Make way for another one. Over the ridge and through the trees to another well pad we go. While work continues countywide in the natural gas industry, so does the stream of papers coming into the Marshall County Office of Emergency Management.


On Monday, Cameron Ridge Road was closed for a gas pipeline installation. But closures like that are nothing new to local agencies and emergency management officials, who said it's an issue that comes across their desks weekly.

And as the gas drilling boom continues in the county, local officials said so much pipeline is being laid down that at times, it's tough for them to keep track of. County officials said every week, it's a new area or a new road so residents need to be ware of when and where it's going to happen.

Every week, it's a new area or a new road so residents just need to be aware of when it's coming through and when it's going to happen.


When a closure is going to happen, it's faxed to 911, the sheriff's department, the EMA and local media. He said residents should listen to the media to be advised of any road closures in their area.


Marshall County EMA Deputy Director Mike Mucheck said this notification is vital to coordinate with local police and fire departments in the county so those emergency crews can still access residents beyond the closure.


"About a week ago, Cameron (Volunteer Fire Department) was responding to a call, and one of the pipeline companies had a road closed without notification and it's caused a problem, Cameron VFD had to detour," Mucheck said.


He said the emergency management office takes every step possible to be updated on each operation happening in the county by checking faxes, updating safety handouts for residents and exchanging information at weekly taskforce meetings. The rest, Mucheck said, comes down to the companies.


"We try to keep a list. Unfortunately, there's so many sub-contractors, that's where a problem arises," he said.


NEWS9 left a message for officials with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection for more information. Stay with NEWS9, WTOV9.com and WTOV9 Mobile for continuing coverage.