Emergency Management Services officials in Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna County have been busier over the last two years due to the sudden rise of natural gas development in and around Dimock and Montrose.

All of the officials interviewed during an newsgathering trip to the area agreed that no one anticipated the full effect of the natural gas boom that began sweeping the area since the first well was dug in 2006.

“I think everyone was surprised by the level and speed of development,” Susquehanna County 911 Coordinator Art Donato said.

“In the last two years, they’ve really started cranking up,” said Deputy Management Coordinator Scott Aylesworth.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection reported a single well was drilled in the county in 2006, two more in 2007, 33 in 2008, 62 in 2009 and 89 in 2010. In total, 187 wells are currently being operated in Susquehanna County with an additional 48 permits issued for future sites.

Chenango County currently has 110 wells, though most are not operating at full capacity due a state memorandum on drilling.

“It’s important to remember we’re still in the build-up phase. Drilling is going to continue here for another 20 years and some of the wells will produce for a lifetime,” said Susquehanna County Coordinator Charlene G. Moser.