Water worries surface from Marcellus deep gas wells Drilling in
the Marcellus shale will have an impact far beyond what is
normally seen with conventional gas well drilling. In contrast
to conventional wells, sites for deep wells span three-to-five
acres. Deep drilling, using horizontal well techniques and
hydraulic fracturing, could place heavy demands on local water
supplies. Thousands of gallons of chemicals used for fracturing
could be left behind. Our neighbors to the north are now
grappling with these issues, and asking, what are the hidden
costs? News reports throughout Pennsylvania and New York have
surfaced detailing concerns with deep well drilling in the
shale. Most of the concerns are related to hydraulic fracturing
of deep wells to extract natural gas. All along the Marcellus
shale deposit, which extends 600 miles, communities are asking
questions about the potential effects to their water supply. New
drilling sites are located near watersheds and residents fear
water sources will be contaminated