West Virginia University Extension Service is helping members of the community obtain factual information on issues related to the oil and natural gas industry by sponsoring an education and information session regarding Marcellus Shale, a large natural gas field in the form of shale rock, and the oil and natural gas industry around the state.

The program will be held at the West Virginia Wesleyan College Social Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 16, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and is free and open to the public. Presenters will include industry and legal professionals, representatives from the Department of Environmental Protection and WVU Extension Service agents and specialists.

“The oil and natural gas industry is one of the most talked-about topics in our state right now, so we wanted to bring many of the groups together to provide information,” said Jennifer Williams, director of WVU Extension’s agriculture and natural resources programs. “Our WVU Extension county offices receive numerous calls every day from landowners and citizens requesting factual information, so we are addressing those questions by putting together this educational program.”

Some of the topics that will be addressed in the program include exploration, leasing, horizontal and vertical drilling, environmental aspects, hydraulic fracturing, reclamation and more involved with oil and natural gas production.

Speakers include Dr. Tim Carr, the WVU’s Marshall Miller Professor of Geology, and Dr. Paul Ziemkiewicz the West Virginia Water Resource Institute. All speakers will be available to answer questions from the audience.

The program is open to clients with all levels of knowledge and interest concerning the oil and natural gas industry.

For more information, please contact WVU Extension Agents John Miller at 304-234-3673, Georgette Plaugher at 304-329-1391 or Brian Wickline at 304-772-3003.

This is just one program made possible by the WVU Extension Service. To learn about other programs or find out more about Extension activities, go to www.ext.wvu.edu.

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CONTACT:
Ann Berry
voice: 304.293.5691
cell: 304.216.3938
e-mail: ann.berry@mail.wvu.edu