Through a series of educational programs, West Virginia University Extension Service hopes to help educate community members on issues related to the Marcellus Shale and its impact on the state.

The first program takes place on March 14 at the Cameron High School Cafeteria in Marshall County. On March 22, the program will be at the Ritchie County 4-H Camp Assembly Hall. Finally, on April 26, the program will take place at the Parsons Volunteer Fire Department in Tucker County.

Each program starts at 6 p.m. and features the same speakers and topics at each location.

This is the third year for the educational programs. Organizers say there’s a continued need and demand for updated information regarding the natural gas industry and its drilling.

“Marcellus Shale is one of the state’s hottest topics right now and there’s talk on every level, from small communities to legislation in Charleston,” said Jennifer Williams, director of WVU Extension’s agriculture and natural resources programs. “People are turning to our Extension agents and specialists to help them sort through the facts.”

Williams hopes the programs will do just that. Presenters include representatives from the West Virginia State Health Department, the Department of Environmental Protection and WVU Extension Service agents and specialists.

The West Virginia DNR’s Frank Jernejcic, a fisheries biologist, will discuss the Aquatic Impacts of Marcellus Shale Gas Development.

Gary Clayton, North-East Regional Maintenance Engineer and Central Coordinator Natural Gas Permits, will discuss the damage to roads from Marcellus Shale gas development. Clayton is also a representative of the state’s Department of Transportation and will discuss who is responsible for drilling permits, as well as maintenance and repairs?

The program is open to the public, regardless of a person’s level of knowledge and interest concerning the oil and natural gas industry.

For more information, please contact WVU Extension Service Program Coordinator Georgette Plaugher 304-329-1391.

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.

– WVU–

cw/gpl 10/20/12

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CONTACT:
Ann Berry
voice: 304.293.5691; cell: 304.376-7740; ann.berry@mail.wvu.edu