The purpose of this study was to conduct a site suitability analysis for hydraulic fracturing within the French Creek Watershed based on surface characteristics using Geographical Information Systems (GIS). A series of interviews with stakeholders from gas and oil companies as well as environmental organizations were used to evaluate the importance of various surface characteristics when assessing site suitability for hydraulic fracturing in the French Creek Watershed. GIS was used to perform an overlay using land cover type, distance from surface water, distance from existing transportation, and elevation. One map was created showing areas most suitable for fracturing based on industry input and another displayed areas most suitable according to environmental input. The individual maps were then overlaid to show areas that are considered most suitable and least suitable by both sets of stakeholders. The resulting map highlights areas that should be protected from hydraulic fracturing and drilling development while giving insight about which areas could be more appropriate. This map can be used to help plan hydraulic fracturing development through collaboration between the various stakeholders.
