Md. geologists to boost seismic monitoring ahead of 'fracking'
Given that seismic activity is rare in the ancient rock of the Appalachians — and damaging earthquakes even rarer — there is only a single apparatus measuring underground rumblings within Maryland borders. But geologists are about to put another ear to the ground.
The Maryland Geological Survey, anticipating the possibility that hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” for natural gas in the Marcellus shale deposits could increase seismic activity, plans to install a seismometer in Western Maryland.
Geologists want to gather more data on natural seismic activity before a state moratorium on hydraulic fracturing ends in 2017 and what are known as “induced” earthquakes might begin.
Read More Here: http://www.baltimoresun.com/health/maryland-health/bs-hs-western-maryland-seismometer-20150818-story.html
Safe Boating Campaign To Run Through Labor Day
SANDY POINT STATE PARK – Vowing to step up enforcement and outreach to protect Maryland’s boating public, the Maryland Natural Resources Police today outlined a campaign that will run weekends through Labor Day.
Seventeen people have died in boating accidents in Maryland so far this year, two short of the record reached in 2011 and 1996.
“The victims ranged in age from 7 to 63. They were boaters, crabbers, paddlers, anglers, casual passengers out for a fun day on the water,” said Lt. Col. Ken Ziegler, acting superintendent of NRP. “The vast majority of them were not wearing life jackets. They all had one thing in common: None of them thought anything bad was going to happen to them that day.”
Ziegler has authorized additional weekend patrols from now through Labor Day weekend to enhance our visibility in high-traffic and problem areas. These patrols —around the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, Ocean City and Deep Creek Lake — are dedicated to boating safety. Officers will be checking for life jackets and other required safety equipment, looking for reckless boaters and targeting alcohol- and drug-impaired operators.
Garrett County aims to boost local food market
OAKLAND, Md. (AP) — Garrett County says it wants to expand production and consumption of locally produced food.
The county’s economic development agency is surveying food producers and distributors, as well as wholesalers, buyers and restaurants, to better understand their challenges and opportunities. The survey process began Aug. 6 and continues through the end of the month.
Read More Here: http://wtop.com/food/2015/08/garrett-county-aims-to-boost-local-food-market/
Environment secretary pledges fracking policy transparency
HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Ben Grumbles says his agency will gather more information and listen to citizens as it develops rules for fracking in the state.
Grumbles fielded questions at a public meeting Tuesday in Garrett County in far western Maryland, where most of the state’s shale gas resources lie.
He told The Associated Press in a telephone interview that he’s committed to a transparent process and to good stewardship of the Deep Creek Lake watershed.
Deep Creek Lake Residents Opposing New Public Access Plan
SWANTON, Md. (AP) — A homeowners
group is asking the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to suspend a pending land purchase that would create more public access to the state’s largest lake.
The Cumberland Times-News reports that the Property Owner’s Association of Deep Creek Lake has asked the department hold off on the $1 million purchase until it addresses concerns about whether the site is appropriate for public access
Read More Here – http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2015/08/10/deep-creek-lake-residents-opposing-new-public-access-plan/
