The results of our newly published study, titled Setback distances for unconventional oil and gas development: Delphi study results, have prompted EHP to recommend increasing the Pennsylvania minimum setback distances. EHP recommends increasing the current 500 feet (possibly as little as 300 feet in residential areas) for smaller shale gas facilities to a minimum of 0.6 miles (3,281 feet or 1 km), and increasing the current 750 feet for gas processing plants and large compressor complexes to a minimum of 1.25 miles (6,600 feet or 2 km). 

For more information, see EHP’s Setback Distances Fact Sheet.*
To read the study, click here.*

*These documents show the urgent need for more attention to setback distances. Setbacks may need to be greater than the ones proposed here.

• The Shale Health Impact Assessment (HIA) Template is designed to give you a structured way to bring together data on your community, the expected emissions from shale gas or oil development, and the potential health risks posed to residents in the immediate area. This tool can provide decision-makers with a comprehensive perspective on the siting, expanding, or maintaining of a shale gas or oil compressor station.
• We're hiring! EHP has open positions: Environmental Health Analyst (located in New Haven, CT) and Student Media Assistant (McMurray, PA).
• Interested in the growing body of literature that contributes to our understanding of the mental health impacts of unconventional oil and gas development activities? Read our literature review on this now.
• Check out our newest handout: Resources for Testing Residential Well Water
• We're hiring! EHP has open positions: Environmental Health Analyst (located in New Haven, CT) and Student Media Assistant (McMurray, PA).

ABOUT EHP

The Environmental Health Project (EHP) is a nonprofit public health organization that assists and supports residents of Southwestern Pennsylvania and beyond who believe their health has been, or could be, impacted by unconventional oil and gas development (UOGD, commonly known as “fracking”). Our team of medical professionals, community service professionals, and public health scientists is here to help!

Click on one of the icons below to learn about how UOGD (“fracking”) can affect your health and environment, and find out what you can do to protect yourself.