Interactive Marcellus Shale Map Created, Posted Online
Charleston Gazette
11 March 2011
By The Associated Press
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- Geologists have created an interactive online map
of the Marcellus Shale field and its natural gas deposits to
accommodate growing public interest in West Virginia gas drilling.
It could be useful for anyone thinking about leasing their property or
seeking a job in the industry, said Susan Pool of the West Virginia
Geological and Economic Survey in Morgantown.
Natural gas companies are rushing to tap the vast deposits underlying
West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio.
Legislators, meanwhile, are wrangling over how to best regulate and
monitor the horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing technologies
such wells require.
The map shows completed and permitted well sites, thickness and depth
of shale, and other information. It also has a list of frequently asked
questions.
Employees told West Virginia Public Broadcasting the map has quickly
become one of their website's most popular features.
Mary Behling, head of the information services program, said the staff
has been receiving e-mails from landowners, industry representatives,
government officials and others.
"Most of the feedback we get is extremely positive," she said. "People
are surprised that so much is available, free, and the information is
diverse and usually exactly what they're looking for."
She said the map should be updated monthly.
You can access the map through a link at:
http://www.wvgazette.com/News/Business/201103110971