While the drilling industry is still helping the local economy, the industry has slowed down. Last year,
Marcellus Shale production was the slowest in Clearfield County since 2008.
According to the report, the first unconventional well was drilled in Clearfield County in 2007. In addition, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) said there were six unconventional wells drilled in 2008.
Production rapidly increased throughout the county over the next few years. There were 24 wells drilled in 2009, 39 wells in 2010 and 58 wells in 2011. Only 19 wells were drilled in 2012, according to the DEP.
“I think that we’re at the point now where we’re waiting for infrastructure. You can drill as much gas as you want, but if you can’t get it to market, it’s not worth anything,” said Clearfield County Commissioner Joan Robinson-McMillen. She said that there has been discussion of a new pipeline being constructed in the county.
“We need to get our gathering lines in and the pipeline, which is proposed to run across northern Clearfield County, so we can get it to market to use Clearfield County gas and Pennsylvania gas to make the country go faster,” she said.
Vice President of Energy Paul McCloskey of the Clearfield County Economic Development Corp. told WJAC-TV that the industry is starting to pick back up.
Officials said several oil and gas companies are looking at coming to the area to begin production.