Environmental Compliance 101

Don't forget to register for and attend tomorrow's webinar titled Environmental Concerns Associated with Increased Gas Development. Natural gas drilling and production associated with the Marcellus Shale and other basin shale plays promises jobs in areas hard hit by unemployment, lucrative leases for landowners, and a new energy economy. With the advent of recent drilling and hydraulic-fracturing (“fracking”) techniques for these basin shales, the potential gas yields are substantial and state agencies are issuing drilling permits by the thousands. In Pennsylvania alone, over 3,000 well drilling permits have been issued to date. Despite the benefits of natural gas exploration and extraction, the potential environmental impacts associated with the drilling process are also on the rise. Particularly of concern are the materials and wastewater associated with fracturing of the shale since significant quantities of water and other drilling fluids are used in the drilling process, making the management and disposal of fracturing fluids very important.

Other environmental concerns associated with drilling and fracturing include off-gas emissions, mobilization of hydrocarbons gases through the overlying materials, and the potential water quality issues associated with the exploration and production operations. As states catch up with the industry, there will likely be increased focus on the environmental aspects of these drilling activities. In the June 14th webinar, August Mack will present additional information regarding this very important and current topic. Click here to register now.