Biggest thing since the CA gold rush

The business owner stood and looked at the two reporters.  "This is the biggest thing since...the California Gold Rush!" he said. He was referring to the boom in natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale formation in the Williamsport area. Others may not agree, since many feel the impact drilling may have on the state's environment may not be worth the big bucks some see flowing into communities across the commonwealth.

It's hard to argue that there's  a bigger story in Pennsylvania, now than what's happening in the natural gas industry. From the controversial gas extraction method known as fracking to extract the gas to the impact of increased truck traffic on back roads in small communties to how drinking water may be affected, the issue appears to be in the headlines every day.

All this month, witf's multimedia Real Life | Real Issues series will focus on the many issues surrounding drilling in the Marcellus Shale formation. Diane McCormick of Central PA Magazine kicks off our coverage with her story, " Marcellus Shale: Good, Bad or Ugly?"

Throughout May, we'll feature stories and interviews on the topic on witf 89.5 & 93.3 in Chambersburg, witf's Radio Smart Talk and Smart Talk on witf TV.