Task Force Meeting Notes: 2009 May | June | July | September | October | November

Task Force Meeting Notes: 2010 January | February

Big Implications From Marcellus Shale. Dr. Tim Kelsey, rural economist and community development specialist from Penn State University, told about 75 people attending the March meeting of the Potter County Natural Gas Task Force that the Marcellus Shale natural gas industry will have a major impact. From lease payments and royalties to employment and business opportunities, Marcellus is an economic goliath, Kelsey said. The strongest economic activity and creation of jobs will come during a 15- to 20-year “development phase.” Upwards of 90 percent of those jobs will be gone during the ensuing “production phase,” which could last for 50 or more years. Sectors which will benefit the greatest will include energy, retail trade, construction, maintenance and repair, business services, health services, eating/drinking establishments and transportation. Local governments should prepare for the changes, Kelsey advised, through land-use planning to control development and communication with energy companies to identify potential problems.

Water Testing Advised For Well/Spring Owners. Water issues were on the agenda of the March meeting of the Potter County Natural Gas Task Force. Three members of the organization’s Water Quality Study Committee addressed the group, emphasizing the need for citizens — especially those who own wells and springs — to be vigilant as well-drilling increases. John McLaughlin announced that another round of training for volunteer water monitors in the Pine Creek Watershed will be held from 7-9 pm on Tuesday, March 23, at the North Campus of Pennsylvania College of Technology near Wellsboro. More information is available at 570-724-1801, extension 118. McLaughlin also said the committee is working on developing information for property owners to assist them in testing their wells or springs. He emphasized the importance of obtaining water assessments prior to natural gas drilling, so that a baseline is established for later comparison. Different levels of testing are available and not all results may be admissible in court in the event of a liability claim, he cautioned. Committee member Judy Bear explained the complexities of attributing changes in drinking water to specific causes. She advised having private water supplies tested, not only to establish baselines, but to detect bacteria that could cause health problems. Jim Clark of Penn State Cooperative Extension, encouraged the public to visit the Cooperative Extension website for information on water testing, landowners’ rights and the laws affecting drilling companies. Clark also said his agency is seeking private landowners who live in close proximity to natural gas drilling to participate in a study of the industry’s possible impact on water supplies. He can be contacted by email at jac20@psu.edu.

Next Task Force meeting: Tuesday, April 13, 7 pm, Gunzburger Building. Details to be announced.

In recognition of the far-reaching consequences of increased drilling for natural gas in Marcellus Shale formations identified throughout much of Potter County, in April 2009 Commissioners Doug Morley, Susan Kefover and Paul Heimel formed the Potter County Natural Gas Task Force. Almost immediately, the organization began to grow and its mission broadened.

Mission: Purpose of the Natural Gas Task Force is to identify key issues; research facts and examine trends; review and propose public policy regarding the economic, environmental and social impact of gas exploration of the Marcellus Shale in Potter County; and educate the public on gas exploration and related topics.

Membership consists of a broad cross-section of individuals representing the natural gas industry, water specialists, emergency services personnel, township officials, environmental scientists, educators and numerous business interests.

Task Force meetings are held at 7 pm on the second Tuesday of each month and are open to the public.

Because of the complexity of the natural gas issue and its many implications, the Task Force has formed six study committees that meet independently and report to the larger group at each month meeting. These committees are focused on the following issues:

Water Quality: Jim Clark, Pete Ryan, Judy Bear, John McLaughlin, Jim Hough and Robert Volkmar.

Employment/Training and Industry Technical Issues: Helene Nawrocki, Susan Kefover, Terry Cole, Dick Ford, Gerald Kane, Bob Veilleux, Neal Goodenough and Tom Veazey.

Public Education: Curt Weinhold, Paul Heimel, Ron Doughtie and Mary Anne Heston.

Taxation: Joe Lewis, Carl Roberts, Don Tanner and Todd Brown.

Public Safety/Law Enforcement: John Hetrick, Joe Gerhart, David Saulter, Joe Parr and Glenn Dunn.

Township & Borough Impacts/Planning: Larry Hirst, Charlotte Dietrich, Doug Morley, Mike Cole and Tom Jacoby.

Anyone who is interested in joining the Task Force, serving on a study committee and/or being added to the organization’s mailing list should contact Todd Brown at 814-274-8290, Extension 206, or tbrown@pottercountypa.net.

Use the links above to read summaries of each of the Task Force’s monthly meetings since its inception. Please see the References/Links tab under the Marcellus Shale/Natural Gas header on this website for further information and links related to Marcellus Shale natural gas development in Potter County.