Shale Discussion @ Colgate

RFH 2010, Featured Articles, News

Wed, Feb 17, 2010

Colgate will host a discussion of the presence of natural gas within the Utica and Marcellus shales in the greater Hamilton area.

Geology professor Dr. Bruce Selleck will discuss "Depositional Environment, Stratigraphy and Natural Gas Potential of the Utica and Marcellus Shales in New York State" on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m.

The discussion will be held in room 243 of the Ho Science Center. Lunch is available; bring your own beverage.

Selleck has been in demand as an expert on the topic of natural gas exploration in Upstate New York.

"We are in the midst of a natural gas expansion," Selleck said during a recent presentation to the Madison County Board of Supervisors. "We need to be aware of it, take advantage of it, and realize the trade-offs involved."

He believes the current "gas boom" provides an economic opportunity for landowners, but also involves environmental risks.

Environmentalists oppose it, fearing the drilling process used to reach the gas will pollute groundwater and pose a public health threat.

Gas drillers say billions of dollars' worth of natural gas is in the shale formation, and New York state stands to reap millions in revenues by licensing the drilling, which they say can be done safely.

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