Barriers to sharing water quality data: experiences from the Shale Network |
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Authors: | Kathryn J Brasier Kirk Jalbert Abby J Kinchy Susan L Brantley Colleen Unroe |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Agricultural Economics Sociology and Education, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States;2. Department of Science and Technology Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States;3. Earth and Environmental Systems Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States |
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Abstract: | The Shale Network is a group of stakeholders collating, publishing, and conducting research on water quality data collected in the northeastern United States experiencing natural gas extraction from shale using hydraulic fracturing. In developing the Shale Network, we have experienced reluctance to share data from all participating sectors. This paper explores this reluctance, identifying barriers to greater collaboration among multiple stakeholders in natural resource management projects. Findings are derived from participant observation of the Shale Network team, surveys conducted during Shale Network workshops, interviews with water quality stakeholders, and participant observation of water quality monitoring training sessions. The barriers identified include perceptions about data problems and quality, technical capacity, regulatory and legal limitations, competition for resources, and resource allocation decisions. This paper identifies strategies the Shale Network has used to overcome data-sharing barriers to expand a culture of data sharing that supports enhanced nature resource management and citizen engagement. |
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Keywords: | data sharing water quality community-based resource management citizen science transdisciplinary research Marcellus Shale |
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