NEW CUMBERLAND, W.Va. (AP) -
Drilling has begun at the first Marcellus shale hydraulic fracturing site in Hancock County.
Chesapeake Energy is drilling the Alison Farms well outside New Cumberland.
Company spokeswoman Jacque Bland says it typically takes 10 to 14 days to complete the hydraulic fracturing of a well.
Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, frees natural gas by injecting large volumes of water, plus sand and chemicals, deep underground to break the shale apart.
Hancock County Commissioner Jeff Davis says the well's outcome will ultimately determine whether Chesapeake Energy or other companies plan to move forward with future drilling.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
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