Marcellus Drilling, Production Impact Eyed

By Martha Knight

Marcellus Shale drilling pads are large and impressive, David Sewak told a group of about 60 area residents Wednesday night, at a talk sponsored by the Seneca Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Sewak is the Pennsylvania TU Marcellus Shale field organizer.

The well pad area itself may be about five acres in size, Sewak said, but there is also a containment or lined pond for water storage, eight or nine acres in size, and another cleared area four to ten acres in size for parking.

Several gas wells may be drilled at a particular site, and each may include numerous horizontal shafts of great length, extending out from the deep vertical shaft, which will create clusters of channels for the freed natural gas to come to the surface.

Estimates of the number of Marcellus Shale wells to be drilled in Pennsylvania range from 50,000 to 80,000, Sewak said, and each will impact far more than five acres of land surface. Not only land surface, the landscape and habitat for land dwellers (including the human population), but also air and water will be affected.

Land under lease for drilling includes some 700,000 acres of state forest and park land, Sewak said. He used a slide presentation and an industry video to show the horizontal drilling, “perfing” (perforating of horizontal shafts to admit gas) and “fracking” (hydraulic fracturing) processes.

Hydrofracking uses vast amounts of water, when employed in horizontal drilling, Sewak explained. Whereas drilling a vertical well might use from 20,000 to 80,000 gallons of water, a well with several horizontal channels would require 2 million to 8 million, depending on the lengths of the shafts.

Much of the blow-back water from wells is recycled for further hydrofracking use, Sewak said, but eventually it must be disposed of. Some from western Pennsylvania has been trucked to Ohio, and there some has been injected into very deep wells for disposal.

Disposal is a continuing challenge in drilling operations, Sewak pointed out. The only way to remove all contaminants would be by distillation, with solids collected and disposed of in landfills. But Pennsylvania has not required that process, so much of the “used” frack water is treated “by dilution” and discharged into waterways.

Sewak used some photo slides to show how land, disturbed and scraped bare to create pads and access roads, becomes subject to erosion and sediment washing, unless care has been taken to provide barriers and protect terrain and streams.

The ultimate Pennsylvania destination for some of the pollution will be Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, Sewak suggested. However, local streams would be degraded for years to come.

Although the Coldwater Conservation Corps and its volunteers are concerned with protecting local streams which are home to coldwater fish species, Sewak pointed out that the clubs and volunteers are also interested in protecting other streams, including those used by “our warmwater brethren” who fish for bass, muskellunge and other types, Sewak said.

Also of concern are deer, turkey, grouse and other wildlife, which were depicted in some slides. He showed ducks visiting streams and marshes, possibly en route to other areas, where some may be “harvested” by sportspersons.

If cattle exposed to spills of hydrofracking brines are deemed unfit for human consumption, what about the game that are affected by drilling chemicals and other content of blow-back fluid? Sewak asked.

The volunteers use kits obtained through the CCC and undergo training. They can pick the streams they will monitor, but the goal is to cover all area streams.

Also involved is the McKean County Conservation District. Watershed conservationist Heather McKean is a point person in that agency.

Local naturalist, retired science teacher and wildlife protector Rick Smith pointed to the harmful effects of shale drilling elsewhere, particularly in Texas, as detailed in a recent Pittsburgh Press story. “We haven’t learned from it,” Smith declared, expressing concern about lack of awareness and lax regulations or enforcement.

“You will not believe the scope of what is going on unless you visit one of these drilling sites,” Smith said.

Smith also likened shale drilling to strip mining. “It’s another money grab,” he said.

A number of others in the audience expressed similar concern.

Refreshments were provided by the culinary arts program at the Career and Technology Center, and instructor Paul Farmelo and a student were on hand to host and serve the buffet.

Gary Turner Part Of Clinical Trial

By Martha Knight

When supervisor chairman Gary Turner was not at the March meeting of the Liberty Township Board of Supervisors, vice-chairman Chuck Safford explained Turner’s absence by saying that Turner was in Maryland for medical treatment.

Later the local official’s wife, Kim Turner, explained, “He was at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. As far as I know he is the only one in the area receiving stem cells for the heart. He has completed the first phase.”

More recently Kim Turner supplied this update: “We got an answer from Johns Hopkins regarding the Poseidon Study Gary is a part of. From the research study perspective, Gary is participating in a stem cell trial to determine whether stem cells derived from bone marrow can decrease relative scar size and improve heart muscle function in patients who have heart damage resulting from a heart attack.

“This study requires frequent trips to Johns Hopkins Hospital for evaluation before  and after the administration of the stem cells. Gary had the bone marrow aspiration performed on March 10. The stem cells’ growth will be monitored and when they are ready, (four to six weeks), Johns Hopkins will call Gary, and he will go back to the hospital for the procedure to administer his own stem cells. This has been done in Miami, and Johns Hopkins is working with them regarding the Poseidon Study.”

