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Marcellus Shale and Alternative Energy Emergency Response Training and Resources            

The Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC) through the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy (SFA) continues to offer helpful Marcellus Shale and alternative energy emergency response resources, including the Act 13 of 2012 Unconventional Gas Well Fund (UGWF) Grant Program.

*The Act 13 UGWF Grant Program application period for 2019 is CLOSED.  

Training Programs

First responder training programs specifically targeted for Marcellus Shale gas production and Alternative Energy.

These classes are intended for emergency response personnel including fire, police, EMS, EMA, and local government officials. Select the following links for additional information:          

Upcoming Classes      Course Descriptions    Student Application    

Marcellus Shale Gas Well Activity by County                     Marcellus Shale Gas Well Locations by County     

Pipeline Emergency Resources

A resource with useful information on pipeline emergencies was developed by the National Association of State Fire Marshals.

Westmoreland County Marcellus Shale Website                  

The Westmoreland County Planning Department has developed a website on Marcellus Shale natural gas wells to provide information about drilling .

Lycoming County Natural Gas Task Force

The Lycoming County Natural Gas Task Force has developed decision trees (PDF) for the drilling and completion stages at a Marcellus Shale drilling site. These tools can be used by first responders to assist in the initial stages of a response to a drilling site. A glossary of common terminology (PDF) used at Marcellus Shale drilling sites is also included.      

Marcellus Shale Publications

The fire commissioner invites the emergency services communities that have Marcellus Shale Gas Well drilling in their response areas or just want to follow the industry, to subscribe to a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) weekly e-newsletter called the "Marcellus Shale Examiner."  If you are interested in receiving the DEP e-newsletter you can register now for the Marcellus Shale Examiner. This weekly e-newsletter will chronicle the latest news on Marcellus Shale activities, including:                         

  • How county and local governments and emergency responders are handling the drilling rush taking place in their backyards;
  • How state agencies are working to protect Pennsylvania's natural resources and keep communities safe;
  • How the public and landowners are responding to pressures to lease their land or tracts in their neighborhoods for drilling;
  • How drilling companies operating in Pennsylvania have received billions of dollars from foreign nations and large multinational corporations that are anxious to get a piece of the action; and
  • How state officials are addressing the issues associated with drilling.

Whether you are a citizen, public official, business leader, environmentalist or emergency responder, it's important that you understand the impact drilling into the Marcellus Shale has on our communities today and what it will mean for our state tomorrow.                                 

Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association

In 2010 and again in 2011, PIOGA donated $25,000 each year to support the Pennsylvania Fire Academy's Marcellus Shale Resources and Training program, a joint effort of industry, the Office of the State Fire Commissioner and emergency responders around the commonwealth.