The natural gas boom that Pennsylvania is experiencing has made a lot of people a ton of cash. The hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, technique that is used to extract natural gas from the Marcellus Shale Deposit underneath Pennsylvania has drawn the attention of many environmental groups who feat that waterways and wells could be contaminated.
During the fracking process a mixture of water, sand, and other chemicals is injected into the ground at high pressure causing the shale to fracture and release the gas. However, one area drawing particular concern is the possibility of gas wells in cemeteries, which gives no meaning to the phrase "You can't take it with you."
How is it possible that a company could drill for gas in a cemetery?
The chance of drilling in cemeteries is possible due to a few leases that are signed with extraction companies. Those leases allow companies to explore those regions for the presence of natural gas, and drilling would be possible.
Would any church allow drilling on sacred ground?
The organizations associated with the final resting places of many people hold final say over the operation of the land, which means the churches associated with the graveyards would probably not allow gas drilling.
Would the potential pooling element that is being considered affect drilling plans?
The concept of pooling involves allowing gas companies to drill under land not included in their lease. The rule would be designed to prevent a single resident of an area holding out of signing a lease from alienating other land owners in the immediate area. So far, it is unclear whether or not pooling would also include cemeteries and their respective organizations, but the legislation still has a way to go.
Can state lawmakers outlaw drilling in cemeteries?
Whether or not Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett and the rest of the state lawmakers would attempt to circumvent existing gas leases by outlawing drilling in a cemetery remains to be seen. However, drilling companies would likely mount a legal challenge should any restrictions be placed on a contract that is already signed. In short, the situation could get complicated quickly, but so far no company has attempted to put a gas rig in a graveyard. Basically, the decisions lie with the gas companies who have shown respect for the deceased -- so far.
Jason Gallagher is a former travel professional and long-time Pennsylvania resident. These experiences give him a first-hand look at developing situations in the state and everything included in the travel industry from technology to trends.
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