A boom in gas leasing activity in Pennsylvania and nearby states is moving and growing at an unprecedented rate, with information and technology developing as it proceeds.  This boom could have dramatic implications for conservation of the forests, waters and wildlife of Pennsylvania, and The Nature Conservancy is exploring the best use of conservation science in order to limit potential harmful impacts.

The Marcellus Shale is a black sedimentary rock formation a mile or more below the surface that may contain an estimated 500 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. It underlies much of Pennsylvania, southern New York, eastern Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia and adjacent states.

The depth of the rock and its low permeability have previously held the Marcellus as an unlikely target for gas exploration and development. However, two new technologies – hydrofracing and horizontal drilling – have demonstrated effectiveness in tapping the natural gas reserves in the Marcellus. And, that combined with escalating oil prices has triggered an explosion of leasing activity.

As a result, landowners across the northern and western two-thirds of Pennsylvania are being offered hefty leasing contracts by companies hoping to extract natural gas that previously was unattainable.

Into the Unknown

The full extent and impact of this new gas boom won’t be known for at least five to 10 years. To date, only one new Marcellus well is in operation, and there could be one or two more drilled this year.  But no one can accurately forecast the number of wells that may be drilled over the next five years or where the additional pipelines will be built to carry the new gas. 

“We’re trying to get answers that really no one has,” noted Todd Sampsell, director of conservation operations. “The state is in an early phase now, but when drilling really begins we could be facing a conservation impact the likes of which we haven’t seen in decades.”

Some of this impact could involve Pennsylvania’s valuable forest resources.  For example, some industry observers estimate that there could eventually be one well per 80 acres, plus wide service roads and new pipelines 50 to 60 feet wide  Infrastructure such as this could seriously affect wildlife and forest health, if proper conservation strategies aren’t in place at the start of the rush.

Similarly, water withdrawal could result in negative impacts on fragile Pennsylvania streams, which serve as crucial headwaters for three great river systems:  the Allegheny, Susquehanna, and the Delaware.  The technology that exists today pumps millions of gallons of water into the shale formation to break up the deposits and free the trapped gas in a process known as fracing.  Withdrawal of that much water could alter small streams irrevocably. 

Estimating Impacts

The Conservancy is working in Pennsylvania to limit the conservation impacts as new technology and infrastructure are being developed.

“We are working to determine the potential impacts of gas and oil exploration in Pennsylvania in order to better engage the industry and landowners about where to – and where not to – place wells, pipelines, rigging and other infrastructure.  Pennsylvania is an energy extraction target.   We need to help industry, government agencies, and conservation groups work to minimize the impacts of well installations and the related issues of potential water consumption and contamination, deforestation or disturbances to wildlife,” explained Sampsell.

In addition to providing conservation and scientific guidance, the Conservancy is recommending that landowners learn about the issues and consult knowledgeable experts before signing leases. Samples of conservation-minded lease agreements are available from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, according to Sampsell.  Penn State Cooperative Extension also has developed an e-classroom for landowners, and others.

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © George Cress/TNC (West Branch Wilderness); Photo © Mark Godfrey/TNC (Natural gas storage facility).