CENTER TWP — About 30 people attended a meeting Thursday night to discuss issues related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling near schools.

The meeting, sponsored by Marcellus Outreach Butler, was at a private residence on Spring Run Road. It came about because of concerns about fracking and drilling near schools in Butler County.

One well that XTO Energy began developing in January near Summit Elementary School in the Butler School District was flared this month, according to MOB.

Earlier this month, XTO talked to the Slippery Rock School Board about leasing part of the property at Moraine Elementary School for drilling.

Raina Rippel, executive director of the Southwest PA Environmental Health Project, said drilling can release potentially problematic compounds such as barium and radium.

She said homeowners near natural gas facilities can clean their home air with a filter, use clean water and look for any environmental or air quality changes.

“There are things you can do,” Rippel said.

She said homeowners should consider where facilities are. If they are two miles away or one mile away and not downwind, she said there is not much to worry about.

However, she said homes within a half mile of natural gas facilities could face pollutants.

“Anything within a half mile, I’d be concerned about it,” Rippel said.

She also said that weather and other conditions matter. Cloudy days with no wind cause more pollution to stay near the earth’s surface and near homes. Pollutants also are more likely to stay near the surface at night.

She said keeping track of home air quality is a good idea. She recommended a Dylos monitor, which is inexpensive compared to other monitors and good for home use.

If problems become serious, Rippel said temporary or permanent relocation could be an option.

“Please understand that you have to do what you can to protect yourself,” Rippel said.

When asked, she said that her group does not work with schools, but it will work with anyone who approaches them.

“We’re here for anyone that comes to us,” Rippel said.

Dianne Arnold with MOB said a study from the Penn Environment Center showed that there are more than 400 natural gas facilities within a mile of schools, hospitals and day care centers in a five-state area.

She claimed that XTO has 12 state violations in Butler County, and said that state Attorney General Kathleen Kane recently filed charges against the company for allegedly discharging more than 50,000 gallons of waste water in Lycoming County.

Arnold noted that the Penn Environment study recommended that state and local governments halt fracking until more is known.

She hopes that parents are able to come together on the issue.

“Put the pressure on the school boards,” she said.