Marcellus has indeed been known about for years, but it wasn’t until Range decided to test out new hydrofracturing techniques from the Barnett up here, and it wasn’t due to the price of gas. the Marcellus is much cheaper to drill than the Barnett, and it’s proximity to the northeast markets make it much more appetizing to produce as northeast gas commands a premium on the NYMEX.
But yes, you are 100% right if done correctly Marcellus drilling is as safe or safer than any other industrial jobs out there, and poses a minute risk to pollution. The rewards absolutely demolish the risks. And if an aquifer is contaminated, it’s usually as easy as drilling a new water well to fix. It’s not the end of the fucking world. If you don’t want a well, don’t sign a fucking lease.