The Johns Hopkins Institute for Cell Engineering (ICE) is one of the top places in the world for cell engineering and embryonic cell research. It is headed by Gregg Semenza, M.D., Ph. D., who got a big award and grant last year from Canada’s only international science award program.

According to its website, Johns Hopkins’ Vascular Biology Program’s mission is “to foster research in the areas of angiogenesis and vascular biology with the ultimate goal of translating basic science discoveries into clinical applications. A specific focus of investigation is the use of bone marrow-derived vascular progenitor cells for the treatment of ischemic cardiovascular disease.”

There is some cross-pollination between Johns Hopkins ICE and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute (ISCI).

Just weeks ago ISCI’s director, Joshua M. Hare, M.D. received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to begin the nation’s first clinical trial in which autologous (patient derived) stem cells will be compared with donor stem cells for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a condition that causes congestive heart failure. People with the condition are at risk of serious disability; and the condition is life threatening.

Dilated cardiomyopathy causes weakness of the heart muscle. Causes include viral infections, inflammation, genetic disorders and “unknown.” Common treatments have included medication to stimulate or improve heart function. Patients whose hearts continue to deteriorate may need heart transplantation. But some are not candidates for that, and for those who are, there can be perilously long waits for donor hearts, and sometimes no suitable one can be found.

Patients taking part in the current clinical trial include persons with damaged heart muscle from myocardial infarction (heart attack). The study also aims to examine whether stem cell use may also prove beneficial for other forms of heart muscle damage or weakness.

Effects of autologous cells will be compared with effects of allogenic ones (stem cells from donors). In this program, no fetus or placenta stem cells are used; donors are adults.

Hare says success in treatment of cardiomyopathy could be transformative of the prospects of many patients. “Cell therapy for this condition could reduce the need for heart transplantation and other advanced therapies by providing a viable alternative. Also, using donor cells could make this potential new therapy highly practical and easy to deliver.”

One thing the study is expected to clarify is whether stem cells taken from a patient who is seriously ill might be compromised, and thus not capable of bringing about heart muscle regeneration to the extent needed. But if that were to prove to be the case, use of stem cells from a healthy donor could still be an option.

The process involves extracting some of the patient’s bone marrow containing mesenchymal stem cells. The cells are separated from other material and cultivated in a lab for up to six weeks.

When donor cells are used, immune suppressive drugs are not required, although the lay public might suppose that would be necessary. Mesenchymal stem cells are immunoprivileged, and there is no need for matching between donors and recipients.

Turner’s inclusion in the Poseidon trial has the potential of improving his health, if his stem cells trigger improvement of the condition of his heart muscle. In addition, the results of the Poseidon trial promise to yield valuable new information concerning the use of stem cells in treating heart disease, and could show the way to life saving or extending treatment methodologies that will benefit untold numbers of patients.

Glass Block Maker Demolishes, Making Room For Green Space

Port Allegany Online 

Those of you traveling through Port Allegany may have noticed activity centered near the intersection of Routes 155 and 6.  Those of you not out and about over the past several days will be surprised at what you do see.

In an effort to streamline their Port Allegany facility, Pittsburgh Corning Corporation is demolishing what was once known as Plant 5.  Plant 5 once held a fabricated assembly line along with warehouse space.  The space previously used as warehouse space has been relocated to other space within the P-C campus in the north end of the borough.

Demo was done due to the fact that Plant 5 was in need of repairs/upgrades “to preserves its’ integrity”.  The removal of this section of Pittsburgh-Corning’s Port Allegany facility did not affect current staffing positions according to those within the organization. 

About Pittsburgh-Corning:  Pittsburgh-Corning was started in 1935 as Corning GlassWorks, a forerunner to what we know today as Pittsburgh Corning.  1938 saw the first product in the DÉCOR® and ARGUS® lines roll off the assembly line in Port Allegany.  Fast-forward fifteen years, the Sedalia operations are consolidated into the facility on North Main Street, Port Allegany, bringing with it the glass block making once done in both facilities.  The year nineteen sixty saw space added at 701 North Main Street, Port Allegany.  The nineteen nineties saw the demand for glass block continue to grow, resulting in new patterns, accessories and finishing pieces being developed.  The most recent information on their website mentions P-C’s affiliate Fresno Manufacturing LLC’s purchase of Cell-U-Foam Corporation of Fresno, TX in 2005.

Charles Cole Expands:  Nurse Practitioner Joins Eldred Health Center

Amy Sorg, CRNP, has joined the staff at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital and will care for patients at the Eldred Health Center. Appointments can be made by calling (814) 225-4241.

Sorg earned associate’s and bachelor’s degrees at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and Pennsylvania State University. She earned a master’s degree in the family nurse practitioner program at the University of South Alabama. Most recently, she worked as an emergency room nurse at Elk Regional Health Center. She is a member of the American Society of Pain Management Nurses and American Nurses Association.

