Is PSU's involvement with Marcellus operators tainting objectivity?

Thank you to those who left important comments on our last post.  While Penn State is in fact looking for individuals to help with an ongoing study on the effects of Marcellus drilling in rural areas, some of the monies funding this study *may* in fact be traced back to the oil and gas industry.  Even if that's not the case, the oil and gas industry has reportedly donated funds (in general) to PSU which calls into question whether this or any future studies may be tainted and/or biased.

That said, one individual recommended the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Healthy Environments & Communities (CHEC).  You can read more about CHEC's efforts to monitor and study the effects of Marcellus shale drilling by clicking HERE.  You can share your experiences via their sister site, Fracktracker.org, and view the data they have collected to date.  There is a wealth of information on each of these related sites.

Many thanks, "Fracked," for passing along this information.  We'll be adding the links to the blog and Facebook tabs momentarily.

Penn State needs volunteers for research project on the potential effects of fracking on rural water supplies

PSU Research Project: Water Well Near Gas Drilling

Penn State’s School of Forest Resources along with several Penn State Cooperative Extension county offices have received funding from the Center for Rural Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Water Resources Research Center to conduct a research study on the potential impacts of Marcellus gas drilling on rural drinking water supplies.

This web site describes the criteria for selecting participants in this research study. Please read over the following information to determine if you may be eligible and interested in participating in this study.

If you are interested in participating, please fill out the Eligibility Survey below. Since participant numbers are limited, submitting the form does not guarantee participation in the study. Your decision to be involved with this research is voluntary.

• You must be 18 years of age or older to consent to take part in this research study.
• The data collected from this study is for research purposes.
• This research involves testing and data collection from two participant groups described below.
• All participants in both parts of this study will receive results from their water tests in approximately six weeks.
• The results of your water tests may demonstrate that you have a contaminated drinking water supply. If that is the case, you will be notified of the contamination and you will receive recommendations and information from water quality specialists at Penn State.

If you feel that you may be eligible and interested in participating in one of the study groups outlined below, please complete the Eligibility Survey by clicking HERE and submit your application for possible participation in this study.

Click HERE for information on the 2nd Participation Group which begins in Fall 2010.