Environmental and risk sciences consulting firm Gradient Corporation recently released a study conducted for Range Resources-Appalachia, LLC that monitored the air quality impacts of Range’s Yonker well site in Mount Pleasant Township, Washington County, Pa.
The study monitored air quality through the full development cycle of a six well pad, including pad construction, operation, and more than a year of production of natural gas and natural gas liquids. Data for the report was collected over two years. The data collected included measuring PM2.5 and VOC concentrations.
The analysis aimed to evaluate potential health impacts shale development may pose to the nearby Fort Cherry School District.
The study found that PM2.5 and VOC concentrations were consistently below health-based air comparison values and did not pose acute or chronic health concerns.
“For years, we have received questions about the air quality around our operations, and we monitored a well site near a school campus to be transparent and responsive to students, parents, and those in the community,” Range Resources said in a company statement. “This comprehensive data with third-party expert analysis aligns with other reports conducted by regulatory agencies and the school district, that all determined natural gas development does not pose any chronic or acute health concerns.”