Research issues

From Wikimarcellus

1. How much is an acre of Marcellus shale property worth? For example, an October, 2008 report mentioned that "QEC should hit a TARGET of $63.00/sh based on USA Shale Gas land valued at $35,000 per acre (Joseph Schachter) . (BNN-TV [ROB-TV)." Is $35,000/acre reasonable in light of present market conditions?

2. Can hydro-fracturing be done in an environmentally friendly way. While there is much debate as to whether fracing fluids can cause water pollution, with most experts coming down on the side that any environmental impact is more or less negligible, are there steps that can be taken to reduce risk to the environment in drilling practices such as using green fracing fluids? Just the very fact that industry is investigating better practice helps to inspire confidence and trust in the entire drilling process, and to overcome environmental concerns.

3. The City of New York has noted that naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) may pose a risk. In commenting on the draft draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (SGEIS) the City noted that Marcellus shale and Utica shale drilling will produce cuttings and waste fluids that contain radiological contaminants (such as radon and uranium), low pH (acidic) water and dissolved metals (e.g., iron), and dissolved salts. How much radioactive material is likely to be produced and its potential health risks need to be assessed.