Local Natural Gas Newsletter Available On County Website

The January edition of the Potter County Natural Gas Task Force newsletter, Roundup, is now available through the county’s website, pottercountypa.net (click on Marcellus Shale/Natural Gas). It contains a chart that demonstrates the rapid growth of Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling in the county. Due to economics, the absence of infrastructure and other factors, the number of wells drilled in 2009 and 2010 is lower than some had forecasted. Although 28 permits were issued in 2009, just six wells were drilled. Another 73 permits were issued in 2010, with 21 wells being drilled. Since 2007, there have been 40 Marcellus Shale natural gas wells drilled in Potter County. The increase signals a trend that will continue for more than a decade, with hundreds of wells being drilled in the county.

The long-term outlook for this dawning industry is spelled out in Roundup. Copies of the eight-page document and past editions can be printed directly from the website. Copies of the November/December and January editions can also be obtained over the counter at the commissioners’ administrative office in the Gunzburger Building — second door on the left inside the Main Street entrance.

Among features of the most recent edition:

• Training Available Locally For Natural Gas Industry Jobs
• Permits Issued For Gas Drilling In Coudersport Borough
  
• Volunteer Water Monitors Being Trained
• Local Governments Fighting For Share Of Tax On Gas
• Gas Production, Violation Information Available Online
• Shale Gas In Pa.: It’s More Than Just Marcellus
• Potter County Schools Get Grant For Environmental Education