Susquehanna River Basin Commission proposes automated monitors for streams and creeks in Marcellus Shale region

By FORD TURNER
The Patriot-News
November 11, 2009

Each monitoring station would have a data-gathering device and a platform powered by a solar panel. Courtesy Photo

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission wants to be ready in case pollution makes its way into sensitive streams and creeks in the region where natural gas drilling is on the increase.

(Obviously this indicates a likelihood...)

The commission has proposed a network of 30 automated, solar-powered water quality monitoring stations for the northern tier of Pennsylvania and southern New York.

The northern tier counties have been a prime focus in Marcellus Shale natural gas exploration. Through September, 575 of the 1,340 Marcellus Shale drilling permits issued by the state this year were for sites in Susquehanna, Bradford and Tioga counties.

...

The government-sanctioned commission regulates withdrawal and use of water from the river and its tributaries.

"As the demand for water from smaller rivers and streams increases, particularly from the natural gas industry, so does the amount of wastewater that is generated," said commission Executive Director Paul Swartz. "It is important to monitor these smaller, remote waterways to verify whether or not they are being impacted by certain pollutants."

Sounds like the implication here is that waterways would be contaminated by wastewater vs. water withdrawals... something that if it were to occur, would have to be the result of an industry violation of some kind.

...To read the complete report, CLICK HERE.
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