News

A Range Resources representative is slated to attend supervisors' Tuesday meeting to field questions from the board about the company's plans for horizontal drilling in a Marcellus shale natural gas well along Yutes Run Road.

Jim Cannon, a company spokesman, said he won't be giving a detailed presentation but indicated he would answer questions from the board and concerned residents.

Range Resources has a vertical well on private property along Yutes Run Road. Cannon said plans are to use that well to drill horizontally.

He expects the drilling to begin in September.

"We'll test to see if that area plays out," he said. He indicated the company will expand its operation at the site if the horizontal drilling taps into a good supply of natural gas.

Because a well already exists, the company won't be forced to "start from scratch," Cannon said.

The company has partnered with Huntley and Huntley in developing the well.

Supervisor Lori Ziencik said Cannon will field questions from Yutes Run Road residents who have concerns about the project. She said the goal isn't to have Cannon lead a lengthy discussion about Marcellus shale drilling.

Cannon said the questions he often is asked relate to hours of operation, lighting, noise and groundwater impact.

Yutes Run Road resident Jim Russell said he has concerns about a variety of issues ranging from the potential impact on his well water to truck traffic on the road.

Indicating he recognizes the drilling will have important economic impacts, Russell said he feels it's imperative to learn about possible environmental consequences.

"We have to get some answers," he said, adding that companies like Range Resources and Huntley and Huntley should address concerned residents in a public setting.

• Most Read
• Most E-mailed
• Latest News