Md. Gas Drilling Panel Starts Second Round Of Work

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- A state panel is starting work in Annapolis on a second set of recommendations for natural gas drilling in Western Maryland.

The Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission meets Friday afternoon in the House of Delegates Office Building.

Gov. Martin O'Malley appointed the panel last year to minimize any adverse effects from hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. The drilling technique uses water and chemicals to crack the rock and release the gas.

The Department of Natural Resources is scheduled to present plans for monitoring streams and wells for any ill effects.

The commission's first report recommended that the state impose a fee on gas leases to fund studies about the impact of drilling. The next set of recommendations due Aug. 1 will cover best practices for exploration and production.

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