MIDDLESEX TWP — A township group that formed over concerns regarding Marcellus Shale gas well drilling is hosting a Duquesne University environmental expert tonight at the township building.

Dennis McCann and Reid Joyce of Marcellus Outreach Middlesex invited Duquesne professor John Stolz to come to the township from 7 to 9 p.m. to talk about Marcellus Shale gas drilling and its potential effect on drinking water.

The free forum in the township building, 133 Browns Hill Road, Valencia, is open to all township residents.

The men announced the program at Wednesday night’s township supervisors meeting. All three supervisors said they would attend Stolz’ presentation.

McCann said Stolz, who is director of Duquesne’s Center for Environmental Research and Education, will discuss gas drilling’s impact on wells and springs, drilling-related events in other parts of Butler County, and preliminary research results of problem issues in the county.