Schlumberger Near $1B ProfitAugust 11 2010
Friday, well-fracking giant, Schlumberger announced third quarter profits of nearly $1B or $0.81 per share. To read the entire report click here.
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Schlumberger Near $1B Profit
Emergency ResponseAugust 11 2010
As state lawmakers and federally elected officials call for an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) crackdown on Marcellus Drilling, the industry elects to open its own facility. Cudd Well Control, a Texas-based business, announced it will open an emergency response facility in Bradford County.
EOG Looks to UnloadAugust 11 2010
EOG, the company cited for the Clearfield County well blow-out on June 3, 2010, announced Friday it will sell shale plays totalling more than 180,000 acres. It will sell more than 51,000 acres in Bradford County, Pennsylvania alone. The company reported revenues of $1.4B and $60M in profits. Click here for more information.
Hanger on Marcellus ShaleAugust 11 2010
Secretary of DEP John Hanger calls for ‘industry excellence’, but cautions we won’t reach ‘perfection’. To read more click here.
More Money From Gas IndustryAugust 11 2010
The Marcellus payouts continue. This time to former Governor Ridge for assistance with outreach/education and lobbying. Combined contracts are reported at $75,000 a month. To read more click here.
PALTA Releases ReportAugust 05 2010
The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association (PALTA) has reviewed environmental violations accrued by Marcellus Shale drillers working in Pennsylvania between January 2008 and June 25, 2010. The records were obtained via a Right to Know Request made to the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
DEP records show a total of 1435 violations of state Oil and Gas Laws due to gas drilling or other earth disturbance activities related to natural gas extraction from the Marcellus Shale in this 2.5-year period. The Association identified 952 violations as having or likely to have an impact on the environment. 483 were identified as likely being an administrative or safety violation and not likely to have the potential to negatively impact the environment.
Growing Greener with Gas?July 23 2010
State Senator Jake Corman said at Poe Valley State Park that he will support Marcellus Shale Severance Tax funds being set-aside into a reauthorized Growing Greener fund. Corman spoke at the park on Wednesday. He and several others spoke of the state park system’s value. A 2009 estimate showed state parks leveraged more than $9.50 for every state dollar invested, and provided more than $800M in state revenues. To read more click here.
The Allegheny FrontJuly 22 2010
The Allgheny Front started a series that will focus on Foundation’s efforts to assist in strengthening watershed groups. Through the generous support of the DEP and RK Mellon Foundation, we have worked throughout the last year learning more about our grantees. We are working on procuring funds for year two of this endeavor. To listen to the report click here.
Food and Water Watch ReportJuly 22 2010
The following is a direct excerpt taken from the Food and Water Watch’s Not So Fast, Natural Gas–Why Accelerating Risky Drilling Threatens America’s Water.
In reference to frackfluids:
“While the exact composition of some of the chemicals could not be determined, many were identified are toxic. A further analysis by The Endocrine Disruptor Exchange (TEDX) examined 41 products used in Pennsylvania fracturing operations. Of the 63 chemicals in these products, 22 chemicals could not be identified. Of the 41 remaining chemicals, 98 percent were associated with skin, eye or sensory organ effects, 95 percent could cause respiratory effects, 83 percent are associated with gastrointestinal or liver effects, 69 percent could damage the brain, 67 percent could have cardiovascular effects, and 69 percent could have ???other??? effects such as changes in weight, teeth and bone, or death. In addition, 45 percent were volatile, which means they could be released into the air and cause further harm if inhaled, swallowed or put in contact with skin.”
Fayette County Marcellus CommitteeJuly 22 2010
Fayette County has formed a Marcellus Shale Advisory Committee. The group was formed to inform local decision making about drilling. Commissioner Zimmerlink said she wasn’t advocating for drilling or a moratorium. She said the group’s intent was to ensure local participation in this huge issue, and to provide a centralized clearinghouse for information. For more information read the HeraldStandard.com article.