Gas Drilling
The Marshall County Health Department has the ability to collect water well samples for individuals concerned with water well contamination in conjunction with gas well drilling. The health department does not charge for collection of samples; however, the State Office of Laboratory Services charges fees for testing water samples.
It is recommended that the tests be done prior to drilling and again after drilling has been completed. Testing includes PH, total dissolved solids, chloride, alkalinity, total hardness, sulfate, turbidity, surfactants, arsenic, barium, chromium, iron, sodium, and total organic carbon. In addition the lab charges a chain-of-custody fee and processing fee. The total of fees payable to the laboratory is $235 each time samples are collected. The state lab does not allow commercial shipping, so it is the responsibility of the homeowner to deliver the water samples to the laboratory at Big Chimney, West Virginia.
Private laboratories may be used to conduct the testing listed above, or additional testing as requested. Arrangements and fees are the responsibility of the homeowner or person making the request.