Positives Of Gas Drilling Emphasized

December 1, 2010

By JENNIFER
COMPSTON-STROUGH

City Editor

WHEELING - The potential benefits of natural gas drilling outweigh the concerns of many community leaders who turned out Tuesday to learn more about the process.

The Regional Economic Development Partnership hosted a presentation by Chesapeake Energy at River City Restaurant and Banquet Facility in Wheeling that drew representatives of local city and county governments, educational institutions, economic development groups, vendors and more. Stacey Brodak, director of corporate development for Chesapeake, presented animated explanations of the drilling process as well as a slide show. She also answered questions from the audience.

Several officials who were present said they not only learned more about drilling during the event, but added it helped allay their concerns about the environment, potential accidents, employment for local residents and more.

Wheeling Vice Mayor Eugene Fahey said though Marcellus Shale drilling is in its infancy locally, he believes the opportunities the industry will provide for the region are overwhelming.

Fahey noted it will be up to state and local legislators to provide the necessary regulations and oversight to protect the environment, people and infrastructure of the area. He also stressed the importance of communication and cooperation between government and industry leaders.

"As long as we can work as partners, this will provide tremendous opportunities, not just for us, but for generations to come," he said.

Ohio County Commissioner Tim McCormick agreed.

"I know it's an emotional issue," he said regarding conservation of the environment in the face of industrial development. "But Chesapeake is doing everything they can to maintain and stabilize the environment, and I just hope this is very productive for everyone."

McCormick added that he is concerned about the future work force for the industry, but noted Chesapeake cannot control who is hired by the vendors with which it does business.

Preparing area residents for the job opportunities natural gas drilling will provide was discussed during Brodak's presentation.

She pointed out the company previously met with local high school and college officials regarding the need for training.

Brodak added that the groups are working together to find a balance between what the schools can provide and what training the company must provide all its employees after they are hired.

Dave Knuth, executive director of the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce, believes the public needs to hear more positive stories about the natural gas industry. He pointed to Chesapeake's high rate of drilling successful wells - 98 percent, according to Brodak - as well as job opportunities for local residents and the chance to earn money from the gas that lies beneath a landowner's property. He also cited that hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking" has been conducted for many years, saying the process has evolved and improved during that time.

"We all have to make sacrifices in different areas ... ," Knuth said. "There are going to be accidents, hopefully all minor, but that is a part of life. ...

"This is going to help this area flourish and become a better place to live," he added. "People will want to move here, not out of the area."

Marshall County Commissioner Donald Mason also believes natural gas drilling will help create a positive future for the Ohio Valley.

"I believe we will see short-term problems and issues for long-term benefits," he said.

Mason said Chesapeake has been very proactive in dealing with residents, businesses and government in his county.

He pointed to a task force formed under the leadership of Tom Hart, emergency management director for Marshall County, saying it has helped the community get to know the company and the issues that surround drilling and fracking.

Mason said he is concerned about ensuring the industry creates employment opportunities for local resident.

"We need to make sure people are trained and educated to fill the positions for the industry," he noted.

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NATURAL GAS WATER USAGE FACTS

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