The Marcellus Shale Coalition and the PA Independent Oil and Gas Association Monday announced their joint efforts to conduct an extensive study of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) and Technologically Enhanced NORM (TENORM) in shale production-related activities.

This study will complement one currently underway by the Department of Environmental Protection.

“We are encouraging our members to participate in this study, along with DEP’s ongoing evaluation,” PIOGA President Lou D’Amico said. “Our organizations will provide our results to the DEP and work closely with the department to continue to make certain that Pennsylvania’s environment is effectively protected and enhanced alongside safe, responsible shale development.”

“This study’s sampling plan exhaustively covers the exploration and production process. Its results, and other sources of sound data, will help our industry more fully understand and proactively address this important issue,” MSC President David Spigelmyer said. “We are focused on continuously evaluating and improving our operations aimed at protecting our workers and our communities, and these collaborative efforts are just another example of this strong commitment.”

Shale production creates produced water, flowback water and drill cuttings that could potentially contain NORM and TENORM. The study’s sampling will analyze these elements in detail as well as various operational practices and equipment used in the tightly regulated shale development process.

The organizations will work with accredited laboratories to analyze samples.

A copy of the Field Sampling Plan is available online.

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