The Cortland County Soil and Water Conservation District is hosting a seminar on Natural Gas Exploration and the Geology of Cortland County. William M. Kappel, Hydrologist and Section Chief with the U.S. Geological Survey, will be on hand giving a presentation entitled “Marcellus Shale Gas 101”.

Topics to be addressed include:

• Where black shales are found in New York (their formation and properties) and the mechanics of drilling in the Marcellus and Utica formations.
• An in-depth look at the controversial technique of “slickwater” hydrofracking including the quantities of water needed and the possible
  means of treatment, and quality of flowback and formation waters.

• A look into the potential impacts of gas exploration and extraction activities in relation to our regions water resources. Recognizing the concerns of habitat fragmentation and pipeline construction throughout the region.

Monday, February 1st, 2010 – 6pm to 8pm

Seminar will be held in the auditorium of the New York State Grange Headquarters building located at 100 Grange Place off of Clinton Avenue in Cortland, New York (Map)