ANALYSES OF WATER, SOIL, AND SEDIMENT SAMPLES IN LITTLE TROUT RUN WATERSHED, CLEARFIELD COUNTY, PA TO EVALUATE THE IMPACT OF MARCELLUS SHALE GAS-WELL DRILLING ON THE ENVIRONMENT

In response to rapid growth in Marcellus Shale gas-well drilling activities in central Pennsylvania starting in 2008, Lock Haven University Water and Environmental Lab forged a partnership in 2012 with several community-based organizations in Clearfield County to provide baseline water testing as a service to the community, and to monitor surface water quality in proximity to drilling locations. Based on several years of research we have Identified several small watersheds with high levels of signature parameters related to Marcellus Shale drilling activities, including barium, chloride, and bromine. As a follow-up we have carried out a more focused investigation of the water, soil, and sediment samples in several small watersheds throughout Clearfield County, Little Trout Run being one of the main areas of interest.

The main objective of the study was to determine the sources of barium observed in surface water samples. Soil, sediment, and water samples collected throughout Little Trout Run watershed were analyzed for elemental composition using X-Ray Fluorescence spectroscopy and Digital Spectrophotometer.

Several conclusions have been reached regarding the chemical make-up of the soils and sediments as they relate to water quality. Samples collected throughout the Little Trout Run watershed have typically exhibited barium levels exceeding the EPA’s MCL for residential soils. Through active collaboration with community-based organizations, participating students have the opportunity to garner research experience, while providing a valuable service to the community.