News & Announcements

2012 News Items

January 2012

Pennsylania Department of Environmental Protection - Utilization of Mine Influenced Water for Natural Gas Extraction Activities This paper outlines: (i) a process for DEP review of proposals to utilize MIW; (ii) possible options for storing MIW used for natural gas extraction activities; and, (iii) potential solutions to address long-term liability issues. DEP is available to any interested parties to discuss potential sites and technical issues, to help structure a project with respect to permitting requirements and liability issues, and to assist with developing partnerships between oil and gas industry representatives and local watershed organizations or other organizations involved in MIW treatment or abandoned mine reclamation efforts.

October 2010

"Why is Marcellus Shale Such a Hot Topic?"
Ross Pifer, Penn State Law, highlights legal issues in Marcellus Shale development
MCOR Extension Associate Yoxtheimer to present at Marcellus Shale Water Resources Workshop
David Yoxtheimer, MCOR Extension Associate, will discuss "Water Use and Treatment in Natural Gas Drilling" at the "Marcellus Shale in the Shenandoah Valley: Opportunities and Issues" workshop on Thursday, Oct. 28. Held in Winchester, Va., the workshop (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) is sponsored by Regional Water Resources Policy Committee and the Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional COmmission.

August 2010

Marcellus Seed Grant Program: Investigating the Human/Societal Impacts and Environmental Issues Related to Marcellus Shale Development
Research on the human/societal impacts and environmental topics is underway by six interdisciplinary teams of Penn State researchers through a seed grant program sponsored by the Social Science Research Institute (SSRI) and Penn State Institutes of Energy and the Environment (PSIEE) in conjunction with the Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research.

July 2010

Grant to Help Penn College Deliver Marcellus Shale Training
Federal grant funding totaling nearly $5 million will enable Pennsylvania College of Technology to serve as one of two regional hubs coordinating the delivery of job recruitment, training and placement services for the Marcellus Shale natural gas industry across several states. Penn College and Westmoreland County Community College will lead a consortium of colleges and training organizations tasked with training qualified workers in 69 counties in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia.
DEP Proposes New Regulations for Oil and Gas Wells
The PA Department of Environmental Protection is proposing new regulations that will update existing rules for drilling, casing, cementing, testing, monitoring, and plugging of oil and gas wells. The new regulations will also update rules for protecting public and private water supplies.
Hydrogeologist Joins Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research
David Yoxtheimer, P.G., a Penn State alumnus with 18 years of hydrogeologic consulting experience, has joined the Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research as an Extension Associate in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) effective July 15.

May 2010

Accelerating Activity in the Marcellus Shale: An Update on Wells Drilled and Permitted
Recent figures taken from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s website show activity in the Marcellus Shale play increased dramatically in 2009, and appears to have accelerated in the first three months of 2010.

April 2010

Co-Director Murphy Honored with 2010 DEP Environmental Excellence Award
Tom Murphty, co-director of the Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research and Extension Educator, Lycoming County, was one of 16 Pennsylvania individuals, organizations and businesses honored by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday (April 20) for outstanding efforts to protect and restore watersheds, reduce pollution and conserve energy, educate the public on environmental issues and revitalize communities.

March 2010

Research Survey Form
Complete this form for the research database of Marcellus expertise to be created for the Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research web site (please download and complete form and return to marcellus@psu.edu).
Marcellus Matters
Investigating the Human/Societal Impacts and Environmental Issues Related to Development of the Marcellus Shale, 3 p.m., Friday, March 26; 16 Ritenour. Opportunity for Penn State researchers to discuss research collaborations
Marcellus Shale Field Tour
Field tour for Penn State researchers scheduled for Friday, April 16.
Penn State Poll Offers New Opportunity for Researchers to Target Marcellus Shale Residents
Question submission deadline – Friday, March 26.