Jun 29, 2010 By The 3 min read

Fayette County Commissioner Angela M. Zimmerlink is moving ahead with forming a county task force on Marcellus shale natural gas drilling after all. Zimmerlink said Monday she is seeking members to serve on subcommittees.

Zimmerlink said, “There is no doubt the Marcellus shale gas exploration has both positive and negative impacts on Fayette County… it is evident that there is a need for coordination and communication among the gas industry, local governments, businesses and the public, and this task force will serve as a community tool to manage this process.”

The Marcellus shale geologic formation contains one of the largest mostly untapped reserves of natural gas in the United States. It underlies significant portions of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and New York and smaller portions of Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland and Kentucky.

Interest in developing Marcellus shale has increased because recent improvements in natural gas extraction technology and high energy prices now make recovering the gas more profitable, the federal Environmental Protection Agency said.

Eleven counties in Pennsylvania with active Marcellus shale drilling have formed task forces and many were initiated and sanctioned by their perspective county commissioners, Zimmerlink said.

“While it is unfortunate that I could not garner a second vote by either of my fellow commissioners to form a county government task force, I recognize the public needs and have initiated the forming of a community-based task force,” said Zimmerlink.

During the public comment period at Thursday’s commissioners’ meeting, Ralph Mazza of Franklin Township voiced his opinion that Zimmerlink’s suggestion months ago to form a task force on Marcellus shale should not have been ignored. The meeting also included discussion on water quality related to natural gas drilling and the potential damage trucks might cause to roads in the county.

Commission Chairman Vincent Zapotosky responded Thursday in saying either state or federal agencies oversees natural gas wells, not county leaders. He said the EPA or state Department of Environmental Protection are charged with enforcing such regulations.

In her press release Monday, Zimmerlink said the task force’s mission, focus and approach would mirror existing county task forces in the state and would draw on university publications for added guidance.

Zimmerlink stated, “The mission is to identify key issues, research facts and information, provide public education; and propose public policy regarding the economic, environmental and community impact of the oil and gas exploration and related topics of the Marcellus shale in Fayette County in a proactive, not reactive manner.”

She added that the public should participate in the process of seizing the economic opportunities presented by Marcellus shale drilling while protecting the environment.

She said the task force subcommittees would focus on eight areas: workforce, public safety, planning, public education, environment, economic development, local impacts and legislation.

“Information will be disseminated through public presentations, public meetings and a website which is under development,” said Zimmerlink.

The task force will look at the Marcellus shale activity in Fayette County and include groups such the business community, environmental concerns, municipalities and the public.

Zimmerlink said she has contacted stakeholders requesting them to join a subcommittee and she asks anyone who wishes to join or to learn more about the task force to contact her at 724-430-1200, extension 225, or personally at her office or by email at zimmerlink@mshaletaskforce.org.