The final draft "Assessment of Risks from Unconventional Gas Well Development in the Marcellus Shale of Western Maryland", co-authored by the Maryland Departments of the Environment and Natural Resources, was released on January 20th, 2015. The final draft includes Departmental responses to comments received on an October 3rd draft released for public review (comment period closed on November 17th) as well as associated revisions to the Executive Summary Report and technical Appendices.

Access the Report and Appendices separately

• Executive Summary and Report
• Appendix A: Risk Ranking Summary All Appendices
• Appendix B: Air Emissions
• Appendix C: Roads and Traffic
• Appendix D: Groundwater and Surface Water Contamination Risks from Drilling during UGWD
• Appendix E: Groundwater and Surface Water Contamination Risks during Transport of Fracturijng Additives and Fluids
• Appendix F: Noise and Visual Risks
• Appendix G: Risks from Water Withdrawal for UGWD
• Appendix H: Water Contamination Risks from Well Construction and Formations
• Appendix I: Waste Disposal Risks
• Appendix J: Gathering Line Analysis and Risk Assessment
• Appendix K: Acronyms

Departmental Responses to Comments (Organized by Group)

• Responses to Agency and Organizaton Comments
• Responses to Citizen Comments
• Responses to Commissioners' Comments
• Responses to Peer Reviewer Comments