Marcellus Shale

New technologies for drilling natural gas and a push for domestic sources of energy have brought dozens of energy companies to Marcellus Shale, an area of the Appalachian basin that extends through New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. Experts estimate that Marcellus Shale, the largest reserve of natural gas in the United States, could contain as much as 500 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, enough to fuel the U.S. for ten years.

The bad news? The drilling process may be spreading toxic chemicals to nearby residents. If you live in the Marcellus Shale area of Pennsylvania, you may have heard of some of the negative effects, or even experienced them yourself: mysterious illnesses, cloudy or foul smelling water that's not fit to drink or wash with, and unexplained headaches or stomach aches.

Are these ailments being caused by the drilling process? Many geologists and environmentalists believe they are. To create natural gas wells, energy companies use a process called fracturing, or 'fracking.' Hundreds of chemicals are combined with thousands of gallons of water and injected deep into the earth. The process makes it possible to extract natural gas quickly and easily, but it may also contaminate ground water it passes through. Also, as much as 60 percent of the injected water – known as wastewater – is recovered and stored above the ground, in open pits.

Since Congress has exempted oil and gas exploration companies from a number of important protective measures – the Community Right to Know Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act – it's impossible to know exactly what the companies are adding to the water they inject. Some environmentalists believe that up to 90 percent of the added chemicals are toxic to humans.

Although the energy companies may be exempt from complying with these measures, if you've been harmed or become ill due to their actions, you still have an remedy: you can file a lawsuit to recover a settlement that will cover your medical bills, compensate you for your economic losses and pay damages for pain and suffering.

Residents living near gas drilling sites across the country have found themselves stuck with contaminated wells and ground water, or methane seeps that release foul odors into the atmosphere. Some evidence exists that one of the chemicals being injected into the water is benzene, which has been linked to several serious illnesses, such as acute myelogenous leukemia. In addition, last November, New York state officials found levels of radiation from the wastewater related to Marcellus Shale that was more than 250 times the safety limit.

As the evidence piles up about the dangers inherent in the fracking process, it may be possible to hold the energy companies responsible.

At Munley, Munley & Cartwright, our lawyers know the confusion and difficulties that gas drilling in Marcellus Shale has caused to Pennsylvania residents. We're familiar with the region, and have extensive experience holding companies and individuals who have injured others accountable for their conduct. If you've suffered mysterious illnesses, undrinkable water or any other side effects caused by nearby gas drilling, we can help you build a compelling case to hold the energy companies responsible.

At Munley, Munley & Cartwright, our goal is to provide exceptional legal services to our clients. We strive to achieve the highest standard of excellence for the protection of individual rights through teamwork and the use of our considerable resources and experience. For a free consultation regarding your legal concerns, contact us today for a free consultation or call us toll free at 877-421-9173.