The Marcellus Shale formation in Pennsylvania holds up to 50 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas and lies under Pennsylvania, New York, as well as West Virginia. The formation is thought to be valued around $1 trillion. The Marcellus Shale has sparked a myriad of environmental law issues that have been keeping lawyers busy throughout Pennsylvania. With landowners being approached by oil and gas exploration companies, and legal battles between corporations and municipal governments, Pennsylvania attorneys have their hands full.

Landowners, oil & gas companies, environmental consultants, wastewater treatment companies, equipment suppliers, local governments, watershed groups, and citizens are all highly interested in the Marcellus Shale formation and its possible effects. There are many legal issues surrounding this formation, some of which include the approval of water withdrawals, permitting water impoundments, erosion & sedimentation controls, wastewater discharges and treatment, and complying with local land use and zoning for ancillary facilities.