The first presentation of the annual Coal Heritage Lecture Series, sponsored by the Coal Heritage Highway Authority and Concord University’s Beckley campus, begins on March 21 with a presentation by Concord University Professor of Geology Dr. Joseph Allen on “Natural Gas Extraction.” The lecture will take place at 7 p.m. at the Erma Byrd Center, Beaver, W.Va., in room E-10.
During the lecture, Dr. Allen will present a technical overview of the process of natural gas extraction, or fracking. He will discuss the history of the industry and its potential hazards and explore the science behind induced seismicity.
“This is the seventh year that we have presented the Coal Heritage Lecture Series,” Concord University Instructor of Communication Arts Karen Vuranch said. “The program is a part of an academic class called Coal Culture in West Virginia. It explores the rich history of the coalfields and how people lived and worked.
“In the past, we have had such a good attendance from the community, and I think it is because this history of coal and coal people is so compelling. This year, we are kicking off with a contemporary issue. There is no question that the fracking industry has impacted coal mining. I am looking forward to hearing what Dr. Allen has to say about the issue of fracking and its effect on both the environment and coal mining,” Vuranch, the event’s organizer, said.
Admission is free and the general public is invited to attend. For any additional information, contact Karen Vuranch at kvuranch@concord.edu or the CU Box Office at 304-384-5101.
