Arthur J. PyronPyron ConsultingPottstown, Pa.The issue of hydraulic fracturing as a development method for shale gas reservoirs such as the Marcellus has gone from an intraindustry discussion to a politically motivated issue de jour in the media and in nongovernmental organizations.These latter groups have formulated the opinion that fracing destroys overlying freshwater aquifers by the introduction of “poisons” into the aquifer. In no area has this “discussion” been more overly promoted by the media and overscrutinized by politicians than in the Appalachian basin, and specifically, in the development of the Marcellus shale in Pennsylvania and New York.Introduction...