UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — How shale gas development is affecting public, animal and environmental health will be the topic of a Web-based seminar offered by Penn State Extension.
This presentation, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 15, will feature David Wolfgang, extension veterinarian and co-director of the Center for Animal Care and Health in Penn State's Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences. He will cover recent research on the subject.
"Marcellus Shale gas exploration and development, which crosses many disciplines, both excites and frightens people. From a one-health perspective, there are concerns as well as advantages compared to other forms of energy or land use," Wolfgang said.
"As this resource is being used and developed, citizens and policymakers should look critically at the pros and cons and make informed choices that minimize risk to public and animal health — versus simply considering the economic benefits."
The webinar is free, but registration is necessary. To register, visit the Penn State Extension natural gas events Web page. More information is available on the website or by contacting Carol Loveland at 570-320-4429 or at cal24@psu.edu.
Penn State Extension's Marcellus Education Team provides monthly webinars on a variety of topics. Upcoming webinars include the following:
--Nov. 19: "LNG Export," presented by Tom Murphy, director, Penn State Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research.
--Dec. 17: "Royalties for Wet Gas Production," presented by Dan Brockett, educator, Penn State Extension Marcellus Education Team.
--Jan 21: "Measuring Stray Gas, Water and Air Emissions," presented by Ann Smith, vice president and environmental engineer, GSI.
Previous webinars, publications and information also are available on the Penn State Extension natural gas website, covering a variety of topics such as Act 13; seismic testing; methane emissions; water use and quality; natural gas liquids regional development; natural gas reserves; gas-leasing considerations for landowners; legal issues surrounding gas development; and the impact of Marcellus gas development on forestland.