Health Effects of Shale Gas Extraction Conference Announced

University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health Release
8 October 2010

http://www.eoh.pitt.edu/marcellus.asp

University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health 2010 Conference
HEALTH EFFECTS OF SHALE GAS EXTRACTION: WHAT IS KNOWN AND WHAT CAN WE PREDICT?

University Club, 123 University Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15260
November 19, 2010
8 AM – 6 PM

This conference will explore the science and methodological approaches behind understanding environmental health impacts associated with increasing development of natural gas extraction from shale deposits found under wide geographical areas of the United States.

Natural gas plays a key role in the nation’s clean energy future and energy independence. Over the past few years, several key technical, economic, and energy policy developments have spurred increased gas extraction and especially the use of hydraulic fracturing to recover gas over a wider diversity of geographic regions and geologic formations. However, as with any technology that involves management of potentially toxic substances, there has been increasing concerns about the impact of increased hydraulic fracturing and other associated gas extraction procedures on drinking water resources, air quality, public health, and the environment in the vicinity of gas extraction facilities. The United States government has identified a lack of critical research on these impacts and gaps in basic research pertaining to the mobilization of toxic hazards, regional differences in hazards generated, pathways of human exposure, and amounts of exposures that hamper full assessment of health risks from the hazards released during current gas extraction methodologies.

The conference will present the scientific challenges and issues that are being explored by government and academic investigators, as well novel methodologies being employed to assess the health impacts and reduce the hazards produced by gas extraction, refining, and delivery operations.

REGISTRATION and COST

Registration is required. There is no cost to attend. Registration includes:

    * Participation in the conference
    * Morning refreshments
    * Lunch
    * Post-conference cocktail/beer reception (ID required)

Download the Registration Form in either PDF Format or for your convenience Microsoft Word Format and either email or mail the completed form to Sara Gillooly at: seg14@pitt.edu, Bridgeside Point, 100 Technology Drive, Ste. 328 Attn: Sara Gillooly, BRIDG, Pittsburgh, PA 15219-3130. Call with questions: (412) 383-7540.

TENTATIVE AGENDA

    * 7:30 – 8:00 AM — On-site registration and Sign-In
    * 8:00 – 8:30 AM — Introduction
    * 8:30 – 10:00 AM — Session 1 – Overview of Shale Gas Exposure and Health - Research and Views from

Around the Country
    * 10:00 – 10:30 AM — Break
    * 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Session 2 – Water Contaminants Fate and Transport - Sources and Mechanisms

of Exposure
    * 12:00 – 1:00 PM — Lunch Served
    * 1:00 – 2:30 PM — Session 3 – Fate and Transport of Air Contaminants - Sources and Mechanisms of

Exposure
    * 2:30 – 3:00 PM — Break
    * 3:00 – 4:30 PM — Session 4 – Risk Assessment and Social and Public Health Impacts
    * 4:30 – 5:00 PM — Conclusions and Final Remarks
    * 5:00 – 6:00 PM — Reception and Networking (2 drink tickets provided during sign-in)

CONFIRMED SPEAKERS
    * Carl Kirby, PhD — Professor, Bucknell University, Geology Department
    * Dan Bain, PhD — Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh, Department of Geology and Planetary Science
    * David Sterling, PhD, CIH — Chair, Environmental and Occupational Health, UNT HSC School of Public Health
    * Jane Clougherty, MSc, ScD — Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health
    * John Veil — Manager, Water Policy Program, Argonne National Laboratory
    * Michel Boufadel, PhD, PE, P.Hydro. — Professor and Chair, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Director, Center for Natural Resources Development and Protection, Temple University
    * Robert Field — Research Scientist, University of Wyoming, Department of Atmospheric Sciences
    * Susan Christopherson, PhD — Professor, City and Regional Planning, Cornell University
    * Teri Ooms - Executive Director, The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development
    * Tracy Bank, PhD — Assistant Professor, University at Buffalo, Department of Geology

Download the Registration Form in either PDF Format or for your convenience Microsoft Word Format and either email or mail the completed form to Sara Gillooly at: seg14@pitt.edu, Bridgeside Point, 100 Technology Drive, Ste. 328 Attn: Sara Gillooly, BRIDG, Pittsburgh, PA 15219-3130. Call with questions: (412) 383-7540.

EWebsite for more information:
http://www.eoh.pitt.edu/marcellus.asp