Potter County Task Force Updates

To: Potter County Natural Gas Task Force
From: Commissioners

Thank you for your interest in the Potter County Natural Gas Task Force. Purpose of this communication is to update you on activities and issues, including a timely program in Bradford this evening:

1. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford is hosting a free series of natural gas seminars beginning tonight (Sept. 17, 6-8 pm, Blaisdell Hall), with the topic, “Marcellus Shale Gas Wells: Infrastructure, Development and Economics.” Cooperative Extension educator Tom Murphy will discuss the importance of natural gas infrastructure in the production of Marcellus Shale gas wells. Pipelines, compressors, injection wells, water use and disposal, seismic studies, well siting, and economic trends will be discussed.

A second presentation, “Natural Gas Wells and Drinking Water,” will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Oct. 6. Cooperative Extension water resource specialists Bryan Swistock and Jim Clark will discuss water-quality impacts of gas and oil drilling and what homeowners need to know to monitor and protect their wells.

The third session, “Marcellus Shale: Legal Issues for Landowners,” will take place from 6-8 pm on Nov. 3.

Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-872-1787.

2. Next Potter County Natural Gas Task Force meeting will be held at 7 pm Tuesday, Oct. 13, in the Gunzburger Building. Additional details will be announced. Committee members are encouraged to meet between now and Oct. 13 as issues/developments warrant. Look for a follow-up email from the Commissioners on topics of interest or concern for each committee to explore.

3. Any Task Force member who would like to participate in Friday’s (Sept. 18) County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania Natural Gas Task Force conference call is welcome to do so. Topics to be discussed from 9:30-10:30 am include: a.) a Marcellus Shale Workforce Study recently compiled by the Pennsylvania College of Technology; and, b.) disposal issues surrounding naturally occurring radioactive materials from deep gas drilling. Anyone who would like to participate in this conference call should contact Commissioner Heimel at paulheimel@yahoo.com, or 814-274-8290, Ext. 203.

Thank you again for your interest. Please be on the lookout for a follow-up communication in the coming days. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please contact Todd Brown at tbrown@pottercountypa.net.