Marcellus Shale & Water Resources
The ability to provide adequate supplies of water is a key factor in expanding economic development opportunities, whether it is new housing developments or new business enterprises. In Maryland, there has been a growing interest in cataloging water resources, particularly with recent growth pressures in parts of the state. This interest has been translated into new comprehensive planning requirements and TGCC coordinated a work group to facilitate a regional water resources study, which would include Allegany, Garrett (MD), and Mineral (WV) counties.
- Efforts disclosed global interest in the Marcellus Shale, a natural rock formation through to contain the nation’s largest reservoir of natural gas.
- The Marcellus Shale covers all of Garrett County and significant portions of Allegany, Mineral and Somerset Counties – TGCC’s current membership footprint.
- Accessing the gas in cost-effective ways involves a process called hydrofracking. As the name suggests, hydrofracking employs high-speed drilling and significant quantities of water.
- TGCC has partnered with the Chambers of Commerce in Allegany and Garrett Counties, as well as Frostburg State University, in sponsoring a series of informational seminars designed to acclimate our region to the many aspects associated with tapping the Marcellus Shale.
2011/2012 Plan of Action
Support expanded education of Marcellus Shale development in the region
- Support the Garrett Commissioners Marcellus Shale Advisory Group
- Assist with study to substantiate the economic value of Marcellus Shale development
- Capitalize on relationship with Penn State Marcellus Center for Outreach & Research and engage local higher education resources as appropriate
- Advocate for appropriate water resources study as it relates to environmental impacts in the region