From the Associated Press:
Researchers commissioned by a state panel studying natural gas drilling in western Maryland have come up with recommendations.
The researchers studied hydraulic fracturing, which uses sand, water and chemicals to free gas from shale. The technique has sparked an energy boom but is blamed for polluting groundwater.
The authors say that until it can be done safely near drinking water sources, drilling shouldn't be allowed within 2,000 feet of the surface. They also say wells should be closed-loop systems so that any spills can be contained, and that there should be no net loss of forest land. The report was prepared by researchers at the University of Maryland's Center for Environmental Science.
No drilling permits can be issued until the panel issues its final report in August 2014.
Chesapeake Energy Corp,the Oklahoma-based firm is the No. 1 driller in Ohio.
Rig Count Interactive Map by Baker Hughes, an energy services company.
Shale Sheet Fracking, a Youngstown Vindicator blog.
The Ohio Environmental Council, a statewide eco-group based in Columbus.
Earthjustice, a national eco-group.
People's Oil and Gas Collaborative-Ohio, a grass-roots group in Northeast Ohio.
Concerned Citizens of Medina County, a grass-roots group.
No Frack Ohio, a Columbus-based grass-roots group.
Fracking: Gas Drilling's Environmental Threat by ProPublica, an online journalism site.
Pipeline, blog from Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Marcellus shale drilling.
Allegheny Front, environmental public radio for Western Pennsylvania.