Marcellus Shale Services from Advanced GeoServices

Advanced GeoServices has been working on various assignments in the Marcellus Shale region to help our clients achieve their goals. In addition to providing our traditional services in this market sector, we have developed specialty technologies and strategies for gas operators and service providers to the industry. With locations in Scranton, Wellsboro and Harrisburg in addition to our West Chester headquarters, Advanced GeoServices is ideally located to service the Marcellus Shale industry sector. Advanced GeoServices is an Associate Member of the Marcellus Shale Coalition.

"Well Pad Design and Permitting Services - Best Management Practices are required under PA Code Chapters 102 and 78 to ensure protection of Pennsylvania’s water resources. For oil and gas exploration, production, processing, treatment and transmission activities that disturb five or more acres, Erosion and Sediment Control and various other permits must be obtained before commencing any earth disturbance activities. This includes virtually all single horizontal or vertical well pad sites. Multi-well pad sites further compound the cumulative impacts from these operations. To support these siting elements, Advanced GeoServices provides comprehensive planning, design, surveying, and permitting services for all improvements associated with the development of well pad sites and associated infrastructure.

"Pipeline Siting and Permitting Services - Pipeline construction to bring the gas resource to the market is a critical step in natural gas production. Whether replacing existing lines or developing new routes for gathering lines the federal and state permitting process can be difficult and cumbersome. Likewise permitting in HQ and EV watersheds can be time consuming and expensive if not properly managed through the regulatory process. Advanced GeoServices has the team to help cut through these processes and help the pipeline companies save money in design costs and implementation of essential BMP’s. Through early discussions with regulators, landowners and municipal governments coupled with our project portal we can help ensure timely communication during the design phase leading to quicker permit approvals that are simpler to implement.

Emergency Response Planning - The growth in the industry has raised the awareness of the dangers that may arise from operations at pad sites. Emergency Response Planning, Training, and Preparation will become key to the continued success of the industry. AGC has developed an informative and effective tool to aid Emergency First Responders through the preparation of Emergency Response Plans including regulatory procedures, contact information, and mapping of the individual sites. We also provide Emergency Response Training exercises, both Live and Tabletop, to review and practice the effectiveness of the Response Plan. If there already is a plan in place, then AGC offers third party Auditing, Compliance Review Services and training exercises to review and test existing plans as well.

Impaired Water Treatment Technology for Fresh Water Supply to Marcellus Shale Gas Development - Advanced GeoServices’ hybrid membrane & ion exchange technology for Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) treatment is a cost-effective process for producing high quality water. Many of the limiting factors for conventional membrane processes are overcome with the process that we developed with Lehigh University. The resulting water quality from AMD treatment can be used directly for “fresh” water applications or discharged to the watershed.

Sustainable Gas Well Stimulation and Production Water Management - Advanced GeoServices has developed a water management strategy that maximizes the three basic tenets of sustainability: Reduce, Reuse and Recover, to tackle the environmental, regulatory and water resource issues associated with well stimulation and production water management. Advanced GeoServices’ approach minimizes chemical usage for removal of the constituents of concern, reduces the volume of sludge generated and can recover valuable mineral resources for industrial applications. We can also provide customized engineering, permitting, process optimization and construction oversight services for existing and planned treatment systems.

Early Detection Groundwater Monitoring and Environmental Compliance Assessment- Advanced GeoServices has successfully implemented its “canary in the coal mine” monitoring program to provide a mechanism for early detection of potential soil and groundwater environmental impacts and avoidance of associated fines and public relations fiascos. We work with gas operators and lessors to survey and assess background conditions in existing drinking water and infrastructure based monitor wells for the protection of both parties. Advanced GeoServices has expanded its industrial environmental compliance services to include Marcellus Shale gas exploration and production.

Risk Communication - Advanced GeoServices has extensive experience in assisting clients with community and regulatory relations when there are highly contentious and controversial issues. These services are particularly critical when the inevitable incidents occur, whether they are actual or perceived. Our experienced team includes technical personnel as well as community relations specialists who are in regular contact with members of the public and the regulatory agencies. Tools such as community websites, newsletters, web portals and a visible, accessible presence within the community enable our clients to disseminate factual information and provide a mechanism for response from stakeholders.

Our strategies help protect our clients and the surrounding community, while still complying with regulations. Please contact us so we can discuss your Marcellus Shale needs or to learn more information about our services.

1055 Andrew Drive, Suite A | West Chester, PA 19380-4293 | tel 610.840.9100 | fax 610.840.9199 | email agc@advancedgeoservices.com