Program seeks to empower homeowners near drilling sites

Residents can protect water quality

By DAVID THOMPSON - dthompson@sungazette.com
The Penn State Cooperative Extension and Lycoming College Clean Water Institute are offering a water-testing program for landowners who may be located near existing or future gas drilling operations.

The event will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. July 2 in room D-001 of the Lycoming College Academic Center.

“The rationale for doing the meeting is that a lot of people have concerns as to how the (gas drilling) industry relates to water quality and water quantity in the areas where they live,” Lycoming County extension educator Thomas Murphy said. “The meeting will explain a number of issues related to the drilling process and discuss the testing process to ensure the quality of water is maintained.”

The program will include a presentation on basic gas drilling procedures, how gas wells can impact groundwater wells, regulations to protect private wells, potential water pollutants, water testing strategies, how to collect water samples and interpretation of water test samples.

For more than two years, the extension has been hosting workshops to educate county residents about gas drilling issues.

During those workshops, Murphy recommended landowners living within 1,000 feet of a gas drilling site test their well water before drilling occurs. That way, if the quality or quantity of water is adversely impacted by drilling, there is proof, he said.

Legally, if there is a change in well water quality within six months after a well is drilled, it is assumed the drilling operation is at fault, Murphy said.

Water test kits will be available so that water samples can be collected and returned to Penn State for analysis. Basic testing packages, which includes tests for pH, dissolved solids, barium and chloride, will be available for $40. Kits designed specifically for gas well activity will be available, as well.

There is a fee to attend the workshop. To register, contact the county extension office at 433-3040 or by e-mail at Lycomingext@psu.edu.