BUTLER TWP — Butler County residents can learn about the impact of Marcellus Shale natural gas on landowners, businesses and municipal governments at three seminars at Butler County Community College.

On March 5, 6 and 7, the college along with the Butler County Chamber and Penn State Extension will offer the seminars at Founders Hall on the BC3 campus.

March 5

The 7 to 8:30 p.m. March 5 seminar is for landowners.

Jon Laughner of the Penn State Extension will begin with a Marcellus Shale gas summary, followed by Mark Madden, also with the Penn State Extension, with results on water studies.

Attorney William White will discuss legal issues such as lease negotiations.

Bud Schuffstall of Northwest Savings Bank will conclude the panel with a discussion on financial planning.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, and they also will receive a reference guide.

The cost is $10 per person and required reservations must be made through Penn State Extension at 724-287-4761.

March 6

The seminar on March 6 is for municipal officials. The dinner meeting will be from 6 to 8 p.m.

Mark Madden, Penn State Extension, will begin with “Beyond Basic Marcellus Shale” and move into water studies. A representative from Gov. Tom Corbett’s office will discuss impact fee legislation.

Mel Bliss, coordinator of the BC3 Public Safety Training Facility, will discuss its area of expertise. The presentations will end with attorney William White on legal issues.

Cost is $15 per person for non-sponsored municipal representatives.

Reservations are required and can be made by contacting the Butler chamber at 724-283-2222.

March 7

On March 7, businesses, suppliers, training entities, contractors and industry representatives can participate in a lunch and mini business expo.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., businesses will be educated on opportunities to do business and promote workforce development regarding Marcellus Shale gas.

The panel will include Bob Garland, senior technical adviser, Universal Well Services; Bud Schuffstall, Northwest Savings Bank; Jon Laughner, Penn State Extension; and Stephen Catt, executive director of Workforce Development at BC3.

Businesses can set up a display table with information on their services. There will be time to visit the businesses before and after the program.

Cost is $10 for the lunch only, or $100, which includes two lunches and one six-foot exhibitor table. Space will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.

Reservations are required and can be made by contacting the chamber at 724-283-2222.

The three-day seminar is sponsored by Northwest Savings Bank.

Sponsors in addition to the ones listed above include the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau, the Butler Eagle, the Butler County Council of Governments and the Butler County Association of Township Officials.

The seminars are being coordinated in cooperation with the Zelienople-Harmony Area Chamber of Commerce.