By Shawn Magrath

Sun Staff Writer

smagrath@evesun.com

NORWICH – The long-running debate over the benefits and safety of natural gas production in New York State has been has been a sensitive issue for local residents, even long before a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing was implemented in the state in 2011.

As part of the effort help local legislators and planners make informed decisions when it comes to shale gas development, the Cornell Shale Gas Team – a group comprised of professionals, researchers and doctoral candidates – hosted an informational seminar on current issues and research last week. Topics discussed ranged from risk assessment for water pollution to the economic impact of shale gas development. Other topics included the current trends in Marcellus shale gas development in areas of New York and Pennsylvania, municipal planning, and educational outreach.

Speaking at the seminar were Al George, J.F. Carr professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering; Doctoral candidate Darrick Evensen; David Kay of the Cornell Community and Regional Development Institute; and Brian Rahm of the New York State Water Resources Institute.