Special Journal to Share Proceedings from Fracking and Health Conference

A new, special issue of the Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A will be published featuring papers that were previously presented at the 2013 Duquesne conference, Facing the Challenges: Research on Shale Gas Extraction.

Eight papers from the two-day conference focus on the human, environmental and animal health impacts from energy extraction.

“This publication presents some of the biggest topics scientists are grappling with as they study unconventional energy extraction,” said Dr. John Stolz, director of the Center for Environmental Research and Education and the conference organizer. “Given the importance of fracking and its possible impacts on health and the environment, we welcome this special issue.”

Articles with strong Duquesne connections include:

  • Current Perspectives on Unconventional Shale Gas Extraction in the Appalachian Basin, by Stolz and Dr. David Lampe, associate professor of biological sciences. This comprehensive review of extraction processes covers leases, drilling and completion, and environmental impacts.
  • Well Water Contamination in a Rural Community in Southwestern PA with Unconventional Shale Gas Extraction, by Shyama K. Alawattegama, a water quality specialist and former Duquesne graduate research assistant, examined well water contamination. Nearly 40 percent of the participants indicated water contamination occurring shortly after unconventional drilling began; subsequent water testing showed chloride, sulfate, sodium, calcium, iron, manganese and strontium were present.

Other articles studied health conditions in humans, and companion and backyard animals.

“Because of the significance of fracking in our region, it was natural that Duquesne host a conference about related scientific work,” said Dr. Philip Reeder, dean of the Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences. “Having others in the academic community put such value on this work, to create an entire publication around it, is gratifying. Besides expanding knowledge in the field, the research has added value for decision-making in our community and beyond.”

Even with the breadth of work presented in this volume, “The papers represent only a smattering of what was presented at the conference in 2013,” said Stolz.

A recording of all conference proceedings is available online.

The journal can be accessed at www.tandfonline.com/lesa.