Our community organizers held a well-attended meeting at Laurel Ridge State Park on October 9 to share information about a pending permit review for an unconventional shale gas well (also known as a “fracking” well).
The gas well, named “Tanta Bella 1,” is proposed on Jim Mountain Road in Springfield Township. The well will go down nearly 3 miles underground, then turn sideways and travel almost 2 miles
under the ground. A mixture of water, sand, and chemicals will then be injected into the bore hole at
high pressure and speed, which creates fissures in the shale and allows gas to return to the surface. The gas will come from a deep rock layer called the Point Pleasant Shale, which lies about 13,000ft
beneath the surface (even deeper than the famous Utica Shale).
The operation is proposed close to many water resources, including Indian Creek, the Mill Run Reservoir, and countless private wells. Shale gas extraction poses serious risks to water quality, air quality and public health. Check out this interactive map to view the area that would be affected.
The meeting, which was held at the cross-country ski shelter, was standing-room only. Following the meeting, one community member wrote an insightful Letter to the Editor on the importance of community input on new energy projects. Â
If you missed the meeting, you can review our slides, and check out some extra resources. If you have any questions or concerns about the project, don’t hesitate to contact MWA (email nate@mtwatershed.com, or call our office at 724-455-4200).
Stay tuned for information about a January 2026 meeting at the Normalville Fire Hall!