Impact of AMD and Marcellus Shale Gas-Well Drilling on Surface Water Quality in Centre, Clearfield, and Clinton Counties, PA

Elaine Langone Center, Terrace Room

With the sustained Marcellus Shale gas-well drilling in central Pennsylvania, Lock Haven University Water and Environmental Lab continues its ongoing relationships with several community-based organizations to monitor the quality of surface water in the proximity of various Marcellus Shale drilling locations. Participating organizations include the Clearfield and Centre County chapters of the Pennsylvania Senior Environmental Corps, Beech Creek Watershed Association, and the Centre County Conservation District. Numerous sub-watersheds of the West Branch Susquehanna River, including Beech Creek, and various small watersheds in Clearfield County, have been selected to provide baseline water testing as a service to the surrounding communities. The study was intended to monitor potential areas for contamination due to natural gas extraction. Measured field parameters included temperature, pH, DO, TDS, conductance, ORP, and surface discharge in the monitored streams. Additional lab analyses yielded parameters, including net acidity and alkalinity, along with several cations and anions, such as total iron, aluminum, manganese, copper, calcium, magnesium, barium, sulfate, and chloride concentrations. Multiple conclusions have been reached regarding the water quality of the monitored watersheds. Samples collected from the Beech Creek and Clearfield sub-watersheds typically exhibit values below the established MCLs of drinking water standards for various chemical parameters, which are related to natural gas extraction. However, multiple study locations exhibit pervasive AMD impairment, which is a direct result of legacy coal mining. Through active collaboration with community-based organizations, students have the opportunity to garner research experience, while providing a valuable service to the greater community. This study has far-reaching implications for policy-making in regards to the development of Marcellus Shale as a resource while protecting the environment and preserving human health.