mail to P.O. Box 7360, West Trenton, NJ 08628-0360; or delivery service to 25 State Police Drive, West Trenton, NJ 08628-0360. Comments should include the name, affiliation (if any) and address of the commenter and the subject line “Public Comment – Stone Energy Dockets.” Visit www.state.nj.us/drbc for more information.

Coal producer to pay $3.48 billion for Dominion gas assets

Consol Energy Inc. will secure its portion of the Marcellus Shale gas play by agreeing to pay $3.48 billion for Dominion Resources Inc.’s Appalachian natural gas properties, as reported by Reuters. Consol is one of the nation’s top four coal producers. The deal, under which Consol will acquire 1.46 million acres, with 491,000 in the Marcellus as well as 9,000 wells, is expected to close on April 30. Consol also owns 83 percent of gas producer CNX Gas.

Water well testing programs scheduled

The Penn State Cooperative Extension and Wayne Conservation District will offer “Home Water Well Testing in the Gas Well Era” on June 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Damascus School in Damascus, PA or from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Park Street Complex in Honesdale, PA. Presenters Bryan Swistock of Penn State University and Joe Calabro of Aqua-Tech Laboratory will discuss regulations, impacts, testing strategies and more. Admission is $5 per person and reservations are required. Call 570/253-5970, extension 4110 or 570/253-0930 for more information.