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But experts say that doesn’t mean drillers won’t eventually explore here.

None of the 73 permits the state Department of Environmental Protection issued Wednesday for natural gas wells in the Marcellus Shale was in Luzerne County.

That doesn’t necessarily mean drillers aren’t interested in looking for gas here, experts say. But a combination of factors may slow activity compared to other parts of the state.

“I’m sure it’s still in the mix,” said Stephen Rhoads, president of the Pennsylvania Oil & Gas Association. “The work in trying to explore and analyze for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale in the region … is only beginning in the northeast” region of Pennsylvania.

Energy companies and geologists have estimated for decades that billions of dollars worth of natural gas is locked in a layer of rock called Marcellus Shale that runs about a mile underground from upstate New York down to Virginia, including through the northern tier of Pennsylvania. Only recently have technological advances and higher energy prices made extracting the gas financially feasible.

Western Pennsylvania has much more drilling infrastructure, such as wastewater treatment facilities, than this region, Rhoads said, which explains why the majority of the permits issued on Wednesday were for western counties.

He also attributed the companies’ deliberate pace to budgetary constraints, a lack of drilling rigs and an incomplete grasp of the geology.

“It takes a lot of time and money to understand what lies more than a mile underground,” he said. “These companies are investing a lot … to make sure they get it right.”

While some properties have been leased in the northwestern section of Luzerne County, Mark Carmon, regional DEP spokesman, said there are no drilling permits in the county. He was unaware of any awaiting approval, either, but cautioned that doesn’t mean county landowners have missed the windfall.

All the assurances don’t make the waiting any more palatable for landowners.

“It’s pretty frustrating,” said Jack Zucosky, whose Luzerne County Landowners group is looking to get its more than 6,000 acres leased. “We’ve been close a few times with a few companies, but nothing definite yet.”

He’s confident Luzerne County property will get leased, but not until next year at the earliest.

“I really think what’s going on here is natural gas (prices) dropped a lot, and these companies are having cash flow problems,” he said. “It’s a waiting game right now.”

Rory Sweeney, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 970-7418.

Copyright: Times Leader