On October 30, a major new report on the impact of Marcellus Shale gas development on water resources will be issued. Water Resource Reporting and Water Footprint from Marcellus Shale Development in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, was co-authored by Evan Hansen, president of the environmental analysis firm Downstream Strategies, and Dustin Mulvaney, Assistant Professor of Sustainable Energy Resources at San Jose State University. The report was developed in collaboration with Earthworks and funded by a Switzer Network Innovation Grant.
Among other findings, the report indicates that over 80% of the water used in fracking in West Virginia and over 70% used in Pennsylvania comes directly from rivers and streams. Over 90% of the water injected underground to fracture gas wells never returns to the surface, meaning it is permanently removed from the water cycle. In addition, critical data and information gaps exist that prevent researchers, policymakers, and the public from attaining a full picture of trends.The authors analyze these and other trends and present recommendations for addressing water use and waste generation going forward.
A presentation and discussion about how shale drilling and hydraulic fracturing impacts water resources will be held for the report release. The full report will be available at http://bit.ly/MarcellusWaterUse.
WHEN: Wednesday, October 30 at 12:30 PM EST
WHO:
- Evan Hansen, M.S., Principal, Water Program, Downstream Strategies
- Dr. Dustin Mulvaney, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Sustainable Energy Resources, Department of Environmental Studies, San Jose State University
- Meghan Betcher, M.S., Environmental Scientist, Downstream Strategies
- Bruce Baizel, Earthworks’ Energy Program Director for the Oil & Gas Accountability Project
- Nadia Steinzor, Earthworks’ Eastern Program Coordinator for the Oil & Gas Accountability Project
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
With these sponsors and collaborators, we are guaranteed a balanced, unbiased report. Also, in other news, pigs are flying, hell is freezing over and Harry Reid has turned republican.
Where do you think the water used in fracking comes from Tony? As for it not being returned to the water cycle, that is simple second grade science. Look at the “fracked up” areas across the USA which are experiencing water shortages and out and out drought. Denial is going to be our doom.
Tony –
The facts are all drawn from state data and industry reports. You can dismiss the conclusions drawn from those facts all you want, but the facts are facts.
Much like aggregate poll numbers leading into the 2012 election. You can hate them, but you ignore them at your peril.