Wyoming PA Marcellus Shale
With the emergence of numerous technological developments in the realm of drilling for natural gas as well as the push to find new energy sources, numerous companies have begun work in the Marcellus Shale region in the Appalachian basin. The area spreads through the states of West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York, over a wide expanse of land that energy companies strongly desire to excavate. Professionals believe that a large amount of natural gas resides within the region. It is believed that Marcellus Shale is the most expansive area containing natural gas in the whole of the United States. Experts predict over 500 trillion cubic feet of gas lies beneath the surface which would be enough to fuel the entire U.S. for one decade.
Despite this windfall of natural gas, there are certainly accompanying disadvantages and risks. One of the primary risk factors is the toxins and poisons which may be spread throughout the area during the drilling of the Appalachian area. If you reside within the perimeter of the Marcellus Shale region of Pennsylvania, it is probable that you are familiar with some of the negative side effects of the drilling or even, potentially, experienced them firsthand. Some of the reported side effects have included unexplainable illnesses and diseases, murky and odiferous water supplies that are not potable and cannot be used to bathe in, as well as mysterious stomach aches and headaches.
The main question in everyone’s mind is whether or not these conditions and illnesses are being caused by the drilling for natural gas. Many environmentalists, geologists, and other professionals who have reviewed the case believe that the drilling is, in fact, the cause. In order to produce the wells from which the gas is excavated, the companies are required to use a process known as “fracking”, or fracturing. This process consists of hundreds of chemical agents being combined with water and inserted into the ground in the desired area. This “fracking” procedure allows the natural gas to be removed easily and rapidly. However, it has been known to heavily pollute the surrounding groundwater as it enters the earth. In addition, the majority of the injected water is not disposed of. Instead, upwards of 60% of the water is stored aboveground in pits and is referred to as wastewater.
Congress has excluded energy and oil drilling companies from having to adhere to the usual protective regulations such as the Community Right to Know Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as well as the Safe Drinking water Act. Because of this deviation from safe practices, it is not possible to determine which chemicals and how much of said chemicals are being inserted into the ground during the production of the wells. Some scientists predict that approximately 90% of the used chemicals are toxic to the surrounding environment as well as to the human population.
Even though the energy companies who are drilling for natural gas are not included under the realm of protective environmental laws, this does not mean that those negatively affected by the drilling cannot seek legal retribution. There are certainly steps which one can take to receive compensation. If an individual experiences negative physical and medical effects of the drilling, he or she has the legal right to file a lawsuit in order to potentially receive monetary compensation for medical costs, monetary losses, as well as to obtain retribution for physical pain as well as emotional distress.
Individuals who are living close to the areas of drilling throughout the country too often are required to live with contaminated ground water and drinking wells as well as with unpleasant odors in the air as a result of the methane which is released from the ground. There is also evidence that suggests that a common chemical used in “fracking” is benzene which has been proven to cause and exacerbate several serious conditions including acute myelogenous leukemia. Also, state officials in New York found a heightened level of radiation being emitted from the wastewater near the drilling areas that exceeded 250 times the acceptable level. With further research into the causes of these risk factors as well as increased reports of ensuing health conditions, the energy companies may be required to become legally responsible for their actions.
At Fellerman and Ciarimboli, we understand that there is much confusion and fear surrounding the drilling that is occurring for natural gas in this area of Pennsylvania. Our lawyers are familiar with the Marcellus Shale region and have a wide knowledge base in regard to obtaining settlement for those who have undergone physical and emotional damage at the hands of individuals as well as companies. If you have suffered or are currently suffering from an unexplainable condition or do not have a potable water supply due to contamination from drilling, we will work with you to construct the best case possible in order to hold the drilling companies accountable.
Our goal is provide legal advice to our clients with special consideration given to each individual’s needs. We are committed to our goal of excellence and have a large variety of resources with which to work with you to ensure that you are well represented.
