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    DEP Conducting Long-Term Marcellus Shale Air Monitoring Study in Southwestern Pennsylvania

    The Department of Environmental Protection announced July 23, 2012 it began a long-term, one-year air monitoring study of Marcellus shale development. The study, taking place in Washington County, measures ambient airborne pollutants in an effort to determine potential air quality impacts associated with the processing and transmission of unconventional natural gas.

    The data from the study will allow DEP to assess any potential long-term impact of emissions from unconventional natural gas operations to nearby communities. This initiative will also assist the DEP in its efforts to address the cumulative impact of these operations in the Marcellus shale region.

    On Aug. 1, 2013, DEP released the Technical Support Document that outlines the methodology, study goals and technical information about the study.

    Northcentral Pennsylvania Marcellus Shale Short-Term Ambient Air Sampling Report (PDF)
    As previously in the northeast and southwest, and in response to the increased number of well sites and concerns about the impact of the Marcellus Shale natural gas development activities on air quality, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection launched a short-term, screening-level air quality sampling initiative in the northcentral region in August 2010, culminating in December 2010. This report includes the findings of the screening air sampling surveys conducted by PA DEP in Bradford, Lycoming, and Tioga Counties, and background sampling conducted in Sullivan County. (PDF 1.3MB)

    Northeastern Pennsylvania Marcellus Shale Short-Term Ambient Air Sampling Report (PDF)
    As previously in the southwest, and in response to the increased number of well sites and concerns about the impact of the Marcellus Shale natural gas development activities on air quality, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection launched a short-term, screening-level air quality sampling initiative in the northeast region in August 2010, culminating in October 2010. This report includes the findings of the screening air sampling surveys conducted by PA DEP in Susquehanna County and background sampling conducted in Sullivan County. (PDF 2.3MB)

    Southwestern Pennsylvania Marcellus Shale Short-term Ambient Air Sampling Report (PDF)
    In response to the increased number of well sites and concerns about the impact of the Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling activities on air quality, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP or Department) launched a short-term, screening- level air quality sampling initiative in the southwest region in April 2010; the project was completed in August 2010. (PDF 2MB)

    Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee

    Annual Reporting for the VOC Rules for Oil & Natural Gas Sources