By Matt Carroll

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — It’s been a decade since the start of the Marcellus Shale gas boom in Pennsylvania, and today more than 10,000 unconventional gas wells dot the state’s hills and valleys.

The industry’s rapid development created economic opportunities for many, but also brought environmental concerns, and sometimes led to contentious conversations.

A team of researchers studying water quality around hydraulic fracturing, the process used to extract gas from rock deep underground, have found a blueprint to move those conversations forward.

Update: The full workshop agenda is now available 

Register Now: It's not too late to register for the 7th annual Shale Network workshop. We are still accepting abstracts for poster presentations. Register here: http://www.shalenetwork.org/2018-shale-network-workshop-registration

By Matt Carroll

SHEFFIELD, Pa. — Bill Eckert slipped into his hip waders and splashed through the small stream near his cabin in the Allegheny National Forest.

He didn’t bring his fishing pole this time. Instead, Eckert bent down and let the cold water fill the assorted bottles he carried.

Eckert was among a few dozen volunteers collecting water samples that could help researchers develop a clearer picture of water quality in Pennsylvania.

Local high school students stepped back into their hip waders and ventured into the cool, rushing water of Black Moshannon Creek this week.

The students are part of TeenShale Network, an ongoing water quality monitoring run by Penn State's Earth and Environmental Systems Institute.

TeenShale gives State College Area School District students a chance to learn real science alongside professionals. Their work collecting samples also leads to better baseline data about the state's waterways.

The Shale Network held its sixth annual workshop May 18 and 19 at the Penn State University Park Campus, and in State College, Pa. The workshop again drew a large, diverse group of participants interested in water quality around the Marcellus Shale drilling region in Pennsylvania.

Representatives from academia, government agencies, energy industries, environmental groups joined citizen scientists and high school students and teachers during the two-day event.

Sharing Data about Shale Gas Development: From Drilling to Disposal

A Workshop Held by the Shale Network Team in State College, PA

Abstracts are solicited for presentations at the 6th Annual Shale Network Workshop to be held in University Park, PA on May 18 and 19, 2017. Deadline for abstracts is April 14, 2017.

View full details about the workshop at:
http://www.shalenetwork.org/content/2017-shale-network-workshop