Causer Hosts ‘Coffee and Conversation’ in Emporium, Coudersport

Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) is inviting area residents to join him for “Coffee and Conversation” to discuss the proposed state budget and other issues facing the state and the region.

The first session will be held at the Emporium Volunteer Fire Department, 419 N. Broad St., at 8 a.m. Thursday, April 14. The second is planned at the Charles Cole Memorial Hospital Wellness Center, 1001 E. Second St. in Coudersport, at 8 a.m. Friday, April 15.

“This is a great opportunity for people to get an update on the latest news from Harrisburg, as well as for me to hear their concerns about state and local issues,” Causer said.

Seating for the meetings is limited. People who wish to attend should RSVP no later than April 12 by calling 814-362-4400, 814-274-9769 or e-mailing rrace@pahousegop.com.

NEW CCC - These days CCC stands for Coldwater Conservation Corps, a cadre of volunteers who will monitor stream conditions in regions affected by Marcellus Shale drilling and production activities. Shown conferring with David Sewak after a sizable gathering at the Seneca Highlands Career and Technology Center Wednesday night are, from left, Seneca Trout Unlimited president Dave Mensch, TU field organizer for shale issues David Sewak, and other chapter members Tim Bizzaro, Buck Daisley and Rick Smith.  Martha Knight Photo

Players Plan Productions - The following dates have been chosen for the next two productions by the Potter-McKean Players:

A dinner-theater will be presented on Saturday, May 14 at the Coudersport Consistory and on Saturday, May 21 at the Veterans Memorial facility near Port Allegany.

A revue called “Broadway on the Allegheny” will be presented Friday evening, September 16 in the Coudersport Consistory and Friday evening, September 23 in the Port Allegany Junior-Senior High School auditorium.

Prom Court Announced - The Junior Class Prom Committee of Port Allegany High School has announced the 2011 Prom Court as follows:  (front row, left to right) Breanna Foster, Cora Bova, Bryanna Evens, Caryne Healy; (middle) Ryan Kio, Seth Lowery, Renee Edgell; (back) Chad Barnard, Camrin Stuckey and Brock Bricker.  The prom, a gift from the junior class to the seniors, is scheduled for April 9 with pictures and appetizers beginning at 6 p.m.  Crowning will be at 9:00 p.m.  The public is invited to attend the crowning and may begin arriving at 8:45 and are asked to leave following the King and Queen dance.  Theme for the event is Black Tie Affair and music will be provided by Shon J the DJ.  The 2011 prom advisor is Erin Moran.  Pam Fischer Photo

Jazz and Java - The Port Allegany Music Department will present their Jazz and Java Concert on Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 7:30 P.M. in the Port Allegany Elementary School Cafeteria. General admission tickets are $3.00 and are available at the high school business office or at the door.  The concert will feature the junior high and senior high jazz bands. Pictured are members of the Senior High Jazz Band. Pam Fischer Photo

PAHS Regional Band Representatives - Jacob Stehle, Mary Rosenswie and Kenneth Kysor represented Port Allegany at the PMEA Region II Band Festival at North East High School March 23-26, 2011.  The ensemble was under the direction of retired Air Force conductor and George Mason University Professor, Dennis M. Layendecker.  The ensemble presented a public performance on Saturday, March 26 at 11:30 A.M.  Pam Fischer Photo

Game Night - Game night provided hours of family fun at the Gethsemane Lutheran Church Friday night.  Kids and adults played familiar board games, enjoyed snacks and had lots of fun.  In this photo are Hannah Moses, Abby Lutz, Caleb Lutz, AJ Edgell, Taro Tanaka and Emi Tanaka.  Pam Fischer Photo

Happy 90th Howie! - Four generations of family members joined Howard Gustafson at the Gethsemane Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall after the morning worship service.  A luncheon was held in honor of "Howie's" 90th birthday.  Pictured (front row, left to right) are Ty Nelson, Mr. Gustafson, Kaileigha Gustafson, Brooke Nelson; (row 2) Brendan Nelson, Patty Gustafson, Nancy Gustafson Nelson, Deana Nelson; (row 3) Mark Gustafson, Maggie Gustafson, Bill Gustafson, Brian Nelson, and Drew Nelson.

Exchange Student From India Visits  - Zoya Rana, a Rotary Exchange Student from India, was the guest speaker at the weekly Rotary meeting held Thursday at the Moose Family Center.  The Bradford Rotary Club is Zoya's host club.  Pictured with Zoya is program chair of the day, Charlie Cox.

ROTARY REPORT - The Port Allegany Rotary Club held their weekly meeting at the Moose Family Center on Thursday, March 24.  There were 24 members present for a reportable attendance of 78 percent.