Marcellus Shale Gas Drilling

The Commonwealth of Virginia is facing its first Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling with a recent application in Rockingham County. This process requires a technique called hydrofracturing which involves the injection of high volumes of water, sand, and chemicals deep into the ground to breakdown rock formations and release natural gas. There are unknown and unintended consequences of this technology, including potential contamination of ground and surface water.

Marcellus Shale Gas Drilling in the Shenandoah Valley

The first permit for hydrofracking shale in Virginia was proposed near Harrisonburg in 2010. Find out about the status of this permit, current shale gas leases, and other regional information.

The Economics of Fracking

Studies in New York and Pennsylvania are documenting the negative impacts of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) natural gas drilling on farming, tourism and other economic sectors.

Gas Leasing in the Valley: Presentations from the May 5th 2011 workshop in Broadway

Citizens turned out to hear about what’s behind the “shale gas rush” that’s bringing industrial energy development to more places, and the resulting environmental and community impacts.

More About Hydrofracking

In Pennsylvania and West Virginia, gas drilling has converted rural, agricultural and forested landscapes into industrial zones, with intensive heavy truck traffic, pipeline and shipping infrastructure, and risks to ground and surface waters.

Presentations from May 5th, 2010 Marcellus Workshop in Harrisonburg

View video clips and download presentations from several experts who came to the Valley to teach us about this industry and its impacts on communities and the environment.