New Website Launched for the Marcellus Shale Public Health Study

On June 6, 2011, Governor O'Malley issued Executive Order (E.O.) 01.01.2011.11, which established the Marcellus Shale Safe Drilling Initiative.  The purpose of the Initiative is to assist regulators in determining whether and how gas production from the Marcellus Shale and other shale formations in Maryland can be accomplished without unacceptable risks of adverse impacts to public health, safety, the environment, and natural resources.  

The purpose of the Marcellus Shale Public Health Study is to evaluate the potential public health impacts associated with drilling in the Marcellus Shale in Maryland.  The study will include:

• Scoping, including public meetings to set study boundaries and objectives.
• Baseline Assessment of current regional population health, including demographics, causes of morbidity and mortality, local health priorities, vulnerable populations, local healthcare and social infrastructure.
• Impact Assessment of the potential public health impacts, including hazards and known health impacts both directly and indirectly associated with hydraulic fracturing.
• Final Report which will include the study findings, monitoring and assessment recommendations, and public health response and mitigation strategies.